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. Michigan law doesn’t allow dogs in outdoor dining spaces, for example, but lets restaurants apply for a variance from their county health department. They should ensure dogs remain properly restrained and provide separate food bowls so dogs don’t use plates or utensils meant for humans. The Salty Dog Café in Hilton Head, South Carolina, allowed dogs on its patio when it first opened in 1987. Too many dogs were barking through meals, fighting, lying in walkways and stealing hot dogs from kids’ plates, says Tim Stearns, the Salty Dog’s chief operating officer.

Source: Huffington Post May 18, 2023 23:37 UTC