SALT LAKE COUNTY, May 8, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) – The Salt Lake County Health Department (SLCoHD) announced Tuesday that 40 food service businesses in Salt Lake County have received variances allowing dog owners to bring their four-legged friends to outdoor eating areas.
“The variance applies only to dogs, not other animals, and does not affect qualifying ADA service dogs in any way,” the SLCoHD said in an afternoon press release.
“Emotional support animals, comfort animals, companion animals and therapy animals are not considered service animals under the law.”
To qualify for the “dog patio” variances, food service businesses were required to submit a special processes safety plan, pay an application fee of $36 and agree to a few simple rules:
- Establishment must post signs that notify patrons that dogs may be on the premises.
- The patio must have an outdoor entrance so dogs don’t have to go through an interior dining area, and there must be self-closing doors between the patio and interior area.
- The patio must be cleaned with animal-friendly chemicals at the beginning of each shift, or every six hours if the business does not have defined shifts.
- Any dog bathroom “accidents” must be cleaned and the area sanitized within 5 minutes.
- Wait staff and other restaurant food-handlers may not touch any dog.
- Dogs must remain on-leash, and must have collars with current license and rabies tag.
- Dogs may not be on tables or chairs.
- Dogs should be given water in a disposable container, but may not eat food, including dog food or treats.
- Dogs may not have contact with any dishes or utensils
The variance is good for one summer dining season and establishments in good standing may renew it in subsequent years for a $140 fee, according to the SLCoHD.
Food service establishments hoping to apply for the variance should contact the Food Protection Bureau at 385-468-3845.
