GGNRA changing Commercial Dog Walking permit to onerous CUA

The GGNRA is switching their commercial dog walking Special Use Permit, in use since 2014, to a Commercial Use Authorization permit beginning on March 1, 2025.

After extensive review, Crissy Field Dog Group has found that there are some significant changes that commercial dog walkers tell us may force them out of the GGNRA into city parks. 

First, the GGNRA is now requiring a license for all commercial dog walkers who walk three or more dogs. The present rule is four or more dogs.  We understand this will impact a number of small independent dog walkers. 

Second, the park service would be requiring reporting on commercial dog walker income as well as the right to approve how much a commercial dog walker charges. These are very onerous financial and privacy requirements for commercial dog walkers in San Francisco and Marin Counties for which no explanation has been given. 

In addition, some requirements appear irrelevant for commercial dog walking (e.g. requiring commercial automobile insurance that covers human passengers).  Some of these requirements appear to be an effort to intimidate commercial dog walkers and discourage them from using GGNRA lands.

Please contact GGNRA Superintendent David Smith with your concerns: smith_david@nps.gov or call him at 415 561-4738 or 415 265-1886.

Please share this information with your colleagues, clients, friends, neighbors and family members.

• Crissy Field Dog Group letter to the GGNRA

• Crissy Field Dog Group analysis of Commercial Use Authoriztion permit

• GGNRA letter to Commercial dog walkers

• Legal considerations whether to register for the CUA