Restaurant Patios Approved to Allow Dogs

The following food service establishments in Salt Lake County received a variance permitting them to allow dogs on their outdoor dining patios for summer dining season 2023.

The Salt Lake County food service regulation prohibits animals—except qualifying ADA service dogs—in food service establishments. (Under federal law, service dogs individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability must be allowed in all public areas of all food service establishments. Emotional support animals, comfort animals, and therapy animals are not considered service animals under federal law.)

To receive “dog patio” approval, dog-friendly food-service businesses must submit a special processes safety plan (HACCP plan), pay the HACCP plan review fee of $360, 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 year and establishments in good standing may renew it in subsequent years for a $140 fee.

To apply for the variance, contact the Food Protection Bureau at 385-468-3845.