maxieslaw.info

Why change?

The pet care industry has exploded, but the rules that govern it haven’t kept up.

A dog walker on Rover must register as a business, but families can’t easily confirm who has — and there’s no consistent requirement for insurance or bonding.
Pet businesses fall under the Health Department, but licensing is confusing and hard to verify.
Investigating safety concerns often requires public records requests to multiple agencies.
For trainers, there is no single place to check certifications or methods.

This patchwork leaves families uncertain, animals vulnerable, and responsible businesses without a level playing field.

Why Now?

Pet Care is Changing Faster than Our Laws

Pet care is now an exploding cottage industry. Families are entrusting both companion animals and service animals to providers operating under unclear or inconsistent standards.

Legitimate Businesses are at a Disadvantage

Small businesses that want to do things right can’t easily demonstrate compliance. They have to navigate complex and sometimes conflicting rules between agencies. And outstanding, legitimate pet businesses are often undercut by unlicensed and unpermitted businesses like the one Max died at.

Families Kept in the Dark

Families can’t easily distinguish responsible providers from bad actors. Permitting and licensing records are difficult to find, and some complaints are only visible through a public records request. Families need the right information to make responsible decisions in real time.

Current Laws don't Prevent Tragedies like Max's

Washington strengthened animal cruelty laws in 2024. But those penalties only apply after harm occurs. Oversight should prevent tragedies, not punish them afterward. The boarding facility Max died at was operating without the needed permits and should have been shut down years ago. Clear, consistent regulations, better duty of care and enforcement could have prevented Max's death.

WHy Maxie's Law?

Centralized Portal

Elevating the Duty of Care

A single, accessible site to confirm licensing, permits, compliance, and safety records.

Elevating the Duty of Care

Clear, trackable standards for staffing, care routines, transport, and emergency plans.

Owner Notification

Elevating the Duty of Care

Owner Notification

Immediate notification in cases of injury or emergencies, with required veterinary protocols.

Expert Oversight

Training & Transparency

Owner Notification

Facilities supported by veterinary consultation and professional advisory structures.

Training & Transparency

Baseline certifications (animal first aid, CPR, behavior), continuing education, and care logs/cameras accessible to owners.

Maxie’s Law protects pets, supports families, and rewards responsible businesses.

what's next

Local Action

Building Partnerships

We’re starting in King County, working to strengthen and clarify pet business regulations where Max’s story began.

Building Partnerships

We’re collaborating with advocacy organizations, pet businesses and pet parents to shape effective, balanced reform.

Statewide Reform

Building Partnerships

Statewide Reform

Our long-term goal is statewide consistency, so families and responsible businesses across Washington can count on the same protections.

we want to hear from YOU!

Maxie's Law

Inspired by Max, protecting them all.

In memory of maxie, protecting them all

The Story of Max — and Why Change Is Needed

From Max’s life to his loss, this is why we need reform.

Why change?

Why Now?

Pet Care is Changing Faster than Our Laws

Legitimate Businesses are at a Disadvantage

Families Kept in the Dark

Current Laws don't Prevent Tragedies like Max's

WHy Maxie's Law?

Centralized Portal

Elevating the Duty of Care

Elevating the Duty of Care

Elevating the Duty of Care

Elevating the Duty of Care

Elevating the Duty of Care

Owner Notification

Elevating the Duty of Care

Owner Notification

Expert Oversight

Training & Transparency

Owner Notification

Training & Transparency

Training & Transparency

Training & Transparency

Maxie’s Law protects pets, supports families, and rewards responsible businesses.

what's next

Local Action

Building Partnerships

Building Partnerships

Building Partnerships

Building Partnerships

Building Partnerships

Statewide Reform

Building Partnerships

Statewide Reform

we want to hear from YOU!

Maxie's Law

maxieslaw.info

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