What’s Happening

New York lawmakers have introduced Senate Bill S08510, known as the “NYS Safe Pet Boarding Act.” The bill seeks to establish statewide licensing, inspection, and operating standards for animal boarding kennels, including dog boarding and “doggy day care” facilities.

The legislation was prompted by recent tragedies in New York boarding facilities, and its goal is to set uniform rules to better protect pets in care. While the IACP shares the commitment to animal safety and welfare, we believe several provisions of this bill raise serious concerns for dog professionals and pet owners alike.

What the Bill Proposes

If enacted, S08510 would:

• Require annual licensing for all boarding kennels, with inspections and unannounced visits.
• Mandate staff training in humane handling, sanitation, and canine body language.
• Set detailed facility requirements (ventilation, lighting, noise, and sanitation).
• Define standards for animal housing and enrichment, including limits on outdoor housing.
• Establish rules for feeding, water, and “positive social interactions.”
• Prohibit the use of force “as punishment or in anger.”
• Impose penalties for violations, ranging from $100 to $1,000.

IACP’s Concerns

While the intent is good, several parts of this legislation are vague, impractical, or potentially harmful to professionals and the families they serve:

• Vague Definitions – Terms like “enrichment” and “positive interaction” are not clearly defined, opening the door for inconsistent enforcement.
• One-Size-Fits-All Requirements – Small and in-home boarding businesses could be held to the same costly standards as large commercial facilities.
• Financial Burdens – Retrofitting buildings to meet new ventilation, lighting, and sound standards may be impossible for family-run or rural kennels.
• Training Standards – The bill does not specify who creates or approves staff training. Without clarity, programs may vary in quality or exclude proven approaches.
• Handling Language – The prohibition on “force” is too broad and could ban safe, professional intervention when handling large or aggressive dogs.
• Training Philosophy – The emphasis on reward-only methods risks excluding balanced, humane training approaches that are essential in many professional settings.

IACP’s Recommendations

The IACP strongly supports the protection of pets in professional care. We believe this bill could be improved by:

1. Engaging industry experts like the IACP in shaping training and operational standards.
2. Scaling requirements to reflect the size and type of boarding operation.
3. Defining terms clearly to ensure consistency and fairness in enforcement.
4. Recognizing balanced training methods that protect both animals and handlers.
5. Supporting compliance with grants, phased implementation, or technical assistance for small businesses.

Why This Matters

If passed as written, S08510 could unintentionally force many small, reputable boarding businesses to shut down, reduce options for pet owners, and limit access to professional care. At the same time, it risks restricting safe, humane training methods that keep dogs and handlers safe.

IACP’s Position

The IACP supports the intent of this legislation but urges lawmakers to revise key provisions to ensure it truly enhances animal welfare without harming professionals or limiting care options.

We are committed to working with New York legislators, regulators, and stakeholders to refine this bill in a way that balances animal protection with practical implementation.

Member Action Needed

Your voice matters. Here’s how you can help:

• Contact your New York State Senator and respectfully share your concerns about S08510.
• Emphasize the need for collaboration with professional organizations like the IACP when creating regulations.
• Explain the real-world impact this bill could have on small businesses, professional kennels, and the availability of safe boarding options for pet owners.
• Stay engaged – we will provide updates and talking points as this bill progresses.

📌 To find your Senator, visit: https://www.nysenate.gov/find-my-senator

Sample Email to Legislators – NY Senate Bill S08510

Subject: Concerns Regarding S08510 – NYS Safe Pet Boarding Act

Dear Senator [Last Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I am a [dog trainer / kennel operator / pet care professional / concerned pet owner] in [Your City/County], New York. I am writing to you about Senate Bill S08510, the “NYS Safe Pet Boarding Act.”

First, I want to acknowledge and support the bill’s intent: ensuring the safety and well-being of pets in boarding facilities. We all want to prevent tragedies and hold businesses to high standards of care. However, as currently written, S08510 raises several concerns that could unintentionally harm professionals and reduce safe care options for New York families.

My concerns include:

• Vague definitions of “enrichment” and “positive interaction,” which may lead to inconsistent enforcement.
• One-size-fits-all requirements that would unfairly burden small or home-based boarding operations.
• Costly retrofits for ventilation, sound, and lighting that many family-run businesses cannot afford.
• Restrictive handling language that could prevent safe intervention with large or aggressive dogs.
• Exclusion of balanced training methods, which are humane, widely accepted, and necessary for safety in professional care.

I respectfully ask that you:

1. Engage with industry experts, including the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP), when shaping regulations.
2. Scale requirements according to the size and type of kennel, so small businesses aren’t forced to close.
3. Clarify language to ensure terms are enforceable, practical, and science-based.
4. Recognize balanced training methods as safe and professional.
5. Provide support for compliance, such as phased roll outs or financial assistance for small operators.

With these adjustments, the bill could both strengthen animal welfare and keep professional, ethical care available to New York families.

Thank you for your time and your commitment to protecting both pets and the people who care for them.

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your City, NY]
[Your Professional Role / Business Name, if applicable]