Dogs in Restaurants?
By an edhat reader
I bought a sandwich at South Coast Deli. As I was waiting I saw a dog partially standing on a table. I was floored that the owner allowed this considering that someone else would sit there soon, but I also noticed that the staff did nothing. Is this now allowed by the Health Department? It seems strange, but with the radical changes in Santa Barbara I'd say anything is possible now.
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Feb 19, 2019 11:33 AMSB Observer, you've got it backwards. Service animals are there for a medical need and specific tasks. HOWEVER I do know two male veterans, and another male with a brain injury, that bona-fide require Support animals. The co-dependent animal owners who just want an excuse to bring FiFi everywhere they go really ruin it for those people with genuine needs.
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Feb 19, 2019 12:20 PMThis is why we can't have nice things. There are people (like your friends )who truly benefit from the support of their dogs. But sadly, abusers take advantage of the situation and ruin it with their selfish deeds. Selfishness. Its the 8th deadly sin and its rampant in our society and our city these days...
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Feb 19, 2019 12:07 PMIt's actually sad to see all the comments here as it reminds me of a political dispute in today's far-left, far-right country. I love dogs, I own a dog and always will, so obviously I don't mind them in public establishments. But I do believe they should be well-mannered, controlled, not infringing upon other patrons, and certainly not jumping up or sitting on tables or defecating. But I also don't believe all the sanitary worries that have been posted here. No one has mentioned that the most disease laden item at a restaurant you are likely to encounter is the menu you hold in your hands, not the dog at a table next to you. And no one has mentioned that studies have proven that people (i.e., children) who grow up around dogs have a far greater resistance to disease and infection. Any "Anti-Whataboutism" advocates, please stop reading now, even though this is not a "whataboutism": To quote from a medical publication, "We live in a society hell-bent on becoming sterile, and as a result, children are not being exposed to enough bacteria and stimulants that help form a robust immune system. The Journal of Pediatrics pointed out that kids who grow up with dogs are less likely to get sick than children who live without. They also connected family dogs to a lower risk of allergies." Indeed, I cannot recall ever getting sick from a dog, but I can certainly tell you I have gotten colds and the flu from human beings in public places. And for those of you who are dog-phobic about canines being in public places, I suggest you never visit France, Italy, Germany, Britain, Switzerland, Belgium, Slovenia, or many other European countries. Someone's dog just might lick you in a pub or restaurant :)
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Feb 19, 2019 02:58 PMI don't know who "Bigone" is, but what are YOU talking about? I have not been to all European countries, but those that I have been to (France, England, Scotland, Italy, Germany) have had dogs in at least a few of the restaurants I've been to, including indoor dining areas. And I've found more human hair in my food at restaurants than dog hair as your other comment claims. You certainly have a right to your opinion, but you obviously are not a dog lover. It does seem more and more dog owners are bringing their pets to restaurants, but I see no harm in it if they are confined to outside areas and health regulations are followed. I think I heard a news report that at least 10 states allow dogs in designated areas in eating establishments with more predicted to follow, so you'd better get used to it or just dine inside where you go.
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Feb 19, 2019 03:11 PMI do understand the service dog abuse claim..anybody can claim that their pet is a service animal.
For 15 years, I have been a trained Hospice pet therapist..gone to nursing homes, assisted living homes, private homes...
Just want to eat on an outside patio with our nice weather and my dog stays right under the table.
Have 2 rescue dogs I would never do that with.
Most of us are really responsible...
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Feb 19, 2019 03:42 PMWinter, I agree with you. There definitely seems to be an abuse of "service" and "therapy" dog claims. However, from what I have experienced, most owners who bring their dogs to pet-friendly restaurants or brew pubs seem quite responsible and I don't think I've ever seen anyone be offended or taken aback that someone has their dog there. In fact, most of the time I see people coming up to dogs that aren't even there own and either petting or complementing the owner on how nice their dog is. I know I certainly have. And what is with all these negative comments from posters here about "slob American dog owners"? I don't get it - most of the owners I have seen at public places with their dogs are not "slobs". In fact, when I think about, most dogs seem to have better manners than a lot of humans I've encountered.
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Feb 19, 2019 04:24 PMThanks for your post...I really don't see any dogs out of line on outside patios.
They do make many people and kids happy !
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Feb 19, 2019 04:25 PMThanks for your post...I really don't see any dogs out of line on outside patios.
They do make many people and kids happy !
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Feb 19, 2019 03:36 PMSimple solution to this one: Service dogs need to be certified and the certificate embossed like birth certificates are. Laminate it, attach it to the dog's collar and be ready to show it. Every one else, Take your pets to places set up for them--dog parks, to lunch at the home of a similarly inclined friend, etc.
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Feb 19, 2019 04:40 PMYour dog for your home. No need to have a dog under a table in a restaurant patio area.
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Feb 19, 2019 04:46 PMI've also seen dogs in Sprouts and Lazy Acres. One of them smelled like the animal had sprayed. I reported them to the California Department of Public Health. I never heard back but am hoping that the stores did. I can't believe that people would think that bringing dogs into a store is OK.
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Feb 19, 2019 04:56 PMWinter - Really? Just because some people don't like sharing their restaurant dining experience with dogs, doesn't make them "dog haters." I LOVE my pup and have always had dogs, but never dragged them to restaurants or shops and shared tables with them. They're dogs. They like to run and play in their yards, not get tied to a metal table while you sit and eat. Some people!
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Feb 19, 2019 04:56 PMdogs are tied up outside on the patio at Starbucks on the Mesa. They bark pull on the chair/table and make it very unpleasant for the rest of us.
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Feb 19, 2019 05:24 PMI would never tie my dog up...or have it anywhere but beside me.
Am surprised, mostly on the Mesa, about this.
Didn't mean to go on this thread so long...we need to talk at a forum or something....
Just rented a house....got picked over people with small children..my dogs have references.
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Feb 19, 2019 06:18 PMATTN: Business Owners! Are you paying attention? Clearly the majority of us do not want dogs/cats or animals of any kind around while we eat. Please enforce this public health and safety law..thank you!
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Feb 19, 2019 07:48 PMNews flash from Ireland: "New law allowing dogs in designated areas of restaurants proving good for business."
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Feb 20, 2019 10:28 AMCounty ordinance regarding dogs in restaurants link below
Comments on Edhat often can’t be taken as a representation of a reflection of the population. Hot button topics tend to bring out more anti comments and don’t account for the majority who don’t give a rip. So many restaurants in SB don’t last a year, yet Brewhouse has been dog friendly for over 20 years and Mesa Cafe over 30, probably longer than the negative commenters have lived here.
I have a low tolerance for family friendly places where kids run around screaming so I don’t go to those places. If dogs are a pet peeve, there are other choices.
https://countyofsb.org/uploadedFiles/phd/PROGRAMS/EHS/4000.23%20PP%20Criteria%20for%20Animals%20Allowed%20in%20Outdoor%20Patio%20Dining.pdf
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