For example, “empty nesters,” people in their 50s and early 60s whose children have moved out, may have dogs, but when they dine out they are usually looking for a more upscale restaurant. They probably won’t enjoy a place where you pick up food from a window, which may be a necessary step to keep your servers from touching the dogs.
The federal government does not issue health codes, only recommendations from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The only federal law that deals with dogs in restaurants is the Americans with Disabilities Act, which requires that service and guide dogs are allowed. There are no federal laws banning dogs from restaurants, and your restaurant cannot be punished by the federal government for allowing them. Even if you are not allowed to let dogs at your restaurant, you can apply for a variance which will allow you an exception. To get a variance, you will need to demonstrate that you are taking steps to prevent whatever violations would otherwise happen if you allowed dogs. For example, you may require that your servers wash their hands after touching or petting any furry visitors before handling someone’s food.
A permit for a dog patio in Maricopa County, Arizona, for example, will require you to document and prove how dogs will access the patio, any signage for patrons, how you will prepare food and prevent cross-contamination, your procedures for cleaning the area, and what dog friendly chemicals you will be using for cooking and cleaning.
If you live in an area that gets cold for part of the year, consider heaters and fire pits to keep the area warm and comfortable. You probably won’t be able to enclose the space, even temporarily. [5] X Research source If you have the space, you can also create an outdoor play area for visiting dogs. This can be an open space near your restaurant for dogs and their owners to play and run around. More expansive restaurants can have toys, dog runs, or other fun activities for canines.
In the case of a dog friendly restaurant, insurance coverage can protect you from issues that may arise from having dogs in the restaurant. These could be staff or customers tripping over dog leashes, or getting hurt by a dog, or someone injuring themselves after being startled by a dog’s bark. Depending on where you are, you may be liable if a dog gets loose, and injures other dogs or pedestrians outside the restaurant. [8] X Research source
You’ll need some guidelines to make sure your employees carefully follow health code regulations around the dogs. Make sure employees limit their physical contact with the dogs, especially if they are handling food. You should probably require that they wash their hands if there is any contact. [9] X Research source Make sure your employees’ taxes are sorted out as well. Your workers need to fill out both the I-9 Form (for employment eligibility) and W-4 Form (for taxation). Keep all your employees’ tax forms filed for easy reference. [10] X Trustworthy Source Internal Revenue Service U. S. government agency in charge of managing the Federal Tax Code Go to source
Consider have specials and deals involving people who bring their dogs. You can designate “Dog Days,” specific days or times where you offer deals only for people who do bring dogs, or donate gift certificates to animal shelters for people who adopt pets. Just make sure any giveaway identifies your business name, location, times you are open, and if there are any restrictions. [11] X Research source You should also make sure people know that you are dog friendly in case they would rather not eat there. Some people are allergic, or maybe don’t want to deal with having dogs nearby when eating. Making that clear before people come in can avoid difficult situations. [12] X Research source
If you really want to encourage people to bring dogs, consider providing meals, even beyond a bowl of kibble. Just make sure you are providing food that is safe for dogs to eat. Meats like shrimp, eggs, turkey, pork, and tuna are good choices, along with things like corn, yogurt, honey, and peanuts. Avoid foods and flavorings like chocolate, cinnamon, garlic, ice cream, almonds, or macadamia nuts. [14] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
To help keep your space clean, and prevent your staff from having to do the extra work, encourage your customers to clean up after their dogs. Make sure you have a supply of bags and separate trash bins for people to use.
Another rule to consider is requiring that customers remain with their dogs, or at least keep them on a leash. Some states may even require it in their licensing requirements, so make sure you are clear on that point. Whatever rules you come up with for your visitors, make sure those are clearly listed somewhere so everyone can see them. While you hope that people will pay attention, you should be prepared to remove people and their pets if they have a problem following the rules.
Make sure you know what makes you legally a private club. In North Carolina for example, only members and their guests are allowed to patronize the club. Employees or “the House” (that’s you as the proprietor) cannot admit patrons who are not members. [19] X Research source
