On August 14, 2023, heavy rain and flash flooding hit the Rhode Island Avenue NE area of Washington, DC, and floodwater entered the District Dogs daycare and boarding location. WTOP reported that 10 dogs in care died, while employees and responders rescued people and animals from dangerous conditions.

Risk inside a care business

Families left their dogs with a commercial daycare and boarding provider expecting safe care and professional emergency response. After the deaths, the question moved beyond weather alone to risk disclosure, site safety, emergency planning and staff training.

Settlement and required changes

Axios DC reported that on October 1, 2024, D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb announced a settlement requiring District Dogs to pay $100,000, obtain risk-management certification for D.C. locations, create emergency and evacuation plans, and train staff. The OAG investigation found prior flooding at the location and problems in how the company represented pet-safety risks. The settlement was not a criminal conviction; private lawsuits and other disputes require separate court-record confirmation.

Why these 10 dogs are recorded

They were not numbers in a service contract. They were lives entrusted by families to a care business. Recording the case keeps animal safety obligations in public memory: a professional facility must anticipate risk, communicate honestly and maintain evacuation plans that can be carried out.

Timeline

• August 14, 2023: Flash flooding entered the District Dogs Rhode Island Avenue NE location, and 10 dogs in care died.
• August 15, 2023: WTOP reported the location was closing and recorded statements from rescue and fire officials.
• October 1, 2024: The D.C. Attorney General announced a $100,000 settlement and emergency-preparedness requirements.

Public Sources

• Axios DC: D.C. Attorney General settlement with District Dogs.
• WTOP: 10 dogs died in the District Dogs flood.
• The Washington Post: emergency response and dispatcher failures report.