PAWS of Greenwich Launches Petition to Lift Greenwich Dog Walking Company Ban

On Thursday, June 15, 2017, The Town of Greenwich installed large signs at the trailhead of Mianus River Park stating – Park Restricted, Greenwich Municipal Code 7-30-3 No Commercial Use of Parkland and 7-31-10e Prohibits Advertising/Profit-Making Use of Parkland.

Without any prior notification from the town, and on that same day, dog walkers who travel those trails with their client’s dogs on a daily basis – were cited and given tickets for walking dogs.

Although many companies “profit” from the use of Town of Greenwich Parks property (summer camps, personal trainers, babysitters, food vendors, etc.) the Town is using these municipal codes only to target and ban dog walking companies. Why should only dog walking companies be targeted, while other profiting businesses are not?

Professional dog walkers using the park were told these signs apply to all town parks in Greenwich, including Greenwich’s only dog park on Grass Island. Companies were advised that the signs, and enforcement of the codes, were in response to isolated complaints from local residents who do not like seeing the dog walkers and their groups of dogs in the park.

Read the article written by the Greenwich Free Press, regarding July’s Town Parks and Recreation meeting discussion about the dog walker ban HERE.

We fear that the continued enforcement will:

• Inconvenience hard working dog owners who rely heavily on dog walkers to exercise their dogs
• Deny Greenwich residents use of parks by not allowing them to use parks through a proxy (dog walkers)
• Force successful area dog walking companies to close and leave employed dog walkers out of a job
• Force dog walkers to walk client dogs on dangerous, busy streets with no sidewalks
• Limit the exercise and socialization necessary for a well behaved dog
• Stigmatize Greenwich as an anti-dog town, harming its reputation and decreasing home values.

Our solution is for the Town of Greenwich to:

• Require dog walking companies and individual dog walkers to register with the Town and buy an annual permit. ideally, a portion of the funds from the permit would be used towards the maintenance of the trails and revitalization of the Greenwich Dog Park
• Require dog walkers to wear a badge or carry a permit when using parks;
• Establish reasonable hours for use of parks by professional dog walkers;
• Require dog walking companies to ensure all client dogs are vaccinated, licensed and tagged;
• Require insurance for all dog walking companies

Our Request: We hope to have your support in requesting the Town of Greenwich lift the dog walker ban from town parks by offering an annual permit to dog walking companies while supporting the reality that the Town of Greenwich has a need for the services of these dog caregivers for the convenience of residents and health of our furry four-legged friends.

Support our cause and sign our petition online HERE

PAWS of Greenwich Launch Press Release

Local Pet Cause, "PAWS of Greenwich" Launches with a Pooch-Friendly "Spring Spruce Up"
Event at Greenwich's Grass Island Dog Park

Community Event to Revitalize Greenwich Dog Park & Support Initiatives for the
Furry “PAWS of Greenwich”

GREENWICH, CT: PAWS of Greenwich (POG), a new organization and collective of Greenwich-area dog lovers, owners, and businesses, will join forces this weekend for a paw-some morning of clean up and pet-friendly activities, in an effort to revitalize Greenwich's only legal off-leash dog park on Grass Island. The family-and-dog-friendly "Spring Spruce Up" at Greenwich Dog Park event will take place on Saturday, April 29 from 9 am - noon. Sign up for the event here: http://bit.ly/pawsofgreenwich

The event will address the immediate concern of the lackluster condition and appearance of the Greenwich Dog Park on Grass Island. Located next to the town Waste Treatment Plant, the Greenwich Dog Park overlooks swells that emit foul odors thus, many dog-owning residents prefer not to visit the park. POG hopes that some small changes to the appearance and condition of the park will help attract residents and make it a comfortable and safe environment for the two-and-four-legged.

PAWS of Greenwich was formed by new Greenwich resident Jessica Del Guercio, owner of Evoke Marketing. An avid dog lover and owner of a rescue puppy, she launched this initiative following her move to Greenwich from Manhattan. After experiencing the Greenwich Dog Park and following numerous discussions with community dog owners and dog walkers, she decided to "lead the pack" and officially launch a passion project - Paws of Greenwich, to address these issues.

"Greenwich is the largest town on Connecticut's Gold Coast and has over 50,000 pet owners. There is an essential need in the community for safe and clean off-leash areas for canines, and appropriate pet-friendly resources for residents and those considering Greenwich as their new home," states Jessica Del Guercio, Paws of Greenwich founder. We hope to raise funds to support community programs that promote the importance of pet-friendly communities and pet welfare programs, and give back to our four-legged family members, that bring so much color into our life and our community," she furthers.

In addition to the cleanup, the event will feature a variety of pet and family friendly activities including:

•  "Ask a Vet" pop up by Spot On VeterinaryA PAWS photo booth for pups and their owners
• Complimentary mini dog training sessions by Heather Trocola at In the Lead Dog TrainingComplimentary treats and coffee provided by Starbucks on Greenwich AvenueBalloon artist and face painting by Hollydays Creations Face and Body Art
• Brunch treats provided by Garelick and Herbs, J House and Starbucks
• Complimentary dog treats, balls and bandanas provided by Blue Buffalo
• Event raffle will feature giveaways from local businesses including Jack Dog Studio, Raleigh & Company, Choice Pet Greenwich, Zen Bronze, Jack & Jill Pet Sitters, PetLuvin' Casita and more

The POG “Argument”:

• Over 50,000 pet owners in the town of Greenwich, and only one dog park in foul location
• 70% of apartment seekers search for pet-friendly apartment housing via Apartments.com[1]
• Approximately 75% of Americans in their 30’s has dogs, according to a survey released by research firm Mintel[2]
• Since 1996 the pet industry has grown three-fold, to $63 billion[3]
• Off leash dog parks are community centers, offering residents the opportunity to socialize, share ideas and truly create a sense of community
• Clean, safe and attractive off-leash dog parks where residents can legally exercise their dogs, will decrease off-leash complaints 
  
  ###

About Paws of Greenwich (POG): PAWS of Greenwich is a non-profit organization and a collective of dog lovers, working to make Greenwich a paw-some, pet-friendly community. Funds raised will support Grass Island Dog Park revitalization efforts and other local pet-friendly initiatives and animal welfare causes in the community. Visit www.pawsofgreenwich.com or join the social conversation via our Facebook Page, Facebook Group, and Instagram. 

[1] Chad Garland (2014, August 12) More than 70% of apartment renters own pets, survey finds [Article]. Retrieved from http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-survey-renters-pet-friendly-options-20140811-story.html

[2] Abha Bhattarai (2016, September 13) Millennials are picking pets over people [Article]. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/business/wp/2016/09/13/millennials-are-picking-pets-over-people/?utm_term=.bcb4af246fa0

[3] Chad Garland (2014, August 12) More than 70% of apartment renters own pets, survey finds [Article]. Retrieved from http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-survey-renters-pet-friendly-options-20140811-story.html

"Spring Spruce Up" Event at Grass Island Dog Park

Greenwich Friends! 

PAWS of Greenwich will join forces this weekend for a paw-some morning of clean up and pet-friendly activities, in an effort to revitalize Greenwich's only legal off-leash dog park on Grass Island. The family-and-dog-friendly "Spring Spruce Up" at Greenwich Dog Park event will take place this weekend, on Saturday, April 29 from 9 am - noon.  Get involved and lend a paw! Sign up via RSVP link below.

In addition to cleaning up the park, we will have a number of on-site pet-friendly experiences, treats and an impressive round up of giveaways! We are grateful for all of our wonderful event partners and look forward to a successful event this weekend!

• "Ask a Vet" pop up by Spot On Veterinary
• A PAWS photo booth for pups and their owners
• Complimentary mini dog training sessions by Heather Trocola at In the Lead Dog Training
• Complimentary treats and coffee provided by Starbucks on Greenwich Avenue
• Balloon artist and face painting by Hollydays Creations Face and Body Art
• Complimentary dog treats, balls and bandanas provided by Blue Buffalo
• Event raffle will feature giveaways from local businesses including Jack Dog Studio, Raleigh & Company, Choice Pet Greenwich, Zen Bronze, Jack & Jill Pet Sitting, PetLuvin' Casita and more!