Dogs in outdoor dining areas
Dogs in outdoor dining areas
Food businesses may choose to allow dogs in outdoor dining areas, under certain conditions. The rules do not allow other animals in outdoor dining areas and they are different to the rules allowing assistance animals (not companion animals) in food businesses.
As a customer, if you take your dog to an outdoor dining area you have certain responsibilities to:
- respect the food business’ choice as to whether or not they allow dogs in their outdoor dining area
- respect the safety and comfort of other customers
- maintain control of your animal while dining at the food premises including:
- keep the dog tied to a tether point or ensure the dog remains close to you
- make all attempts to control the dog’s barking and address any other behavioural issues e.g. fighting with other dogs, unwelcome physical contact with other customers, or eating from customer’s plates
- remove the dog from the premises to an appropriate place, if you become aware of the dog’s need to urinate or defecate (it is your responsibility to clean up after your dog, including dog excrement, and dispose of waste appropriately)
- inform a staff member immediately of any dog waste.
- refrain from touching dogs while eating
- not encourage food service staff or other customers to pat your dog
- be aware of your legal obligations under relevant legislation:
- Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008
- Local laws
- Conditions of entry that apply to a location e.g. shopping centres, sporting grounds
Food businesses may exclude a dog that is not an assistance animal, for any reason.
If you have any further questions relating to animals in food premises, contact your local council.