Recently, there have been several notable developments concerning dogs joining their owners at outdoor dining spaces across the United States. While many dog owners are excited about this new policy, some establishments like the iconic Salty Dog Café are shedding light on potential problems.
Following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) recent decision, many states now allow pet dogs to dine alongside their owners at outdoor restaurant seating. This rule change has been embraced by nearly half of the states, as reported by the Associated Press. Notably, for years, it's been typical for dogs to accompany their humans on outdoor patios, and many restaurants are now adapting policies to make canine companions welcome.
Despite the positive reception from pet lovers, not all experience has been golden. The renowned Salty Dog Café, located on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, tried this dog-friendly approach back in 1987. Unfortunately, it didn’t last long. According to Tim Stearns, the café’s Chief Operating Officer, the experience turned chaotic. Dogs were swiping snacks off children’s plates and creating general havoc.
“We are all dog lovers at Salty Dog, but we remain a restaurant for humans,” Stearns stated, explaining the situation led to their choice to revert to human-only dining. Currently, the café has made adjustments to allow for ordering take-out on their dog-friendly deck, giving pet owners another option without the wild antics of four-legged diners.
On their official website, Salty Dog elaborates on the challenges faced when pets gather at dining spaces. It mentioned incidents involving dogs eating off of forks and begging aggressively for food. This led to some disrupting the dining experience by barking or even getting involved in dog fights with other pets.
The café pointed out the responsibility lies with pet owners to keep their dogs under control, noting, “we do not feel it is our responsibility to police the dog situation,” referencing on-duty staff getting involved only to referee dog disagreements.
Aside from the frustrations of managing dogs, there are also practical hygiene concerns. New York City, where dogs have been allowed at outdoor dining for several years, mandates strict guidelines about cleanliness. Restaurant staff are responsible for cleaning up after dogs, including handling any accidents. Julie Denzin, who serves at various restaurants, took note of some less-than-pleasant experiences—dogs drooling and relieving themselves on patios present challenges for both waiting staff and diners.
“It’s not about whether I like dogs or not,” Denzin remarked. “The point is, regardless of what the owner might say—no matter how perfect and obedient they insist their dog is—there's no way to guarantee the safety and comfort of all guests.”
Interestingly, Bernalillo County, New Mexico recently approved changes to their Food Code, aligning it with anticipated state regulations, which now allows dogs to accompany their owners at outdoor dining spots. This unanimous decision by county commissioners reflects growing public sentiment supporting such changes. Eric Olivas, the commissioner, celebrated these updates as modernizing local food codes and empowering local agricultural producers to sell products such as raw milk and ungraded eggs directly to consumers.
While Bernalillo County is allowing dogs at outdoor spaces, the situation prompts discussions about restaurant operations and hygiene. Restaurants need to weigh the benefits of increased patronage from dog owners against potential issues. For establishments welcoming dogs, it's critical to establish resourceful plans for dealing with the fallout when canines interact with guests, particularly children and those with allergies.
The prospect of allowing dogs at outdoor dining spaces undoubtedly provides excitement and joy for pet parents eager to include their furry friends. Yet, it also raises important questions around management, hygiene, and respect for all guests involved. Balancing these concerns will be key as more establishments choose to implement dog-friendly policies.
