Dog Wizard seeks permit for Bedford dog training facility on Harwood Road

The Bedford Planning and Zoning Commission convened on May 22, 2025, to discuss a specific use permit application for a dog training facility located at 3225 Harwood Road, Suite B. The meeting began with a presentation outlining the details of the application, which seeks to classify the facility under kennel use due to its operations involving dog training.

The proposed facility, occupying approximately 1,100 square feet within a commercial strip center developed in 1985, aims to provide private lessons, small group classes, and day training sessions by appointment only. The applicant, Colin McCaskill, owner of The Dog Wizard, emphasized that the operation would not function as a daycare but rather as a controlled environment with limited traffic, operating Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 6 PM, and on Saturdays by appointment.

The commission reviewed the site plan, noting that all activities would occur indoors, with no exterior changes or outdoor kennel runs proposed. The facility plans to employ three staff members, with a maximum of six clients present at any given time. McCaskill assured the commission that measures would be taken to minimize noise, including the installation of a sound wall and acoustic panels within the training area.

During the public hearing, McCaskill expressed his commitment to the community, highlighting the facility's potential to revitalize a vacant space and serve Bedford's growing population of pet owners. He also mentioned plans for community outreach and educational workshops.

The commission noted that notifications were sent to adjoining property owners, with no responses received regarding the application. Staff findings indicated that the proposed use aligns with the suburban commercial development pattern outlined in the comprehensive plan. The commission discussed possible conditions for the permit, including restrictions on overnight boarding and limited hours of operation to address land use compatibility concerns.

As the meeting progressed, the commission prepared to deliberate on the application, with a focus on the potential benefits of the facility to the community and the surrounding businesses. The outcome of the discussion and any resolutions will be addressed in future meetings, as the commission continues to evaluate the proposal's implications for Bedford.