stories : Nagging Question
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Chow and Bow WowWhy aren’t dogs allowed in U.S. restaurants? |
Why are dogs banned from restaurants in the United States? Are they really a health hazard?
As long as dogs are dewormed and properly groomed, many people, including veterinarian Dr. Kjerstin Jacobs of Chicago, Illinois, do not see an obvious health reason for not allowing your pup in a restaurant. However, the FDA prohibits live animals (except fish in tanks) in retail establishments where food is served. Health concerns include pets going to the bathroom on the floor or “people, including restaurant employees, petting them and not washing their hands,” says Lawrence Pong, manager of training and food-borne illness outbreak investigation for the San Francisco Department of Public Health.
States draft their own health codes, but most adopt the FDA Food Code, which then gets enforced by local city health inspectors.
However, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides an easily exploited loophole: It explicitly states that “service animals” must be allowed in restaurants (though they’re prohibited from kitchens and storage areas). Service animals are defined as those that perform tasks for people with disabilities. They include everything from a blind person’s seeing-eye dog to a snake whose role is to help its agoraphobic owner feel less freaked out in crowds.
These animals aren’t legally required to wear any identification, nor are their owners required to carry any documents showing their animals’ special status. A person who’s allergic to animals can’t complain and get them kicked out of a restaurant. And though restaurant operators can ask a patron if his or her animal is a service animal, they can’t legally ask for proof or an explanation of what service the animal is providing. This piece of the ADA is often abused by patrons.
“I live in Venice [California], and people walk their dogs everywhere. There are always operators that will say, ‘No, you can’t bring your dog in here,’ and there will be people who say, ‘Well this is really a service animal,’” says Terrence Powell, acting director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Though it leaves the restaurant operator open to ADA violations, he or she will often pursue the matter, says Powell. “They’ll say, ‘Well what is it?’ and many times the person with the animal will be caught obviously trying to make something up.”
In many areas of the country, inspectors have become more tolerant of pets. In Los Angeles, for instance, health inspectors allow dogs in outdoor café seating areas, provided there are no barricades separating diners from pedestrians, and that you don’t have to walk through the normal restaurant to get to the area, the way you would with a back patio.
“I think an unreasonable approach would be to say that no dogs are allowed at an outdoor table when a pedestrian walking by on the sidewalk can essentially brush up against you with a dog,” says Powell.
Florida was the first to enact a law explicitly allowing dogs in outdoor areas of restaurants. Sheri McInvale, the former state representative who introduced the legislation, says the biggest opposition to the bill had to do with concerns over dog bites and fights, not health issues. The final bill signed into law contained a provision that restaurants had to carry a minimum level of liability insurance in order to participate in the program.
But what about Paris Hilton and her ilk? Ubiquitous handbag pooches are photographed in restaurants nearly as often as their famous guardians.
Many restaurant operators, in a tough spot with conflicting ADA restrictions, city health codes, and attitudes of dog-loving patrons, often take their chances and look the other way.
Honestly, I can't believe that anyone would be rude enough to try to bring their dog into a restaurant if it wasn't a seriously needed service animal. What disrespect to the other patrons of the restaurant. I have a dog and he knows he's not to be in the room with me while I eat. The last thing I need is an animal sniffing at my food and possibly shedding hair in my meal at home, much less in a restaurant where I'm paying for the experience.
Outdoors on patios, perhaps, depending on the calibre of the restaurant, but still, if you're going out for a nice meal, how hard is it to leave your dog at home for a few hours? Some people really lack common sense.
One time I saw a big Labrador take a huge steaming glistening crap on the sidewalk at the Dallas Farmers' Market, while its owner stood helplessly on the other end of the leash. It happened over ten years ago, but the memory is still as vivid as the day it happened. Until that day I had always thought that dogs in restaurants were pretty cute. Not any more.
I've lived in 2 cities where the residents seem to think they can bring their dogs anywhere--Boulder and Boston. I don't get it. To me it's part of the same wave of rudeness addressed in many other threads--bringing children to cocktail parties, talking on the cell phone at the table, etc. Just an utter refusal to believe that you can't always have exactly what you want the way you want it at every second of every day.
As far as the dog defecating in the restaurant, I'd have no problem if the dog was made to wear a diaper. But the owner would have to wear a diaper as well. On their head.
I like to take my dog on patios, but then I have taken lots of time to train him how to behave. He sits by my feet and stays there quietly.
Frankly, I wish I could take him inside, but I see the objections. One not mentioned, but it is very valid: Some people are allergic to dogs. They deserve the chance to have a nice meal. Outside isn't so bad, but inside, dog dander could make them really sick.
I also think it wouldn't be fair in LA to force smokers out but let dogs in. Sure, dog's don't cause lung cancer, but they can cause other diners to object.
Celebrities get to sneak those little handbag adornment dogs everywhere, and I see a lot of young wannabees trying it.
The whole service dog thing can get a bit silly. There's a woman who constantly brings her mini poodle into Gelson's (a gourmet supermarket) When asked, she of course claims it's a service dog. I asked what service it did and she said, "Oh, she's a therapy dog at the hospital. She makes people with cancer feel better by sitting in their laps and letting them pet her."
Now, hoe does THAT mean the dog is necessary for her to take in the grocery store? The law should be amended. "servoce dogs required for daily fnctioning of the owner". Seeing eye, seizure alert, and dogs that help with movement and grabbing things-and I guess monkeys, too. there are even seeing eye mini ponies (or one, at least). Cutesy therapy dogs need not apply.
I have a dog, and while I appreciate that people who have dogs as pets want to take their dogs everywhere, when I go to a restaurant, I go to eat. I don't want to be disturbed by dogs being dogs. Also, I'm allergic to some breeds, so it would not be pleasant for me.
I'm not allergic to dogs, in fact I have three of them whom I love very much- spoiled beasts that always try to beg even though they've never been fed from the table. I go to restaurants in part to get away from them!
I'm not automatically offended if somebody has a well-behaved animal with them in a grocery store or restaurant, but I don't want to be inconvenienced by them either. It's like leaving your children with a sitter to go to a restaurant for some adult time only to have somebody else's noisy, intrusive tykes running roughshod through the place and annoying you. It would have been easier and cheaper to stay home if you have to put up with it.
I've seen people bring their lap dogs into grocery stores and give them the evil eye. I don't want their dog shedding on what could be my arugula. This is ridiculous.
I don't have a problem with dogs at outdoor eating areas as long as they are well-behaved and remaining quietly with their owner. But bringing your dog into the Dunkin Donuts while you grab a coolata? Puh-leeze.
It's perfectly civilized, and clean, to bring dogs into restaurants. In Europe it's common practice. In fact, while I lived there I never saw a dog shedding into a patron's salad - go figure.
The real problem, as usual, is the dog owners who don't train and take care of their pets. If you can't eat while your dog is in the same room, then you blew it. Get a fish.
Like raw milk cheese? Any idea how many fingers have been dipped in your bolognese? Stop wining and give your dog a bath. Puh-leeze.
I was wondering when someone would bring up the example of European diners who commonly bring dogs into restaurants. As far as I know, there hasn't been a huge outbreak of disgusting diseases in Europe because of dogs. Frankly, we have more to fear from the people preparing our food than a dog sitting under a table.
Most dogs are at least as well behaved as most children who are allowed to not only be at the table, but wander the entire restaurant at will, screaming the entire time. I would rather be sitting next to a dog than a screaming child any day.
The problem is that there aren't other humans who are allergic to children (no matter what they say!), and I know many people who are severely allergic to dogs, to the point where very limited exposure causes hives, facial swelling, etc. No matter how well-behaved your dog is (and in terms of behavior, I agree with glazebrookgirl that dogs are often better-behaved than kids!), you're still endangering allergic folks by bringing them into a restaurant. Of course, service animals still harbor allergens, but they are much rarer than pets.
It's bad enough they allow children in restaurants. Dogs? What next? A hamster?
I think it goes both ways: I've seen plenty of well-behaved dogs AND kids in restaurants. I've also seen some kids behaving like dogs and some dogs treated like children. So long as NEITHER takes a ca-ca on the carpet while I'm eating my charcuterie, I got no problems.
I took my dog into all kinds of restaurants in France - from cafes to Michelin three-stars. I know I received exceptional service at Pierre Gagnaire because of her - the chef himself actually brings his own Yellow Lab into the restaurant regularly. My dog could behave appropriately through dinner - not all dogs can - nor can all people. It would be great if we had this freedom in the US - but freedom does come with responsibility.
Italophile that I am, I don't assume Europeans have a lock on civilization. I also saw Europeans chatting away on their cells at the dinner table long before that practice took hold here. Just as that is arguably rude to your companions and your fellow diners, so is bringing dogs where they're not typically brought. As long as it is arguable rather than totally accepted practice, I suggest you (gasp!) try to do the prudent, respectful thing instead of the selfish thing.
People in the U.S. need to get a grip. Bringing dogs to restaurant patios is not rude at all, and it is certainly not a health risk. I have never seen a dog misbehaving or bothering other patrons, but I often see children and adults misbehaving and acting rude. Further, if someone did bring a dog that was misbehaving, it is a reflection of that owner, not the dog. Some parents have no control over their children; does that mean all children should be banned from all restaurants?
As for allergies, I know more people who are allergic to perfume than to dogs (although I am allergic to dogs). Maybe we should ban the sale of perfume. Further, many people, including myself, are allergic to grass, trees, and pollen. Should grass and trees be removed from our cities? Somehow those of us with allergies survive stepping outside of our house. I am sure there are just as many people in France who are allergic to dogs, yet allowing dogs in restaurants does not seem to be a big deal.
brandygirl, or any of the other pro-dog restaurant people here:
Explain to me this: what's the *point* of bringing your dog to a restaurant? You're going to eat; the dog will just lie there as you attend to your meal. Why not leave the dog at home? It can equally well lie there without your attention (which will be the case in a restaurant while you're eating anyways), and when you get home, you can be together and have fun. I guess I really just don't see much benefit to anyone - dog, owner, or other patrons - to allowing dogs in restaurants.
And where do you draw the line? I used to have a very docile boa constrictor who loved to be handled and was well behaved and completely unintrusive. I sold her before she became large, but she likely grew to be about eight feet long. Would it be reasonable for me to bring a large snake like this to a restaurant with me? She was very still and certainly would never have directly bothered another patron. I doubt anyone has an airborne snake allergy, and snakes are generally very clean animals (despite overexaggerated stories of salmonella, which cats and dogs are also very likely to carry), so there seems even less of a reason to prohibit me from doing this than there is to prohibit dogs there.
diningberlin: There are a good number of training sources that actually recommend that you prepare food and eat separately from your dog. Yes, having your dog in the room should not be prohibitive, but according to quite a few well-experienced trainers, it's not recommended.
Frankly, I like to eat quietly and have my space; I don't allow the cats or the dog in the room with me while I dine. I'd rather fully focus on the meal and, in the case of company, on my dinner companions than have animals moving around on the floor, even if they are perfect angels.
vorpal - my dog did far more than just lie there - she had my attention and the attention of others if they were. I go to restaurants to more than just eat - it's a social experience - and dogs are great companion animals. I can't tell you how many people we've met worldwide because we were dining out with her. When we lived in LA we'd occasionally see people out with their big snakes, more in funky coffeehouses than fine dining - and that was very cool. It is all undeniably culturally relevant. In Paris, when I would call restaurants to reserve and confirm they allowed dogs, I was more often than not met with a confused pause - like I was asking a trick question - "Uh, yeah, of course we allow dogs."
I agree that dining with your dog is a social experience, dogs like to be with their owners and owners like hanging out with their dogs.
As far as dining with your dog as a training issue, I think the literature speaks more to eating at the same time as your dog, which may undermine your authority. Having your dog around while you eat is less problematic.
I also believe that we would do everyone a big favor by kicking out any patron who is bothering others, because of misbehaving animals, kids, or boa constrictors! The restaurant has every right to ask any patron to leave if they are not behaving properly. That would safeguard against any misbehaving animals.
Well said, Louisa Chu. My dog is my companion. Having my dog lie under the table at a restaurant hurts no one--most people don't even know she's there--and it makes me and my dog happy. I would never think of taking her to a fine dining establishment, but I am often running around doing errands with my dog or taking her to the beach, and I would love to take her with me when I stop for lunch or dinner.
Also, dogs are different than other pets. They are much more social with people. Even those who take their dogs with them everywhere don't take their cats, fish, hamsters, birds, or snakes with them. I've had cats that loved people and loved attention, but I would never think of taking them places with me.
And I also agree with brandygirl that people are allergic to many things and yet I don't see a call for a ban on all peanuts, eggs, or environmental pollutors like perfume or trees.
A few years ago, I visited my favorite video rental store. Someone who had brought their dog was also browsing the shelves. This was NOT a service dog. The dog brushed against me at least twice, and brushed against, or leaped on, every patron in the store.
On my way out the door, I found a tick crawling up my leg. This is one of the many reasons that I feel, other than as service animals, dogs don't belong in many public places.
Most food manufacturers provide warnings on their products if it has come into contact with peanuts or eggs. I've seen restaurants with the same warnings. A peanut or egg allergy is very different than an allergy to dog dander. Most everyone I know with tree or grass allergy is prepared in advance. I certainly dont' expect to see a dog in a restaurant, so I doubt the dog allergic are prepared in advance.
I don't use perfume or cologne precisely because I know people who are allergic to it. Why not be considerate and think about other people's needs?
One solution would be to have restaurants that are dog friendly, and those that aren't.
If a restaurant allows a patron in with a dog, then I guess it's allowed. Not much can be done by those who find it unpleasant--like me, and I love dogs--except to frequent another restaurant. However, since humans are paying customers who hope to take advantage of the restaurant's services and dogs are not, I think that's an unfortunate circumstance.
Brandygirl, I can think of 2 recent experiences with dogs that were a nuisance: in one they started barking at passersby, in another they were smelling each others' behinds. Now that's what dogs do. But, seeing as how as I'm in Boston and not France, I don't expect to have to deal w/ it over dinner nor do I feel I should have to. Take them to parks. Take them on walks. Take them to dog bakeries. Do not take them where, culturally, they are not yet acceptable just because you CAN.
The citizens of the First World do entirely too much just because they CAN.
tatamagouche, the article and responses here are exploring the issue of WHY it is not culturally acceptable to bring your dog into a restaurant and if it SHOULD be okay to bring them. No one here, that I can see, is saying they take their dogs into restaurants where culturally they are prohibited. I leave my dog at home when I go out, so I don't really understand your argument.
What I and others here are expressing is a desire to bring our dogs out to eat with us, not that we currently do so. Even though I disagree with our current culture of dog banning, I abide by it. This discussion is for the pros and cons of what would happen if dogs were allowed.
I have six, yes 6, Shih-tzus that are exceptionally well behaved and trained. While I would not venture into an eating establishment with them in tow, I do frequent those outdoor cafe's that permit one dog outside. I've NEVER had a problem with compalints in over 10 years. I'm not worried about a dog's behavior but do not appreciate those owners that don't know how to or care to control their dogs. They make it tough for the rest of us.
For those who are not owners, please remember that these companions are part of a family and treated as such by most owners. I would rather sit next to a dog than a screaming, uncontrolled child in a restaurant any day of the week.
I love dogs! I have two. But I do not agree with taking them to restaurants because of what happened to my mom. About seven years ago an english wolf hound attacked her while she was waiting tables. She had to get thirty two stiches. On top of it she is VERY allergic to dogs.
Cases such as these rarely happen but when they do, it's really unfortunate. For everyone. The owner of the establishment, he had to pay workers-comp and it was horrible publicity for his place. The owner of the dog was ordered to have the dog put down. My mom, loves god and felt so bad about the whole situation.
So, in conclusion dogs should not be allowed in restaraunt becuase of the allergies and the safety issues that may surface.
My mom has a service cat, believe it or not. Her cat is about 15 years old, we've had her since she was born. About 5-6 years ago, my mother had to get an emergency tracheotomy done. Sometimes in the middle of the night, her trach would get clogged and would hinder her breathing but not wake her up. Somehow the cat figured this out and has taken to waking my mom up when she hears the sound. I think more than once she's helped avert disaster. My mom would never take her in a restaurant (since she isn't needed during the day) but would take her in an airplane if the need arises.
I have a Great Pyrenees that I adore. While I have enjoyed sitting with him on cafe patios, I don't see that dogs should be allowed inside of restaurants. For one, it isn't fair to people that are allergic or afraid. Another poster commented about her well behaved boa. I am TERRIFIED of snakes and if there was one inside anywhere, I would book it out of there.
Another thing... mix several dogs, close tables, food, and see how many dog fights you encounter. Dogs have primal instinct when they are around food. Even if you aren't feeding any table scraps, if they get the sense that there's competition for food, they can snap at other dogs, kids, waiters, whatever. And living in America, are we foolish enough to believe that people WONT try and sue the restaurant?
Glazebrookgirl, I'm not sure why you felt my comment diverged so greatly from those before it. Even putting aside the fact that restaurant patios are part of restaurants--hence I thought, and I don't think I was alone in assuming, that we were speaking of a trend that is already occurring, ban or no ban--I provided a couple of examples as to why dogs may not belong where humans who aren't their owners pay to eat.
Mercifully, I have never seen a dog in a UK restaurant. On a patio, yes. In a downmarket cafe, yes. Inside a pub, sometimes. But a real restaurant?
UK restaurants do not need "No dogs" signs. Folk just don't take their dogs out to eat.
Here's another cultural difference. In France, you're more likely to see dogs in luxury restaurants than casual cafes. Why? Because in luxury restaurants there's more room for the dogs - and they're typically the kinds of establishments where enjoy the entire evening - where you're not just rushing in for a drink or a bite.
i think dogs are welcomed in chinese restaurants
About 30 odd-years ago, a group of us, including one blind friend with a seeing-eye dog, tried to enter a restaurant in NYC's Chinatown. The waiters refused to seat us, pointing at the dog. No amount of explanation would change their minds. Our friend got angry, left, found a phone booth (that dog always amazed me) and called the police. A officer came in and had to sit at an adjacent booth in order to make sure that the restaurant would serve us (I recall that the officer thought if he left we would not be served). We paid for the officer's meal.
What if you're intensly afraid of dogs like I am? I would be forced to leave a restaurant immediately if I saw a non seeing-eye dog (which I know are trained to be calm and not hurt people) come inside. I'm petrified of dogs. Short of seeing an obviously blind patron walking it, I'm outta there.
What's the point of bringing a dog into a restaurant? Aside from all the reasons Louisa Chu mentioned, the other is simply convenience. Let's say I've been out hiking with my dog. I'm hungry and my companions and I would like to sit and have a drink and a nice meal. I can't leave my dog in the car, so either I take her into a restaurant or I have to skip dinner and go home.
In fact, this comes up every week: I take agility classes with my dog on Saturday mornings, and the place where we have agility is near one of my favorite restaurants. I'd love to be able to stop in and have lunch after class, but I can't leave my dog in the car in the afternoon sun, and it's a half-hour drive home, so once I've taken my dog home, I going to do something else for lunch.
Since this is a theoretical discussion, I'll mention that I wouldn't take my dog into a restaurant because she's a little excitable and ADD, and I wouldn't trust her to behave properly. However, if I lived in a country where dogs were allowed in restaurants, I'd probably make an effort to train her to behave so she could come with me.
In response to another post, I'd like to clarify that "therapy dogs" are NOT service dogs and the laws requiring access for service dogs do not apply to them. Anyone who claims they do is ... wrong.
I think dogs and cats are both welcome in chinese resaurants but there usually the daily special. would that be considered white meat or dark? i think cat is white im not sure about dog. I am a owner of both and they need to stay at home when we go eat. they droul and fart in public. i put up with that from my husband in public not my pets.
As an animal lover myself, I understand a person wanting their pets with them. However, I also firmly believe that only CERTIFIED assistance animals should be allowed in restaurants.
After looking through the hundreds of restaurants closed for vermin infestation, hard to imagine that dogs in restaurants could pose a health hazard. If these kitchen restaurants had dogs they would get rid of vermin naturally. No need for rat poisons or harmful chemicals.
Restaurants could easily section off dogs allowed/no dogs allowed areas to keep everyone happy. They should also reserve the right not to allow dogs deemed a nuisance or unclean.
You know I wasn't going to post anything because this is so controversial but as I read on I just became more and more furious!! I have a dog and fortunately I live in Europe, where he can come to most places with me. Including many (if not all) restaurants. I don't want to leave him home (as some of you suggest) because after being out 10 hours a day at work, I'd like to spend some time with him - even if it is while he is at my side at a restaurant. It is up to you to educate your dog to behave - - - some people should take this cue and educate their children!!!
I have been in restaurants where my dog behaves better than THEM!! As for alergies, I could be alergic to someone's perfume and can't ban them from public places. And how many years did we have to put up with cigarettes?! I prefer a dog ANYDAY!!! (And many times over a lot of humans!)
To vinaigrettequeen and mainebrokerman: Have you ever seen dog or cat available on a Chinese menu? I have two dogs. I'm also Asian. However, and keep in mind this might surprise you, I have not eaten them. They were not purchased for livestock purposes. Shall I put this another way? They are my pets. Also, that joke about dogs and cats on menus in Chinese restaurants is a really ancient joke. You might want to update your repertoire.
Dogs are okay on outside patios. Blah blah blah.
Diana, a dog brought to nursing homes & hospitals is NOT a service dog and I can't believe no one challenged that woman.
michellemar, I don't want to sit next to your dog while I eat, no matter how lovely you think he is. You feel bad you've been gone 10 hrs? STAY HOME with him.
this is one of those silly joke queries, right? like, why can't I still pin my dead mouse on me? ...err.. nevermind, a collegue just informed me that has been done by some dunce celebrity .. but seriously, dog, no, pet owners have no idea what a nuisance their pets are and what they find as nature or endearing is quite revolting for the rest of us .. none-pet-owners! so if I saw a dog in a restaurant, regardless of how casual the establishment was, not only would I be leaving but you better note that there will be a big inflatable rat out there with a whole bunch of people protesting the closing of that place, asap!
I too have had dozens of experiences in restaurants & cafes & pubs in Europe where people brought their dogs with no problems, because the dogs were clean and well socialized and well behaved.
A lot of people seem to think that dogs in the US are dirty or not well behaved, and frankly I'm inclined to agree. Many dogs in the US do appear to be poorly toilet trained and to have little socialization, a lot of frustrated energy, and no manners. But perhaps one reason for that is that their owners tend to leave them at home all the time and therefore don't spend enough time with them to use up their energy, satisfy their social needs, and provide training in good behaviour.
I think bringing dogs to outside eating areas and casual eating areas is fine, subject to being asked to leave if your dog is disruptive. If restaurant managers would ask any and all disruptive patrons to leave (not just dog owners), then we'd all have better eating experiences and the presence of well mannered canines would affect that not at all.
People should not be allowed to bring animals into restaurants, dog owners who have no sense of perspective notwithstanding.
Dogs, cats, monkeys, rats, tarantulas, snakes, hamsters & gerbils, baby tigers, whatever.
Let's see how many of these dog owners like it when I come to dinner with 2 friends and bring my rat, my tarantula and a 10' python to the table. I can easily imagine the screams of the arachnophobic as my tarantula runs all over my torso and head and arms while I eat. Hmmmm?
So let's get real, ok?
http://www.dogshitdepot.com
What about when there are 20 dogs, all trying to fight with each other, or barking at each other, or begging at the tables. Leave the dogs home, period!
My dog goes everywhere with me, recently she was not allowed to dine at a popular Tribeca eatery (the OUTDOOR patio), we left, and ended up at a very famous steakhouse where she was welcome as long as she stayed in her bag, no problem. She had a bottle of water,and her own steak along with a veggie side. YES, we bring her own plate and bowl. As for the place that denied to accomodate her, they lost a 700.00 sale that night-as well as ANY future business. The couple at the table next to us did not even realize she was there until we left..just like kids it's all about the training..and tipping!
I'd be furious w/the mgmt of a restaurant that allowed someone's dog to eat at the table next to me. You fed her from a plate while she was still in her bag? And the point of this was what exactly....attention?
This is a no brainer. Dogs (except real service dogs) have no place in a restaurant. Some of you say, "well MY DOG behaves." All dogs misbehave once in a while. Some people are afraid of dogs. Their feelings come first. Some are allergic. And don't tell me about grass, pollen or perfume. There's no comparison there. As far as kicking people out if their dog misbehaves, yeah good idea. Like they are going to pay the bill if they are kicked out. If you can't go to a restaurant without your dog, then you have a serious problem. people come first. They are paying to have a pleasant experience. Dog owners have no right to ruin that. It's the height of arrogance and solipsism to bring a dog to a restaurant, period! If you can't go out to eat without your dog then stay home and eat with him there.
Well, some people are DEATHLY allergic to peanuts. Why do some restaurants have them as nibbling food at the front doors? One whiff of the peanut smell and the individual with the allergy can go into anaphylactic shock and die.
I wouldn't say this is a "no-brainer." As a counselor, I work with a few clients who are emotionally dependent on their animals. Unfortunately, many people with these issues also feel too intimidated to ask for help from their physicians (it comes with the personality disorder territory). They are afraid that their physician will not believe them, especially if the animal is a little fur ball as opposed to a large dog with a "service animal" harness.
Yes, if they cannot go to a restaurant without their their dogs, they DO have serious problems. These range from agoraphobia to other paranoia disorders to anxiety disorders to bipolarity.
The dog should of course be concealed and kept quiet so that it is not a disturbance to other patrons... but do you not feel that people who have personality disorders are not also entitled to a nice meal out?
Perhaps instead of mocking people with disorders, you should be a bit more open minded as to what the underlying issues may be.
So you are ok with people who are addicted to cigarettes smoking next to you in a restaurant because they have an addiction?
Your clients are too intimidated to ask their doctor for help but are not too intimidated to break the law and ruin people's meals by bringing a dog into a restaurant?
Sorry but people don't have a right to impose their issues on others. Your job is too help your clients deal with their problem, NOT to impose their problem on others.
Of course you didn't address people who are afraid of dogs, or allergic to dogs, or who have dogs but believe they should be left home.
Have you ever experienced 7 or 8 dogs together? The barking and fighting are inevitable. How about dogs that come to your table to beg and you know that is a certainty.
I maintain that people have no right to ruin other people's dinner by bringing their dog into a restaurant.
I am real glad someone posted this question. recently we are seeing more and more of dogs everywhere! I just spent a long flight, which was already cramped, having a shih tzu pant on my feet for 6 hours. I will say for a dog it was very well behaved, but the whole thing was just uncomfortable. as for restaurants and grocery stores? dogs SHOULD not be allowed. there is other people's food there. you may be fine having a dog that might have a tick or shedding in your food but that is your choice and you do not have the right to make it for others. I left a supermarket once when i saw a dog licking something off the floor by the butcher. I realize that it might just be the perception of unsanitary, but I just don't want dogs by my food (or siting next to me on planes). Also on the Peanut allergy note: people who have allergies know safe and unsafe situations and places for themselves and avoid them, (like bars) but people with dog allergies are on their own if they go out to eat because you never know when you are going to see a dog in a restaurant!
chowoholic: They may have lost YOUR $700.00 business, but they may have lost a lot more had they allowed you to eat there with your dog. I guarantee that if I went to a restaurant and discovered that they allowed dogs there, I would never return, and I suspect many other people feel the same way as evidenced by this post.
PuppyMama: People with personality disorders are certainly entitled to a nice meal out. They are not, however, entitled to bringing a pet to a restaurant. If they are unable to do the first without the second, then they are entitled to seek help to deal with their problems and then pursue the first.
ajs,
My job is to help people with problems ranging from grief to severe personality disorders. Part of this is helping them access resources that allow them to live as independently as possible. This includes linking them to physicians who can prescribe medications, to instructing them on various coping skills. Several people cannot or do not believe in taking medications. Others have tried medications that are ineffective. Sometimes, an animal companion is the only treatment that has been effective in helping them live as closely to "normal" as possible.
vorpal,
Some people are not able to have this meal out because they are too frightened to leave their homes or have severe social anxiety disorders. I am not saying it is acceptable to "bring a pet into a restaurant." I am saying that this animal companion should be considered as more of an assistance animal than a pet.
In our nation, however, people unfortunately are not educated well enough in the subject of mental and emotional disorders. People think that unless a person has a visible, physical disability, they are not entitled to assistance. We fortunately have the FAA working with us to require emotional support animals on airplanes, but we have a long way to go.
I will agree with you (before you even bring the point to surface) that ordinary people have and continue to abuse these rights given to the disabled, however, I'd rather see a disabled person live as independently as possible than to have their rights taken away because a few people abused the system.
Thank you for challenging my statements. It has been a pleasure to offer some insight. If you have further argument, you may want to do a little research.
You didn't address the points I made in my post of Dec 28, 2008.
you people that thing it's so bad to bring a dog into a restaurant need to stfu. You don' t know how it is to live with things like epilepsy and have the great comfort of a dog that can give you a 30 second warning before you have a seizure. All you think is about yourselves and if you can enjoy your meal.
Mikepra, if that is indeed why you have your dog w/you then the dog is a SERVICE ANIMAL and is legally allowed in restaurant. Since you don't seem to know this, I tend to think this is not your situation.
PuppyMama,
I speak from experience, having had severe Generalized Anxiety Disorder, moderate Social Anxiety Disorder, and severe Panic Anxiety Disorder. I was basically housebound for the better part of four months, unable to even answer or speak on the phone. I did a cognitive behavioural therapy program and was able to learn to control my anxiety without medication, and now I'm able to do essentially whatever I want. I'm not saying that I have no anxiety anymore, but I rarely experience panic attacks and only a few triggers cause my anxiety to elevate to levels that are challenging (e.g. exams, job interviews).
I certainly sympathize with people with severe emotional illness, but I do wonder if it is healthy to put that much emotional reliance on an animal. In the case of the blind, the animal is a physical assistant, which is different than an emotional crutch. I'm not saying that it *is* bad: I just question the value of this over more long-term techniques that grant independence.
Regardless, I would prefer my restaurants to be pet-free with the exception of service animals. If the animals used by people with emotional illness are as trained as those used by the blind, then I might not be so objectionable to it; perhaps this is the case, but it strikes me that these animals are more companions than service animals. Am I wrong? This is the first I've heard of this, so I don't know.
I just think that much emotional dependence on another living thing, be it a human or a pet, is a possibly dangerous thing.
(P.S. I am also a pet owner - three cats, a dog, and a snake - and I love them all to bits and they do bring me great joy and adventures, so I understand the merits of pet ownership as well.)
Just an FYI on service dogs:
I train service dogs when they are puppies to become socialized and used to crowds, so I am supposed to take them out around people.
So when you see someone with a dog and they claim it's a service animal and they don't seem to have an obvious disability, before you go saying they are faking it, keep in mind that you may have just met a service dog in training!
missbtx, are you kidding me? Service animals in training are VERY clearly marked.
Some programs can only afford to do the training collar tags. Our program just started getting enough funding to do those velcro vests that say "Service Dog In Training", Doesn't stop me from people asking why I'm on a bus with a dog if I'm not blind. ;)
OK, I'm no dog person, but even I will admit that a person questioning service dogs in training is WAY worse than anyone who wants to bring their dog into a restaurant.