Pet Dogs in Outdoor Dining Areas
Requirements to allow pet dogs in the outdoor dining or patio area of a food facility:
- The owner of the food facility elects to allow pet dogs in its outdoor dining area.
- A separate outdoor entrance is present where pet dogs enter without going through the food establishment to reach the outdoor dining or patio area.
- Pet dogs shall not be allowed on chairs, seats, benches, tables or other fixtures.
- No food preparation shall be allowed in the outdoor dining or patio area, including dispensing and/or mixing of drinks and ice.
- Food and water served and/or provided to pet dogs shall only be in single-use, disposable containers.
- Employees shall be prohibited from having direct contact with pets while on duty.
- The outdoor dining or patio area shall be clean and well maintained.
- In cases where excrement or other bodily fluids (urine, saliva, or vomit) are deposited, an employee shall immediately clean and sanitize the affected areas.
- The pet dog shall either be on a leash or confined in a pet carrier under the control of its owner.
- Multi-use or reusable utensils, such as plates, silverware, glasses, and bowls, shall not be stored, displayed, or pre-set in the outdoor dining area.
- The outdoor dining area shall not be fully enclosed (Note: a fully enclosed dining area shall be considered as part of the interior of the facility).
- Business operators must still follow local ordinances related to sidewalk, public nuisance, and sanitation issues.
