Longtime doggie day care in Omaha told to close outdoor play area

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - After years of running a doggie day care business in Northwest Omaha, the owner might be forced to close the dog’s favorite area: the back yard.

On any given weekday, about 140 dogs walk through the doors of Dogtopia near 156th and Maple Streets.

Those that are there for a while get to go outside.

“They’re not kept out here, they’re not housed out here,” said owner Derrick Reinhart. “They’re just coming out here, take a potty break, play for a little bit, then they’re back inside overnight.”

However, that could change. Reinhart says a city inspector told him the outdoor play area violates city zoning rules and it has to go.

“When it’s been here for 17 years with no issues, it kind of catches you by surprise,” said Reinhart.

Reinhart tells 6 News the outdoor play area was never a problem until a similar business opened nearby and had similar issues.

“I know a bunch of dog places got part of this group of dog places that were noted to the city,” Reinhart said.

That business appealed to the city’s zoning board and was granted a year-long waiver that could be extended, barring any complaints.

Reinhart says he is hoping for a similar outcome but says the planning department has voted to recommend a denial.

“Rules are rules, but I do think things should change with the times,” Reinhart said.

A public hearing on the issue is scheduled for Tuesday’s Omaha City Council meeting.

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