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Just in time for the summer dining season, the U.S. government has given its blessing to restaurants that want to allow pet dogs in their outdoor spaces.

But even though nearly half of states already allow canine dining outdoors, the issue is far from settled, with many diners and restaurants pushing back against the increasing presence of pooches.

“I’d like to be able to enjoy my meal without having to worry about fleas, pet hair, barking and entitled dogs and their owners,” said Tracy Chiu Parisi, a food blogger in New York, who was once startled by a dog that stuck its head in her lap while she was reading a menu.

Restaurants have been required to allow service dogs for decades. But it wasn’t until the mid-2000’s that a handful of states — including Florida and Illinois — began passing laws allowing dogs in outdoor dining spaces, according to the Animal Legal and Historical Center at Michigan State University. Twenty-three states now have such laws or regulations.

* I’m sure I have a photo of Oscar at a restaurant somewhere, but here’s one from the weekend in a park…

* The Question: Your thoughts on dogs in outdoor areas of restaurants?

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, May 15, 23 @ 12:12 pm

Comments

I would be OK with it if they were restricted to a “pet friendly area”. If you want to bring your dog to dinner with you fine, but what if I don’t enjoy dogs?

Like the old days of “smoking sections” put those that want to have their dog sit by them during dinner in an area that is “dog friendly”.

Comment by Give Me A Break Monday, May 15, 23 @ 12:18 pm
===Your thoughts on dogs in outdoor areas of restaurants?===

Whether or not it is allowed should be determined by the owners of the establishment and pet owners should understand that the behavior of their animal companion can be cause to ask them to leave the same as any person in their dining party can be the cause of their requirement to exit the establishment.

Their are plenty of pooches who would make a finer dining companion than my brother in law and restaurants don’t even make him eat outside.

Comment by Candy Dogood Monday, May 15, 23 @ 12:18 pm
fine with me. but no cats. just kidding on last point. besides, no cats would ever be caught dead associating in public with lesser mortals like people.

Comment by jim Monday, May 15, 23 @ 12:18 pm
Life long dog person, but still no fan of doggie dining. At the very least restaurants should post that they are dog friendly so there are no surprises.

Comment by Donnie Elgin Monday, May 15, 23 @ 12:18 pm
Love them. Minnesota even allows them inside breweries that don’t serve food (which is quite a few). I had one bark at me when I came out of the restroom a couple times and the owner was obviously worried I would be upset so I went over and introduced myself to the very good girl and she never barked again. The owner had a bad day and was relieved when I introduced myself.

Comment by ArchPundit Monday, May 15, 23 @ 12:18 pm
Good luck to the anti-dog lobbying effort lol. Someone tell Tracy she can always order in if she doesn’t want to be startled by a dog.

Comment by Torco Sign Monday, May 15, 23 @ 12:19 pm
Sux… 11 doggie per spot o.k, but more should not allowed

Comment by Annonin' Monday, May 15, 23 @ 12:19 pm
If the restaurant clearly states whether dogs are allowed or not, then I say the government should get out of the way and let the business decide and let the customer decide if he/she is going to frequent an establishment

Comment by Sox Fan Monday, May 15, 23 @ 12:20 pm
opps meant 1 per

Comment by Annonin' Monday, May 15, 23 @ 12:21 pm
Dogs and kids are the same. Some are annoying, some are not. Some people don’t want them around (or at least not disruptive ones).

Let the free market decide. Restaurants can choose to be pet/kid friendly, or they can choose to say no. Then customers can pick what to support.

Comment by Homebody Monday, May 15, 23 @ 12:22 pm
I love dogs, but I don’t like entitled owners who think they can bring their dogs everywhere with them. Not a fan of more dogs in spaces built for people, but not a huge issue for me. Just a preference.

If I wanted to be around dogs more, I’d get one. Again, I love dogs. It’s some of the owners that get my fur up.

Comment by 47th Ward Monday, May 15, 23 @ 12:23 pm
As has been said, best left up to restaurants to decide.

Personally, I’m not a huge fan. When I visit family in more rural parts I don’t have an issue with it but the outdoors dining spaces are vastly largely than they are in Chicago. I really don’t want to step over your dogs to get to my table or be close enough that they can come beg for food at my table while leashed.

Part of my annoyance is also that dog owners seems to be getting generally worse since COVID when everyone decided a dog was the solution to being trapped in doors.

Comment by twowaystreet Monday, May 15, 23 @ 12:30 pm
===Dogs and kids are the same.===

The problem is, some people think this is true. It isn’t.

Comment by 47th Ward Monday, May 15, 23 @ 12:31 pm
I’m fine with it but I say that as a dog lover. My dog definitely could not behave herself in such spaces and it would be inappropriate to try to bring her to a dining space.

Comment by Larry Bowa Jr. Monday, May 15, 23 @ 12:34 pm
No - Not Inside or Out
Back in late 70s a Tavern in Kankakee opened called
” No Dogs Allowed “( still there )

Comment by Red Ketcher Monday, May 15, 23 @ 12:37 pm
I can see both sides. I don’t mind it, but one of my local breweries had to revise their dog policy after an employee was attacked by a dog in their outdoor area. I don’t think they wanted to ban dogs, but the potential liability was too much for them to ignore.

Comment by ChrisB Monday, May 15, 23 @ 12:37 pm
It’s all about the behavior of the dog. If they’re good doggies, they can stay. Stay. STAY.

Good doggie.

Comment by The Truth Monday, May 15, 23 @ 12:38 pm
““I’d like to be able to enjoy my meal without having to worry about fleas, pet hair, barking and entitled dogs and their owners,” said Tracy Chiu Parisi … .”

Probably feels the same way about children.

Comment by Anyone Remember Monday, May 15, 23 @ 12:41 pm
I don’t really mind, I always think it’s kinda nice to see dogs outdoors at restaurants. (I’m allergic, so can’t have my own doggo.)

As always, it’s the handful of badly-behaved owners of badly-behaved dogs who are the problem.

Comment by Suburban Mom Monday, May 15, 23 @ 12:43 pm
There is a bar in my neighborhood that lets people bring their dogs, and one of the customers always complains loudly about it. I finally asked the guy if he hates it so much why doesn’t he take his business elsewhere and he acted like I was insane.

If you don’t like it, then don’t go there.

Comment by Just Me 2 Monday, May 15, 23 @ 12:43 pm
No. Not where I am eating. Also disrespectful of the many people who are allergic. Keep your slobbering, smelly fur baby out of restaurants, indoors or out.

Comment by Captain Obvious Monday, May 15, 23 @ 12:46 pm
==No. Not where I am eating.==

If you don’t like it then don’t go there. Problem solved.

Comment by Demoralized Monday, May 15, 23 @ 12:49 pm
I’ve taken my dogs to a few places that allow dogs. Most outdoors but one allowed them indoors. They were well behaved and loved being out. I fully support allowing people to bring their dogs out. As I stated in my previous comment, if people don’t like it then they don’t have to go to those places where dogs are allowed.

Comment by Demoralized Monday, May 15, 23 @ 12:51 pm
I would like there to be more dogs everywhere in my life (even though my own dogs would hate going out in public to spaces like these), so I am very in favor of bars having the right to decide. There’s no risk, I think, of the Alineas of the world suddenly becoming overrun with dogs; people will always have a choice of where they want to frequent.

Comment by Garfield Ridge Guy Monday, May 15, 23 @ 12:53 pm
If restaurants want to allow it fine, but they should not have to (nor should they want to). I love my dog and all dogs for that matter but a restaurant is not a place where they belong. If you do not want to leave your dog at home for an hour to eat dinner than eat in, sorry not sorry.

Comment by Southside Timmy Monday, May 15, 23 @ 12:56 pm
The irony of Tracy calling a… dog… entitled as she complains about a curious dog sniffing her. If the dogs behave there is no reason why it should bother anyone else. Leave it up to individual businesses, and I think having a “dog section” and “non-dog” section would be smart, but honestly I don’t think it matters that much. People with an irrational phobia or just so fastidious that the idea of a strand of hair falling on them sets them off can dine inside. Problem solved.

Comment by Perrid Monday, May 15, 23 @ 12:57 pm
“Your thoughts on dogs in outdoor areas of restaurants?”

I’m not a fan — but I’m not a fan of a lot of things that people and businesses should be allowed to do.

– MrJM

Comment by MisterJayEm Monday, May 15, 23 @ 12:58 pm
Rich, you posted a pic of Oscar looking at a parrot inside a year or two back, I think at a mechanic? We let dogs into a lot of places these days, hard to see why we’d stop them from being in an outdoor section of a restaurant.

Comment by Perrid Monday, May 15, 23 @ 12:59 pm
My thought is even Mayor Daley and Mayor Rahm figured this out over a decade ago for Chicago (though Daley, of course, thought a fee and special permit should be required).

If the owners are good and responsible it’s not a problem, and if the owners aren’t good and responsible? They’ll claim it’s a ADA protected service animal and the restaurant staff will allow the inconsiderate owner to stay rather than risk the bad PR or lawsuit from kicking out a faux service animal.

Comment by ChicagoBars Monday, May 15, 23 @ 1:01 pm
ehhh… I love seeing and loving on puppers even though I don’t have one of my own… but I am not all people. As long as businesses require dogs to stay on leashes and at their respective tables (and there’s enough space for safe service) it shouldn’t be a problem… but that’s dependent on other people, which is always a crapshoot.

Comment by Squirrel Monday, May 15, 23 @ 1:02 pm
some dogs can be just fine. some dogs not. it depends on the owner. and I don’t want to have to depend on the owner when I’m eating nor do I want a dog at the next table. Offices, dog spaces, it’s getting to be a bit much. meanwhile, there are so many dogs in need of homes and no solution to the too many dogs problem as there is for cats, trap, neuter, release.

Comment by Amalia Monday, May 15, 23 @ 1:06 pm
That’s a no for me, dawg.

If all dogs underwent service animal training, sure. Unfortunately, many pets (and their owners) do the bare minimum.

Comment by Jocko Monday, May 15, 23 @ 1:09 pm
Mrs G’Kar and I try to plan our trips so we can visit places that would allow our dog. In the last six years we have not had any issues with our dog and many other dinners want to pet him.

Comment by G'Kar Monday, May 15, 23 @ 1:19 pm
I don’t think it should be up for the government to decide. I expect many restaurants will opt out. My old dog wouldn’t have been able to handle being at a restaurant, so he never went to one. My new dog can, and I can’t wait to take her to a patio. Unfortunately, not everyone is so aware and/or considerate.

Comment by wildcat12 Monday, May 15, 23 @ 1:21 pm
=== what if I don’t enjoy dogs? ===

Then don’t approach them and you should be fine.

Comment by Hannibal Lecter Monday, May 15, 23 @ 1:24 pm
oops, s/b many diners want to pet him.

Comment by G'Kar Monday, May 15, 23 @ 1:25 pm
I would prefer eating with dogs than most people I know.

Comment by Hannibal Lecter Monday, May 15, 23 @ 1:26 pm
People who don’t like dogs can always eat inside the restaurant.

Comment by cermak_rd Monday, May 15, 23 @ 1:27 pm
Dogs > People

Comment by Lurker Monday, May 15, 23 @ 1:28 pm
=== The problem is, some people think this is true. It isn’t. ===

You’re right. Most dogs are better behaved.

Comment by Hannibal Lecter Monday, May 15, 23 @ 1:29 pm
I prefer dogs as dinner guests…they just eat…and quietly.

Comment by Dotnonymous Monday, May 15, 23 @ 1:32 pm
- My dog definitely could not behave herself -

Dogs do not train themselves…that’s the pack leaders job.

Comment by Dotnonymous Monday, May 15, 23 @ 1:36 pm
Oops. Good to see YOU out Oscar!

Comment by No Bad Dogs Monday, May 15, 23 @ 1:37 pm
No.

Have a dog and love that dog. But I don’t always love other people’s dog.

However I bet Oscar is real mensch.

Comment by Cool Papa Bell Monday, May 15, 23 @ 1:40 pm
Dogs allowed in outdoor patio is a no brainer ! Food bloggers banished to table next to the kitchen.

Comment by PP Monday, May 15, 23 @ 1:46 pm
Has no one considered the servers in this proposal to allow dogs in restaurant spaces?

It is difficult enough to carry a tray and place food orders on tables and navigate the space near tables.

The presence of dogs could make serving even more challenging.

Comment by Rudy’s teeth Monday, May 15, 23 @ 1:53 pm
===The presence of dogs could make===

This is not a new thing.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, May 15, 23 @ 1:55 pm
I would agree if a separate dining area for canine companions is available. Many people do not like to be close to dogs, and not just because of allergies. They should be humored as well and why should a restaurant lose business by insisting all customers accept your pets?

Comment by Wensicia Monday, May 15, 23 @ 2:16 pm
Canines and humans have been able to successfully cohabit for some time.

Comment by Dotnonymous Monday, May 15, 23 @ 2:23 pm
I’m all for letting dogs eat outdoors at restaurants. I seldom go out to eat because I don’t want to put my pup in a crate for a couple of hours and I don’t want to pay for boarding.

The key is having the patio with enough room that the dog is away from walkways, other dogs, and non-dog people.

Comment by City Guy Monday, May 15, 23 @ 2:43 pm
No. Have run into too many dogs in various stores that were out of control. The owners were oblivious to the problems the dog was causing.

Comment by Huh? Monday, May 15, 23 @ 3:08 pm
Huh at 3:08 pm I know people who have kids with same issue !! : o

My take is let the individual places decide if they want a dog friendly space. Call ahed if ya wanna bring your pup see what they offer. My pooch, although very friendly, might intimidate some because his size and over exuberant happy bark.

Comment by NorthSideNoMore Monday, May 15, 23 @ 3:21 pm
Dealing with customers is all employees should have to do, not dodging and avoiding dogs when trying to do their job as best they can. Not to mention worrying about being attacked by a dog or dealing with dog fights. Keep them home or find a sitter.

Comment by And another lobbyist Monday, May 15, 23 @ 3:28 pm
Should be up to the restaurant owner. I have many friends who are uncomfortable around dogs and would most likely avoid a restaurant with dogs in it. I have other friends who love taking their dogs everywhere and would love such restaurants. It should the restaurant owner’s decision on what kind of establishment he has. I am curious who is responsible if a dog takes a bite out of someone?

Comment by Groucho Monday, May 15, 23 @ 4:32 pm
Before my dog passed, I took her everywhere. Lowe’s, Bass Pro and every dog friendly place we frequented. Out of State I had taken her to dog friendly restaurants. Was nice to have her there, she socialized and was better for the experience.

I am all for dog friendly places if the iwners want to provide the space.My only issue is there are too many people who have failed to train their dogs and that creates an issue. IF people are responsible then no problems should happen, but we know it seems like most people are not.

Comment by FormerParatrooper Monday, May 15, 23 @ 6:39 pm