Dewey commissioners deny dog licensing venture

A motion to authorize Jungle Jim’s Total Pet Care to sell Dewey Beach dog licenses failed without a second at Dewey Beach commissioners’ April 24 meeting.

Jungle Jim’s owner Jim Caperelli phoned into the livestream meeting to discuss his proposal to sell licenses at his doggy daycare and grooming business and split proceeds 50/50 with the town.

According to his records, Caperelli said, only 72 out of 1,139 dogs he has serviced have had dog licenses. Caperelli said he tells clients to go to Town Hall to purchase licenses, but he can’t make them do it. He estimated if he sold dog licenses, he could generate $24,000 in total revenue, with $12,000 going to the town.

Commissioner Gary Persinger said ensuring dogs are licensed was required under conditions Caperelli agreed to when commissioners voted to amend town code in 2018 to allow pet daycare as a permitted use in three business districts. Commissioner Paul Bauer, who introduced the motion, said allowing Caperelli to sell the licenses would provide incremental revenue to the town without any added expense, and would make licensure more convenient for dog owners. “We don’t expect Jim to do this for nothing,” Bauer said, suggesting a one-year trial of the venture to evaluate its success.

Caperelli said he could incorporate license sales within his computer checkout system, which could be reconciled weekly and audited at any time to ensure the number of dog licenses sold corresponds with sales revenue.

“It’s an honesty thing, really, and the checkout system makes it simple; that’s the key,” he said.

Mayor Dale Cooke said he did not question Caperelli’s motives or truthfulness; he said he would rather offer dog license sales on the town website. After the meeting, Caperelli said if he physically possessed the licenses at his business, he could ensure those dogs are licensed. “No matter how you look at it, this town turned down free money in a time of need,” Caperelli said. At council’s May 8 meeting, Town Clerk Ashleigh Hudson said she was obtaining quotes from vendors on pricing to add dog license sales to the town website.