Sign Up You agree to receive occasional updates and special offers for The New York Times's products and services. Mr. Lapham noted that in New York City, babysitting, for example, is permitted, no license necessary. “Commercial boarding of animals in homes is illegal.”Mr. Martinez underscored that it is petsitting for pay, not just as, say, a favor, that is outlawed. For the most part, the app-based companies have prevailed against rules governing at-home petsitting, pushing local governments into compromises. He suggested that the city take a middle ground, such as permitting trained and certified sitters to do so in their homes.

Source: New York Times July 21, 2017 22:45 UTC