Dining With Dogs

Dog lovers are always on the look out  for new places to dine at with their furry friends. In most editions of the Petzgazette.com  you will find a list of Pet-friendly Outdoor Restaurants, Café’s, Coffee shops and Deli’s to choose from.

 Of course, bringing your dog along comes with responsibility. To ensure the safety of both your pet and fellow restaurant-goers, here are some tips on dining outdoors with dogs:

#1           Socialize your dog:   Socializing your dog is important for you to understand how your pup reacts to strangers, loud noises, other animals, and other situations before you bring them to a restaurant. If your pup does not react well to these situations, it is best to leave them at home.

#2           Know  the restaurant’s  pet  policy:   Many restaurants allow you to bring your pet to sit with you on their outdoor patio or sidewalk seating. Make sure you do your research ahead of time to make sure that the restaurant is pet friendly. It is always a good idea to call the restaurant ahead of time to ensure there is seating available to you and your pooch.

#3           Practice good  table manners:   This goes for you and your pup. Make sure your pet is calm and do not allow your pooch to sit in your lap or on another chair at the table. Your pup should be sitting or lying down next to your chair at all times. Do not allow your pet to wander and disturb other guests. Also, remember that your pet should be on a leash at all times.  It’s also a good idea to have your pet relieve themselves before you get to the restaurant. It is bad form for your pup to do his business on the floor of the establishment.    

#4           Under California Law:

• Effective January 1^st, 2015, dogs across the state of California are legally allowed to dine with their humans in restaurants with outdoor seating
• The new state law does not override local regulations OR the discretion of individual proprietors that may prohibit dogs from restaurants
• For establishments that do permit canine patrons, certain rules apply, including providing a separate entrance to outdoor dining areas so that pets do not have to walk through the restaurant
• Dogs brought to restaurants must be leashed, well-behaved, and on the ground vs. the furniture

• This bill won’t let you demand that a restaurant accept your pet. The law leaves canine policy up to each individual eatery:

• Service animals are allowed in any restaurant in California whether they accompany their owners inside a restaurant or out on a dining patio.