Change pet policy in Xanterra housing units not including dormitory housing

Currently the Xanterra L. L.C. housing authority allows dogs only in selected housing units. Efficiency, one bedroom and two bed room units allow cats only. We petition for the allowance of dogs in the before mentioned housing units, as living in a national park promotes outdoor activity and a physically active mentality owning a dog may be considered a part of said lifestyle.

REASONS TO SUPPORT ARGUMENT

1. Under these circumstances another Grand Canyon National Parks Employer allows the following in permanent housing. This includes their efficiency apartment: No more than two dogs or two cats, or a combination of one dog and one cat, shall be permitted in each household. In addition, you may have two (2) caged birds, two (2) rodents, two (2) amphibians, two (2) reptiles, and two (2) rabbits. There is no restriction on aquarium fish.

Under these regulations the above mentioned pets and quantities may be kept:

A. No pets may be kept under conditions determined to be inhumane by applicable laws and regulations.

B. Residents will be held responsible for any damage to government quarters or theiyard caused by their pets.

Pets Not Permitted:

a. Native wildlife.
b. Federally or state protected rare, threatened or endangered species.
c. Pets that cannot be permanently confined within the employee's residence and employee's immediate yard area.
d. Dangerous pets displaying hostile or threatening behavior, which might frighten or harm humans or native wildlife.
e. Domestic livestock, swine or fowl.

Specific Pet Restrictions within the park:
Regardless of type of employment (permanent, term, or seasonal) no pets are allowed in Shared Housing: Clinic dorm, bunkhouses, trailers, and single-family houses converted to shared quarters. Aquarium fish are allowed in shared housing.

Responsibility of the Pet Owners

Pets must be under physical restraint at all times when outside, either by means of a leash on a temporary basis or within a fenced enclosure on a permanent basis. The fenced enclosure shall be capable of completely containing the pet. Voice control is not acceptable. To ensure the pet’s safety and provide for humane treatment, pets may be tethered only when a resident is at home. Trees to which tethers are attached to secure a pet must be appropriately wrapped in order to protect the tree from damage. Caged pets will remain in their cages at all times when outside. Prior written approval is required before yard fences or enclosures may be constructed at a residence. (Refer to the Yards and Grounds Fencing Section of this policy.)

Stray pets and feral animals are destructive to the environment and to native plants and animals.They should be reported to the NPS Dispatch Office.

Dogs must wear collars with current rabies tags as well as identification tags or implanted chips at all times. Cats must have identification tags or implanted chips. Pets without identification will be considered feral or stray. Pets at large without identification may be immediately disposed of or transported to Flagstaff. Pets collared with identification tags that are in violation of the regulations and rules of the Pet Policy shall be impounded and taken to the South Rim Kennels. The pet will be released to the owner upon payment of accrued kennel fees, which include the daily fees

Non-native parasites from domestic pet fecal matter are dangerous to wildlife. Pet owners
are responsible for disposing properly of all pet fecal matter, both in residential and non-
residential areas within the Park, in garbage dumpsters.

Pet owners are responsible for the disposition of unwanted pets or pets deemed undesirable by the park superintendent. This may be done through appropriate facilities such as the Department of Animal Control - Coconino County or the Flagstaff Animal Shelter.

Any pet owner that allows a pet to create a continued nuisance by barking, whining, crying, howling, or by other means may be required to remove the offending pet from the park permanently. Pet owners must ensure that their pets are not allowed to make noise that is unreasonable considering location and time of day or night (per 36 CFR 2.15(a)(4)). Pet owners should be good neighbors and recognize that employees work varying shifts, may often work nights, and may sleep during daylight hours. The best course of action for dealing with a noise/pet problem is through the "good neighbor" practice. Talk to the owner first; if a problem persists, report it to the NPS Dispatch Office.

The deliberate feeding or placement of food intended for wildlife or feral animals is prohibited.

No food is to be left outside on a permanent basis for the purpose of feeding a pet.

Enforcement Procedures
Adherence to the Pet Policy rests with the pet owner. The employee/pet owner must assume the burden of complying fully with the Pet Policy. Non-compliance is handled by the Housing Office with the employee. Violations of federal, state and local laws will be handled by Visitor and Resource Protection as appropriate.Should recurrent violations of the Pet Policy occur, the pet owner may be required by the Superintendent to remove the offending pet from the park permanently. Failure to comply may result in the loss of pet privileges and/or residency in the Park.

There is no evidence that cats are less destructive than dogs.

Retaining quality personnel requires that the employer acknowledge needs, desires and recognition of worth. Rewarding personnel with basic freedoms encourages loyalty, long-term employment and fulfilment. Living in the Grand Canyon National Park requires to personnel to make many personal sacrifices including, wage rate, cost of benefits, cost required to commute for basic services and goods, lack of choice in housing among others.

Those employees that choose to live in the national park, despite personal sacrifice, and do so achieving status positions and housing deserve to be rewarded with basic freedoms. Increased personal satisfaction and fulfilment will lead to employee’s loyalty and company growth.

PROPOSAL
We propose that more dog friendly housing be made available to those employees that would like to have long term employment with Xanterra L.L.C. We propose that dogs be allowed in housing such as one bedroom and two bedroom units using the above mentioned policy as a guideline for one that Xanterra L.L.C will create for itself.