There is much confusion around the permittance of dogs in public places so we’ve put together a series called, “Can I bring my dog?” Here’s reporter Heather Clisby with Part One: Doggie Dining…
Dogs seem to accompany their owners everywhere – offices, stores, hotels and, more frequently, restaurants. But not every restaurant has a patio for the pup and not every diner wants to eat their steak with a Labradoodle staring them down. Humans with dog allergies are particularly averse.
Thanks to California Assembly Bill 1965 enacted in 2014, restaurant owners may allow dogs in outdoor dining areas if certain conditions are met. For example, there must be a separate entrance available so that dogs are not coming through the main restaurant. Dogs are to remain on the ground the patio cannot feature any food prep areas.
Any doggie meals or water must be served in single-use disposable containers. Restaurant staff is prohibited from touching the dog and any dog waste must be quickly cleaned and sanitized. The dog must be on a leash or in a carrier and controlled by the owner at all times. And, of course, the restaurant owner must comply with all other local ordinances related to sidewalks, public nuisance, and sanitation.
Mind you, the bill also allows for a city and/or county to prohibit this conduct by ordinance. Should the restaurant owner allow for dogs on patios and the dog bites someone, a report must be filed with the local animal agency where the incident occurred and the dog must be quarantined for a standard 10-day rabies check. Liability stands with the dog’s owner and could include the business owner as well.
Next up in the series: Service Dogs
