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Dewey Beach changes code to allow doggy daycare

Grooming, day boarding businesses now allowed
May 28, 2018

Dewey Beach’s dogs will soon have a new place to stay and play.

Town commissioners voted May 22 on an ordinance to amend town code and allow pet daycare as a permitted use in three business districts. The vote followed a unanimous recommendation in April by Dewey’s planning commission to change the code.

Jim Caperelli, owner of Jungle Jim’s Total Pet Care, plans to open a dog grooming and daycare business on Route 1 at 1705 Coastal Highway, previously home to ice cream shop Sugar Monkey. 

He said the location is perfect because there is nothing above it; there is space between it and Jeremiah’s Beach Party, and the wall between it and soon-to-be-open Dewey Beach Country Club is soundproof. 

Commissioner Dale Cooke said only two people questioned him about possible noise and odor from the business.

Caperelli said dogs will be matched by temperament and size to reduce barking, and will stay in suites of two to three dogs. Any boarded cats will stay in a separate area. Waste will be bagged in airtight containers and be disposed of each trash collection day.

Caperelli said pet daycare was the nation’s fastest-growing industry in 2017. His business is now franchised, and the Dewey location will serve as a model for all future franchises.

Former Dewey Beach Mayor Diane Hanson testified in favor of amending town code.

“I think this business fits into Dewey so well,” she said. “It fits into the culture, and I recommend you approve it.”

Dewey code already allowed pet grooming in resort business 2, 3, and planned resort business 3 districts, but not pet daycare or overnight kenneling. Daycare is now allowed; overnight kenneling is not.

Town council added language to the ordinance setting hours of operation between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m., with no pets permitted overnight. Council stipulated businesses must file an approved waste management and noise-control plan, and all boarded pets must be licensed and up-to-date on vaccinations.

Dewey Beach Mayor T.J. Redefer said the business could be very successful.

“Dewey Beach is a pet-friendly town and a dog-friendly town in particular,” he said.

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