On November 13, 2023, a dog daycare facility in SODO caught fire. See this KOMO report about the incident. Two dogs died during the resulting confusion. As a result, lawsuits have been filed by dog owners in King County Superior Court.
On April 24, 2024, Plaintiff sued the Dog Resort in a civil action, alleging negligence, gross negligence, and breach of contract. She asked for veterinary and burial costs, compensation for emotional distress, and economic value. Scarborough v. The Dog Resort and Does 1-10, 24-2-09317-6. Defendants answered the complaint by denying the allegations. Trial briefs were due April 21st, and would have told us much more about the evidence and strategies both sides planned to use. Trial was scheduled to begin on April 28, 2025.
In an nearly identical suit filed the same day, Plaintiff alleged the same torts (negligence and gross negligence) and breach of contract. She asked for similar damages. Quinn v. The Dog Resort and Does 1-10, 24-2-09311-7. Defendant made the same arguments in their answer. Trial briefs were due April 21, 2025 and trial was expected to begin on April 28, 2025.
Both lawsuits settled on November 17th (subject to court approval). Since nearly all settlements are confidential, we may never know what the net cost/benefit for both parties will be.
In addition to the lawsuits, legislation (House Bill 2403) was introduced in the 2024 session of the Washington State Legislature that would have required working smoke detectors and/or fire suppression apparatus in animal daycare facilities. This proposed bill failed to pass; testimony alleged that the equipment would be too costly for these building owners to install and maintain.
The Seattle and King County Public Health Board is responsible for animal daycare regulation and monitoring under its environmental health permit program. After the fire, it added animal services to its eCompliance database so customers can check the validity of animal-related business licenses.