06/17/2026
To our WAK-9 family,
I wanted to share an important update with our community.
Yesterday, I met with Jefferson County Planning regarding a zoning complaint that was filed against our property. As a result, we have been given 45 days, effective August 3, to relocate our daycare and boarding operations to a property that complies with current county zoning requirements. (We have been searching anyway for breeding of service dogs)
This situation is not the result of licensing issues, animal welfare concerns, or violations of our operating standards. We maintain strict cleaning protocols, detailed Standard Operating Procedures, and extensive documentation regarding the care and management of every dog entrusted to us. The issue is simply that the zoning designation for our current property does not permit a business with client traffic operating from the home. (There are 6 businesses down our road, and we are the only one enforced, complaint driven)
Five years ago, when we moved here, WAK-9 looked very different. Daycare and boarding were never part of the original plan. As our community grew and demand increased, so did the services we offered. We have always tried to be good neighbors, transparent about our operation, and committed to serving Jefferson County families and their dogs.
The reality is that we now need to find a new home for WAK-9.
While this news came unexpectedly, I believe challenges often become opportunities. The truth is, we had already been discussing expansion. This may simply be the push we've needed to take the next step and build something even better for our clients, staff, and dogs.
What we need right now is community support.
If you know of commercial property, acreage, a warehouse, a shop, or any location within Jefferson County that could legally accommodate dog training, daycare, boarding, and future growth, please reach out. Our goal is to remain here and continue serving the community that has supported us from the beginning. (We are awaiting and approval list from planning to make sure we are in zoning compliance)
We know we could relocate to Redmond or elsewhere and likely continue to grow, but that isn't what we want. Our heart is here. Our clients are here. The dogs we serve are here.
Thank you to everyone who has trusted us with your dogs over the years. We aren't going anywhere. We simply have a new challenge in front of us, and we're determined to meet it.
If WAK-9 has helped you, your family, or your dog, please share this post. You never know who might know of the perfect place for our next chapter.
— Will O'Daniel
WAK-9 Training