Dogs in restaurants: Bone appétit

Who let the dogs in?

RESTAURANTS in California are at last going to the dogs. For years the state banned man’s best friend from dining out with his owners. Some eateries flouted the statute, even offering separate doggie menus. But a new law will soon permit canines at restaurants, so long as they have outdoor space (where the animals must stay, on a lead) and welcome the pets.When it comes to pets in restaurants, America’s regulations are a dog’s breakfast. Federal law does not ban domesticated animals from restaurants, but the Food and Drug Administration discourages pet-friendly policies. Many states, therefore, prohibit them. But they are undermined by more tolerant rules at the local level. Austin, for example, allows dogs on restaurant patios, though Texas does not.This leads to confusion. Len Kain, who runs a website that lists dog-friendly establishments, says, “If you were to poll 50 health inspectors in a particular area on whether pets are allowed, you’d get 20 yeses and 30 noes.” Judie Mancuso, who campaigned for the bill in California, found that her chihuahuas were welcome at some restaurants but not others—even when the...

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