Are there any laws that prevent people from bringing pets into an establishment that serves food?

Question

With the growing trend of "pocket" dogs, I have noticed an alarming number of people bringing these animals into restaurants in their purses. It's bad enough when you travel to Europe but do we have to put up with it here? From a health standpoint, is this legal or are the restaurant owners in violation of any health codes? I am not an animal hater. In fact I have two dogs myself - whom I leave at home when I go out to eat. But quite frankly, eating in an establishment that turns a blind eye to customers bringing in their pets grosses me out. I know that I'll probably offend a lot of people with this post but I think that I, a US citizen who votes and pays taxes should be afforded a teeny bit more respect and rights than a dog. Is there any legal code that I can qoute to the manager to have the pet removed?

Answer 1

Yes, with the exception of helper dogs, dogs that aid the blind, or other physical impairment.

Answer 2

Depends on the establishment I think but most establishment's are in violation of company policy for allowing the pet inside the store. I am referring to places like Wendys(R), McDonald's(R), SubWay(R), etc. the only "pets" that are allowed into an establishment in my area by order of The County Health Department is the Seeing eye dogs that are by definition service animals that are looked as "on the clock". If the pet thing bothers you talk to your local health department they can tell you if there is a health code vioolation occouring when the "pocket dogs" as you called them are allowed into a food establishment.

Answer 3

Yes, in most places you are only allowed dogs that assist the blind in restaurants. I don't know why people want to act like that stupid Paris Hilton. It is a code violation to bring pets to a eating facility. These places that allow this should be reported to the health department.

Answer 4

Depends on where you are. Health codes are set by the county/city (sometimes also by the state). Where I live, in New York City, it's definitely illegal to bring a dog into a restaurant, and it's enforced. I have to believe it's illegal in most other parts of the US as well. Try calling your county health department on any restaurant that's allowing dogs in!

Answer 5

Yes! It's against Health Code in all 50 states. The only animals that are exempted are service animals, such as seeing eye dogs for the blind and hearing ear dogs for the deaf.

Answer 6

He "should" wait until the end of the main course and as already asked if anyone wants dessert. I have seen this occur and believe the waiter is near the end of his shift. I usually don't say anything but do not even touch the check until I am done and then cut down on the tip. I do want to point out that Chili's is the type of restaurant that does not hire highly experienced servers. They do not pay that much nor does the staff tend to stick around very long. I would not call their staff professional.

Answer 7

You can report the establishment to your local Department Health and Social Sevices, I think. They can cite the owners for violations. The owners then have to control their own environment as a result thereof.

Answer 8

Unless it is a Service Dog, I believe it is against the law and health codes

Answer 9

I'm in agreement that this is something that shouldn't be done except in the case of guide dogs etc. I don't believe it's actually against the law in many places (though it should be). Mostly it's just left up to the individual restauruant owners.

Answer 10

i dont see it happening very often where i live, but that is strange. People's food is in danger! Cite that thing someone else mentioned first!!!