Q: What are the Georgia rules about dogs in restaurants?
A: Georgia Food Service Rules and Regulations require restaurants to obtain approval
from the local health department before providing a dog-friendly dining space. This dining
space must be outside and only accessible from the outside. Pet owners are not allowed
to walk their dogs through any indoor dining areas or non-designated areas to access a
dog-friendly dining patio. Only service animals that perform a task or service for their
owners are allowed inside restaurants in Georgia. Pet dogs, comfort dogs or other
animals are not allowed in any indoor dining areas of restaurants.
Q: How will I know if a restaurant is dog-friendly?
A: Restaurants are required to notify customers that their establishment is dog-friendly. This
information will be available through signs, or from restaurant staff. The restaurant must have an
outside entrance to the dog-friendly area that will allow the pet owner and their dog to access the
patio without walking through the indoor dining room. Only service dogs are allowed inside of a
restaurant.
Q: Can my dog sit at the table with me?
A: No. Dogs that accompany their owners to restaurants with dog-friendly dining patios are
always required to be on a leash and under the owner’s control. Dogs are not allowed to be on
tables, chairs or other furniture at the restaurant. The pet owner must ensure their dog does not
come into contact with tableware or utensils at the restaurant.
Q: Is my dog allowed to eat with me on a dog-friendly dining patio?
A: No. To protect the public’s health and safety, dogs are not allowed to eat on a dog-friendly
dining patio. Some dogs become aggressive around food and eating stimulates a dog’s digestive
system increasing the likelihood that they will vomit or defecate immediately afterward.
Q: What if my dog has an accident while on the dog-friendly patio?
A: Restaurants with approved dog-friendly dining patios are required to have materials available
for cleaning up after a dog, if an accident occurs.
Q: If it is hot outside, can a restaurant give my dog water?
A: If you visit a restaurant with a dog-friendly patio, the restaurant can provide a single-use,
disposable bowl of water that you can give your pet away from the dining area. Dogs are not
allowed to eat or drink in the dining area.
Q: Will restaurant employees be able to pet my dog?
A: Restaurant employees working with and around food are not allowed to touch or pet animals.
For more information, contact your local health department or visit: dph.georgia.gov/foodservice
and download a copy of the Georgia Food Service Rules and Regulations.