Effective July 1, 2006, local governments were authorized to enact local laws allowing (non-service) dogs in limited, designated outdoor seating areas of food service establishments. The new law applies only to dogs so all other animals remain prohibited from food service establishments. Where is your business located in the the state? Check with your local government to see if they enacted a local law.

Sounds like a wondeful customer.... I'd hate to be in the service industry....Having to be nice to people who are not nice...

Just from the aspect of a person who has eaten at restaurants all over as I am sure most people here have. I would not want to eat in a place where people brought their dog's in. It just seems kind of dirty and isn't allowed by the deparment of health in many areas.

There's a pretty smatltzy (i.e., fancy) shopping center nearby called Fashion Island of Newport Beach. I used to really like wandering around there. But they have now opened the walkways AND THE STORES to all dogs. Havings dogs walk into Bloomies just doesn't seem clean. I think the dog policy has really cheapened the whole center tremendously. So if you have a choice, don't. MaryAnnBusiness Plan MasterThe Business Plan for a Tough Economy ---This post was edited to remove a commercial link. Read our discussion policies for more Community best practices.

I am a professional dog trainer and my company trains dogs for service. Your rights as a business owner are pretty straightforward. If the dog is not a trained service dog that is trained to aid a disabled person then you are legally entitled to refuse service. HOWEVER, the burden of proof is on you. The Federal Civil rights law, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title 111 28 CFT Sec 36 defines a service animal that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability (the disability may not be visible) . By Federal law, a service animal is not legally required to wear special equipment or tags. The ADA does not require proof or 'certification' of the service dog training. Further, Federal CFR Sec 36, 302 protects the rights of individuals to bring service animals into stores, bars, restaurants, and other public venues. Bottom line is that unless you have deep pockets and a very good lawyer you are skating on thin ice if any customer claims his pet is for service and you refuse him entry. I have clients who have purchased my dogs to calm them in the event of of an impending 'panic attack'. So the best advice is to bite your lip and serve any customer who utters the phrase 'service dog'

Trainer - thanks for jumping in with that helpful reply!

In many states, the health department enforces requirements about the presence of animals in establishments where food or drink is sold. You may want to find out the specific health code that would be violated and prominently post it in your establishment. As Trainer mentioned, there are a variety of types of service dogs and you would need to accommodate them, but posting legal information may deter those who do not have a service dog. If the dog owner regularly visits your establishment and you can prove that the dog's presence is negatively impacting your business, you may want to talk with your attorney about options.

In Canada, You can't bring any sort of animal inside a store, restaurant or bar, There is a hefty fine, You are not even allowed to bring your pets in most parks around here.