I’m always impressed when I see someone walking several dogs at once. Even with well-behaved dogs, being able to control them all at once isn’t always easy. And unfortunately, the truth is, sometimes even the most professional dog walker will lose control, if let’s say, a cat comes into sight or a scuffle happens between dogs in the pack. In SF, it’s common to see a dog walker with five or more dogs at once. But how many is too many? Last week, the Board of Supervisors officially decided to put a cap on the number of dogs that can be walked at one time in a city park. The magic number? Eight.

This is just one of the legislation changes that will put a tighter leash on SF dog walkers, with the goal of protecting both the animals in their custody, as well as the safety of the public with whom the dogs are sharing the outdoor spaces. The push for regulation also is related to the clashes between the Golden Gate National Recreat Area and dog owners/walkers.

Other proposed changes include requiring commercial dog walkers who walk four or more dogs to get a permit. These types of dog walkers will need to complete 20 hours of classes in dog park etiquette, canine first ad, and pack management. They’ll also be held to leash laws and to getting liability insurance.

The San Francisco Professional Dog Walkers Association is happy with the new laws, which it says will help elevate the standards of the profession.

Image: NYC Arthur