OMAHA, Nebraska (WOWT) – After years of running a dog daycare in northwest Omaha, the owner may now be forced to close the dog’s favorite place: the backyard.

Every weekday, about 140 dogs come through the doors of Dogtopia near 156th and Maple Street.

Those who stay there longer are allowed to go outside.

“They’re not kept outside here, they’re not housed here,” said owner Derrick Reinhart. “They just come out here, take a bathroom break, play a little bit and then they’re back inside for the night.”

That could change, however. Reinhart says a city inspector told him the outdoor playground violates city zoning regulations and must be removed.

“When it’s been here for 17 years without any problems, it’s kind of surprising,” said Reinhart.

Reinhart tells 6 News that the outdoor playground was never a problem until a similar business opened nearby and experienced similar problems.

“I know that a number of dog parks were part of this group of dog parks that were reported to the city,” Reinhart said.

The company appealed to the city’s planning authority and received a one-year exemption, which could be extended if there are no objections.

Reinhart says he hopes for a similar outcome, but the planning department voted to recommend rejection.

“Rules are rules, but I think things should change over time,” Reinhart said.

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

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