In a settlement announced today by Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb, dog daycare provider District Dogs has been mandated to overhaul its safety protocols and shell out $100,000 after a flood at its Rhode Island Avenue location resulted in the tragic deaths of 10 dogs. The agreement, a reaction to the flooding event from August 2023, stipulates a range of improvements that includes developing detailed emergency and evacuation plans, staff training on these procedures, and a third-party certification for risk management, as covered in the recent release on the Office of the Attorney General's website.
The investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) unearthed possible deception, revealing that District Dogs may have downplayed and concealed potential dangers from customers, despite previous flooding incidents at the now-permanently-closed Rhode Island Ave location. In a statement that echoed the sentiments of many pet owners, Schwalb observed, "What happened at District Dogs’ Rhode Island Avenue location was a pet owner’s worst nightmare." However, asserting a silver lining in the aftermath of such adversity, he added that the probe has borne fruit in the form of "improved safety at all of District Dogs’ facilities in DC," according to the Office of the Attorney General's website.
Under the terms agreed upon by both parties, District Dogs will have to obtain risk management certification from the International Boarding & Pet Services Association (IBPSA), a move designed to ensure a safer environment across all its locations. This calls for comprehensive preparedness against potential crises, with staff being required to undergo rigorous training on newly developed emergency response and evacuation procedures within the next 90 days.
Responding to the tragedy and subsequent legal actions, District Dogs has also agreed to keep its Rhode Island Ave location closed for good and to compensate the District of Columbia with $100,000. The AG's office noted their intent for the settlement to serve as a guard against future loss, emphasizing that "ensuring that no District resident loses a pet in such a tragic and avoidable way," according to the Office of the Attorney General's website.
Aiming to boost consumer protection, the settlement is part of a broader effort by the OAG, which since January 2023, has reportedly recovered nearly $50 million for DC consumers impacted by assorted malpractices. District residents can report scams, fraud, or unfair business practices by reaching out to the OAG’s Consumer Protection Division via the link provided earlier.
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