Unleashing Equality: Challenging Breed and Age Discrimination in Pet Care Facilities

Pet Camp is a proud San Francisco small business. We are not proud about everything in San Francisco (buy Mark a beer to hear more about that), but one of the things we are most proud of is that in San Francisco everyone is judged as an individual. Unfortunately, not everyone applies this same principle to every person or even every dog! Too many pet care facilities, sadly including some right here in the San Francisco Bay Area, are no longer assessing dogs based on their individual characteristics or behavior, but instead are making decisions based on broad stereotypes.

There is a growing trend at pet care facilities to exclude certain breeds of dogs (mostly “bully” breeds, but some also ban “herding” breeds) or dogs based on age (to be clear, this is a ban on olderdogs; we agree that very young dogs should not attend dog daycare or overnight care until they are “parvo clear.”)  We don’t think these bans serve the best interests of dogs or our industry.

First and foremost, every dog is unique. Just as humans have distinct personalities, preferences, and behaviors, so do our canine companions. Breed stereotypes may suggest certain predispositions, but they rarely tell the whole story. While some breeds may have general tendencies, these traits can vary widely among individuals. By banning entire breeds, pet care facilities are unfairly penalizing dogs who don’t fit into predetermined stereotypes but would thrive at a pet care facility.

Similarly, age alone should not determine access to quality pet care. Whether a dog is a playful puppy or a wise senior, they deserve the same opportunities for socialization, exercise, and enrichment. In fact, older dogs can often benefit greatly from daycare, as it helps keep them mentally stimulated, physically active, and emotionally fulfilled. By implementing age restrictions, pet care facilities are denying older dogs the chance to thrive and enjoy their golden years to the fullest.

Furthermore, breed and age restrictions perpetuate discrimination and stigma within the pet care industry. By singling out certain breeds or age groups, facilities are sending the message that these dogs are inherently dangerous, undesirable, or just too old. This not only harms individual dogs but also contributes to breed-specific legislation and negative stereotypes in society. Instead of promoting inclusivity and acceptance, these policies only serve to further marginalize certain dogs and their owners.

At Pet Camp, we reject breed and age discrimination in all its forms. We believe that every dog deserves to be evaluated based on their individual temperament, behavior, and needs. Our priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of all our canine campers, while also providing them with a fun and enriching experience tailored to their unique preferences.

In conclusion, breed and age restrictions have no place in the pet care industry. By banning dogs based on arbitrary factors, facilities are perpetuating discrimination, stigma, and inequality. At Pet Camp, we’re committed to challenging these harmful practices and promoting more inclusive and compassionate approaches to pet care. Because, as hokey as it sounds, every dog deserves to be treated as an individual, with dignity, respect, and equal opportunity.

Thanks for reading.