Eight families file negligence suit against District Dogs after dogs drown at pet day care

The tragic incident of eight dogs drowning at the District Dogs pet day care and boarding facility in Washington, D.C., has led to a negligence suit being filed against the company and its CEO. The families of the deceased dogs claim that the deaths were preventable and foreseeable, as the facility had a history of flooding issues.

The lawsuit alleges gross negligence, trespass, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and violations of District statutes related to unfair trade practices. It states that the company was aware of the flooding problems even before opening the business but failed to take necessary precautions to protect the dogs in their care.

Despite experiencing multiple flood events in the past, the suit claims that District Dogs did not address the issue and did not provide an alternative means of exiting the facility in case of a flood. The tragic incident occurred during a flash flood warning in August 2023, where the floodwater inundated the facility, leading to the drowning of the dogs.

District Dogs has refuted the claims in the lawsuit, stating that they were in compliance with District code and had appropriate inspections. The company also mentioned an “After Action Report” from D.C.’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, which supported their position.

The lawsuit also highlights the distressing behavior of the employees after the incident, where they allegedly hindered owners’ attempts to recover their pets and failed to return the belongings of the deceased dogs promptly. The families of the drowned dogs are seeking justice and accountability for the tragic loss of their beloved pets.

As the legal battle unfolds, the community awaits the outcome of the lawsuit and hopes for justice for the families who lost their beloved canine companions in such a heartbreaking manner.