KENNEWICK — In recent years, Washingtonians may have noticed more of man’s best friend in public spaces. In 2022, state guidelines were updated for businesses to allow dogs inside or outside, depending on the business.
But some state residents have reported an uptick of dogs inside grocery stores. Does this fall within state guidelines? Are you legally allowed to bring your dog inside the grocery store? Can you be reported for doing so?
Here’s what we know.
Where dogs are allowed in Washington
Service dogs are allowed in all premises, so long as they meet the state definition of a service animal. The definition in the Revised Code of Washington, and subsequently, Department of Health documents, is a dog individually trained to work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual or mental disability. The dog’s work or tasks must be directly related to the individual’s disability.
Emotional support animals or pets used for personal security are not included in this definition.
Additionally, food establishments can allow dogs inside or outside if certain requirements are met and plans are approved by the Department of Health.
To allow dogs outside, the following regulations must be followed:
- No food or drink preparation in the outdoor area
- No utensils stored in the outdoor area
- Dogs cannot go through the inside of the establishment to get outside
- Dogs must be leashed and under the control of their owner, or in a carrier
- Businesses can receive individual approval for dogs in indoor areas with the following requirements:
- Signs must be posted notifying customers that pet dogs are allowed inside the food establishment
- Menu must be limited to beverages produced by a food processing plant and only non-TCS foods such as ready-to-eat foods (soda pop, pretzels, cookies, doughnuts, cake, or meat jerky) served from the original package without direct hand contact
Whether indoor or outdoor, dogs cannot be on tables, chairs, benches, seats or other fixtures. Employees are never allowed to have contact with dogs, nor can they wash any dog dishes inside the establishment. Anywhere dogs are allowed must be kept clean of waste.
Additionally, patrol dogs with police or security are allowed in offices, dining, sales and storage areas, and valid sentry dogs are allowed in applicable fenced outdoor areas.
“Pet dogs may be allowed in some food establishments under certain conditions and with prior approvals,” stated a DOH public information officer in an email to McClatchy. “This allowance applies to food establishments that only offer pre-packaged nonTCS foods (foods that do not require refrigeration/temperature control) or pour nonTCS, commercially packaged beverages such as tasting rooms and brew pubs.”
These regulations are in place as a matter of food safety. Establishments that do not follow these guidelines can be reported by filling out this survey or contacting your local health department.
