Agreement improves animal welfare standards at one of California’s largest pet boarding facility chains
SAN FRANCISCO, CA (September 23, 2025) — San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu and District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced today, in coordination with the District Attorneys of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties, the settlement of a civil law enforcement action against Wag Hotels, Inc., a corporation operating pet boarding facilities in California.
The Complaint alleges that Wag Hotels violated various provisions of California’s Pet Boarding Law, as well as state and local laws regarding the reporting of dog bites, at its locations in San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara Counties, and elsewhere around the State.
“Our pets are integral members of our families, and we want to ensure they are safe in daycare and overnight boarding facilities,” said City Attorney David Chiu. “We are pleased to reach this settlement with Wag to ensure our furry friends are in good hands. I am grateful for the work and partnership with San Francisco Animal Care and Control, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, and the Santa Clara and San Mateo District Attorneys to achieve this paw-sitive result.”
“For many of us, pets are members of the family,” said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. “When we drop them off at a boarding facility, we do so expecting that they will get the same level of care and attention that our human family members would receive. This settlement helps ensure that Wag Hotels lives up to these high standards. I want to thank San Francisco Animal Care and Control for assisting in this investigation. I also want to acknowledge the work of my fellow District Attorneys and the San Francisco City Attorney’s Office, with whom we formed a strong partnership in this investigation.”
“San Francisco Animal Care & Control is dedicated to upholding animal welfare laws,” said Amy Corso, Deputy Director of San Francisco Animal Care & Control. “Our agency is pleased with the operational reforms that will help keep dogs safe and healthy while staying at WAG Hotel.”
The judgment includes comprehensive injunctive terms requiring Wag Hotels to comply with the laws pertaining to pet boarding facilities. It requires the company to institute operational reforms, including:
- The creation and maintenance of an animal welfare department, overseen by a qualified animal safety coordinator;
- The implementation of an employee training program on animal welfare, disease recognition, and emergency response;
- The appointment of a corporate officer with responsibility over facility maintenance, hygiene, and pest control;
- Retention of video surveillance footage for certain animal welfare incidents;
- Designation of an on-call veterinarian or emergency pet hospital to assist with any veterinary needs on a 24-hour basis;
- Detailed record-keeping and timely reporting of bite incidents to local health authorities; and
- Annual field audits conducted by a qualified auditor.
The judgment also requires Wag Hotels to implement and maintain a Playgroup Safety Program to ensure the proper supervision and management of dogs placed in daytime playgroups. Requirements include monitoring and adjusting dog groups based on each dog’s energy level, size, and temperament to prevent overcrowding, over-stimulation, fatigue, and aggression. The company is required to maintain at least one separate enclosure available for dogs that appear overstimulated, tired, or aggressive.
Wag Hotels cooperated throughout the investigation. Without admitting liability, it agreed to pay a total of $150,000, consisting of $75,000 in cost reimbursement and $75,000 in civil penalties. The settlement approved by the Court can be found here.
Pet owners planning to board their pets at any daycare or overnight boarding facility can consult San Francisco’s tip sheet for best practices and information to consider when choosing a facility.
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