Dear Esteemed Clients, Fellow Pet Care Professionals, and Dog Enthusiasts,

We reach out to you today to address a pressing concern that significantly impacts our professional community, our beloved canine companions, and the broader ethos of responsible pet ownership. Recent legislative developments across the State of New York, specifically within Westchester County and its encompassing municipalities, have introduced restrictive measures that effectively curtail the activities of dog walkers and pet care professionals, particularly those of us who specialize in pack hiking and communal dog engagements.

In an arbitrary turn of policy, all trails and parks within the Westchester area have been mandated to limit the presence of dogs to three or fewer per group. This restriction is vividly communicated through signage across these natural reserves, directly targeting professionals who facilitate pack activities. While the intention behind these policies may stem from a place of concern, they inadvertently undermine the essential benefits that structured social interactions and activities provide for our canine friends.

Pack activities, when conducted under the guidance of knowledgeable professionals, play a pivotal role in promoting healthy social behavior, enhancing the overall well-being of dogs, and mitigating issues such as resource guarding, aggression, and antisocial tendencies. The repercussions of inadequate socialization have been starkly evident in the challenges faced by many dog owners post-pandemic, underscoring the necessity of our services.

Our position and the foundational importance of our work are further elucidated on our dedicated blog, which we invite you to visit for a comprehensive understanding: Westchester Wags Co Blog.

Regrettably, the recent policy changes appear to disproportionately target dog walking professionals without offering a pathway to compliance, such as a licensing mechanism, resulting instead in punitive measures against those striving to enrich the lives of pets and their owners. This situation not only jeopardizes the livelihood of pet care professionals but also threatens to diminish the already scarce pet care resources within Westchester County.

How Can You Make a Difference?

Your voice is crucial in this endeavor to advocate for sensible policies that recognize the value of professional dog walking services and the importance of pack activities for canine development and behavior. We implore you to lend your support in the following ways:

Amplify Our Message: Share and participate in our petition to raise awareness about these restrictive policies.
Engage with Local and State Officials: We encourage you to directly contact representatives to express your concerns and advocate for policy revisions. For Westchester County, we recommend reaching out to George Latimer’s constituent services at (914) 995-2127. For municipalities such as Tarrytown, Greenburgh, and White Plains, Jewel Williams Johnson can be contacted at 914-995-2833. Concerning state-level inquiries, especially pertaining to the Rockefeller State Preserve, MaryJane Shimsky’s office is available at 914-631-1605.
In conclusion, we stand at a pivotal moment where collective action can significantly influence the legislative landscape affecting our professional operations and the quality of life for countless dogs and their owners. Your support in this critical issue is invaluable, and together, we can strive for a balanced approach that accommodates the needs and well-being of our canine companions and the community at large.

With sincere appreciation for your continued support and solidarity,
Brandon DuBois
Westchester Wags Co.