The Shakopee City Council meeting on August 6, 2025, focused on the regulation of pet daycare and boarding services in residential areas, addressing growing concerns from residents about noise and disturbances. The discussion was prompted by numerous complaints regarding excessive barking and other issues associated with dog boarding operations in neighborhoods.

Currently, pet daycare and boarding are permitted as conditional uses in specific zoning districts (B1, I1, and I2), while pet grooming is allowed as a home occupation. The council noted that there are two licensed facilities operating under conditional use permits, but many residents are utilizing services through platforms like Rover, which has over a thousand providers in Shakopee alone. This has led to increased complaints about noise and disturbances from multiple dogs in residential settings.

Council members expressed the need for a regulatory framework to manage these services effectively. They debated whether to require a conditional use permit for larger operations or to set limits on the number of dogs that can be boarded in residential areas without a permit. Some council members suggested a cap of four dogs per household without a permit, while others proposed a tiered system based on the number of dogs and the presence of staff.

The council also discussed the importance of distinguishing between casual pet sitting and commercial operations. They emphasized the need to protect responsible pet care providers while addressing the complaints from residents about disruptive businesses. The conversation highlighted the balance between allowing residents to care for pets and ensuring that such activities do not negatively impact the neighborhood.

In conclusion, the council agreed to further explore regulatory options and directed staff to draft a proposal that would establish guidelines for pet boarding and daycare services in residential areas. This proposal will aim to address the concerns raised by residents while allowing responsible pet care businesses to operate within the community. The council plans to revisit this issue in future meetings to finalize regulations that will benefit both residents and pet service providers.