ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
ADVISORY BULLETIN
5050 Commerce Drive, Baldwin Park, CA 91706
Telephone: (626) 430-5200 • Website: http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/eh
December 2011
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING THE
ALLOWANCE OF PET DOGS IN OUTDOOR DINING AREAS
What you need to know:
1. What was the previous County policy regarding pet dogs in restaurants?
The previous Los Angeles County Policy (Animals in Food Facilities), restricted the presence of
any live animal, bird, or fowl inside full-service, outdoor dining areas demarcated by fencing,
planters, shrubs, or other means that limit pedestrian traffic,. These areas were then considered
to be “in” the facility. Other exterior areas of a food facility, such as non-demarcated outdoor
dining areas, outdoor dining areas without table service or parkways were not
considered to be
inside the facility. The exclusion or permission of animals from these areas is at the discretion
of the business operator.
2. What is the new policy?
The new policy, which went into effect in December 2011, provides the restaurant operator or
owner sets of guidelines to follow if they decide they would like to allow pet dogs at the outdoor
patio dining area of the restaurant. The exclusion or permission of animals from these areas is
at the discretion of the business operator or owner; however, they must follow these guidelines:
Pet dogs may be allowed in outdoor dining areas of a food facility only at the discretion of
the business operator and if the following requirements are met:
• A separate entrance is present where pets do not enter through the food
establishment to reach the outdoor dining area.
• No food preparation shall be allowed at the outdoor dining area including the
dispensing/mixing of drinks and ice.
• Customer multi-use or reusable utensils such as plates, silverware, glasses and
bowls shall not be stored, displayed or pre-set at the outdoor dining area.
• Food and water served/provided to pets shall only be in single use disposable
containers.
• Employees shall be prohibited from having direct contact with pets while on duty.
• Pets shall not be allowed on chairs, seats, benches, and tables.
• The outdoor dining area shall be maintained clean.
• In cases where excrement or other bodily fluids (urine, saliva, and vomit) are
deposited, an employee shall immediately clean and sanitize the affected areas.
• The outdoor dining area shall not be fully enclosed (a fully enclosed dining area shall
be considered to be part of the interior area of the facility).
The California Health and Safety Code remains the same which prohibits live animals inside the
food facility, except for the service animals or dogs under the control of a uniformed law
enforcement officer or of uniformed employees of private patrol operators. This new guideline
does not affect the service animal regulation which allows them inside the food facility.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
ADVISORY BULLETIN
5050 Commerce Drive, Baldwin Park, CA 91706
Telephone: (626) 430-5200 • Website: http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/eh
December 2011
3. What is a service animal?
An animal such as guide dog, signal dog or other animal individually trained to provide
assistance to an individual with a disability. Service animals are limited to dogs and miniature
horses (American Disability Act Section 205.04)
4. Why change the existing policy?
Many dog and restaurant owners advocated for this policy change, and we are pleased to
support both residents and business owners with this opportunity. After carefully reviewing
possible risk factors that may be associated with allowing pet dogs in outdoor dining areas, we
determined policy revisions were possible.
5. Which area of the restaurant are the pet dogs allowed in?
Pet dogs will be permitted only in an outdoor patio, dining area that has a separate entrance, for
pet dogs to access the outdoor area, without going through or inside the restaurant. This area
may be surrounded with a fence, shrubs or bushes.
6. Can I bring other pets besides dogs?
No, this guideline is limited to pet dogs, since dogs are the domesticated animal that most
commonly accompanies pet owners and are typically trained and can follow basic directives
from its owner. Pet dogs can also be restrained with a leash and are typically more manageable
in a social setting.
7. Can I share plates or share utensils with my pet dogs?
Pet dogs are only allowed to eat or drink from a disposable or single use bowls or plates.
Although data has not been established to support the danger or safety of shared utensils
between humans and dogs, that are properly washed and sanitized in between, it is our goal to
protect food safety and to ensure safety for all patrons.
8. Can the employee pet or play with the pet dogs?
No, food facility employees are prohibited from having direct contact with pets while on duty.
They are not allowed to pet or play with the pet dogs and handle food or utensils at the same
time.
9. Who is responsible for cleaning up after the pet dog at the outdoor dining area?
By allowing pet dogs in the outdoor dining or patio area of the restaurant, the owner of the
business becomes responsible for maintaining this area in a clean and sanitary condition. After
food business employees perform cleaning and maintenance of these areas, they are required
to properly wash their hands.
10. How are the employees supposed to clean the affected areas?
Employees shall clean the affected floors using dustless methods of cleaning such as wet
cleaning, vacuum cleaning, mopping with treated dust mops, or sweeping using a broom and
dust-arresting compounds. Spillage or drippage on floors that occur between normal floor
cleaning times may be cleaned without the use of dust-arresting compounds and with the use of
a small amount of absorbent compound such as sawdust or diatomaceous earth applied
immediately before spot cleaning. Business operators still must follow local ordinances or
restrictions in chemical waste and disposal.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
ADVISORY BULLETIN
5050 Commerce Drive, Baldwin Park, CA 91706
Telephone: (626) 430-5200 • Website: http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/eh
December 2011
11. Who is responsible if the dog misbehaves barks or is uncontrollable?
Each pet dog owner is responsible for the behavior and action of their pets. It is the
responsibility of the food operator or owner to create their own rules as to what is acceptable pet
dog behavior or etiquette while at their facility.
12. Does this policy apply to all the cities in Los Angeles?
The new policy is for all restaurants in Los Angeles County that are inspected by Public Health,
except for the cities of Pasadena, Long Beach and Vernon, which have their own Public Health
Department.
13. Do other counties or states allow pet dogs at outdoor dining areas?
In California, local jurisdictions have varying interpretations of the law. Santa Barbara County
currently has a written policy that allows pet dogs at outdoor dining areas. In February 2012,
Hawaii has a proposed a bill that will allow pet dogs in the food facility. The state of Florida
enacted legislation that will permit pet dogs in restaurants with restrictions.
14. Where can I file a complaint when this new policy is not properly followed?
You can file a complaint by contacting Environmental Health at 1-888-700-9995 or email us at
.
For a complete guideline, or additional questions visit us at
http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/eh
