This is interesting. What do you think?

link (http://www.click2houston.com/news/29308280/detail.html)

Restaurants Can Let Dogs Dine With Owners

Posted: Monday, September 26, 2011 Updated: 6:34 pm CDT September 26, 2011

Video
Houston -- Restaurants in the city of Houston are allowed to permit their customers to dine with their dogs. The Paws on Patios program allows restaurants to get permits for dogs to have dinner in the patio area. "This is absolutely a win for animal lovers," Mayor Annise Parker said. "The only regret I have is it took so long to get here. We should have done this faster."

Ziggy's on Fairview Drive was the first restaurant to get a permit. "We had two people complain they didn't really want to have to share the patio with the dogs," said Kevin Strictland of Ziggy's. "I said that's fine … sit inside."
Restaurants have apply to be part of the program and pay a $110 pre-inspection fee. They must also comply with sanitation requirements to ensure that a health hazard or nuisance will not occur.

Copyright 2011 by Click2Houston.com. All rights reserved.

It's definitely an interesting concept, but there are non-pet owners going out to eat who are allergic to animal hair among other issues. To me, it seems like it would ne more trouble than it's worth. If there were restaurants that opened specifically for this purpose, that would be OK by me.

As long as the dogs are not smokers, they will probably allow it in all restaurants.

Seems like a move that is completely unnecessary, but I guess I am not really opposed to it.

It also sounds like something that a person in my pay grade will NEVER have to worry about. I don't know of anyone in my circle who would even stop for a minute to think about taking their dog out to dinner with them; they've all got it pretty cushy at home, anyway.

As long as the restaurant is all dogs; not some sections allowed for dogs, and other sections for no dogs. I adore dogs, but I don't want them in restaurants where I eat. I'm very afraid of dogs that I don't know, and I'm not crazy over a couple of pit bulls at the booth next to mine.

It's definitely an interesting concept, but there are non-pet owners going out to eat who are allergic to animal hair among other issues. To me, it seems like it would ne more trouble than it's worth. If there were restaurants that opened specifically for this purpose, that would be OK by me.

I agree and also there are a lot of people who are afraid of dogs that woudl be extremely uncomfortable eating in a restaurant like this. But if it's specifically for this purpose, as Monika stated, then it sounds kind of cool.

It seems to me that there would be liability issues as well. The behavior of dogs can be so unpredictable. I've often wondered about that with stores like PetSmart, that allow their customers to bring their pets into the store. I remember reading that a guy sued them because he slipped and fell on dog crap. Not all animals are 100% housebroken. Imagine a dog leaving a "gift" for you, next to your dining table.



:dog:present::dog:present:

It seems to me that there would be liability issues as well. The behavior of dogs can be so unpredictable. I've often wondered about that with stores like PetSmart, that allow their customers to bring their pets into the store. I remember reading that a guy sued them because he slipped and fell on dog crap. Not all animals are 100% housebroken. Imagine a dog leaving a "gift" for you, next to your dining table.



:dog:present::dog:present:

^ LOL @ the emoticons!

I really don't go out to restaurants much anymore, but alot of my friends do, and I don't think they would like it much. I haven't read all of the responses yet, so this might have already been mentioned, but I would have a problem with it for a few reasons.

We've had dogs and cats our whole life, and they shed like crazy. We find their hair in the most odd places. I think people would have a problem with it for sanitary reasons, because the chances of the dogs hair getting in people's food, would obviously be high.

Also, their could be a safety issue. Someone might have a not so friendly dog. Iv'e been bitten by dogs many times, and obviously that would happen to others at some point. If it's a blind person who needs their dog to get around, I think that's fine, but other than that, I don't think that I would be in favor of it, and I have a feeling that most people would feel the same way.

I know alot of people who don't think dogs should be allowed in parks, much less a restaurant. Anyway, that's my two cents, for what it's worth. Probably only one cent. lol ;)

I agree and also there are a lot of people who are afraid of dogs that woudl be extremely uncomfortable eating in a restaurant like this.

Big dogs scare me. I wouldn't want to eat at a restaurant that allows dogs.

It sound like dogs are only allowed outside on the patio and not inside the actual restaurant. So I don't have a problem with it.

^ But on the other hand, why punish the patrons who want to eat outside but are allergic to or afraid of dogs? I honestly think the only way to make this work and make everyone happy at the same time is to open restaurants that specifically cater to dogs and their owners. It will be interesting to see what happens and if this catches on.

Yeah, I'm for it if it is an establishment that caters specifically for patrons with dogs.

I don't have a problem with other patrons who need service dogs.

I also think a great idea would be to create establishments that cater to smokers, where the patrons and employees agree to be around the smoke... (off topic)

I don't have a problem with other patrons who need service dogs.

Agreed - guide dogs are a different story. They are necessary for those who need them.

As long as the dogs are not smokers, they will probably allow it in all restaurants.

But will the dogs have to wear shoes and shirts?

But will the dogs have to wear shoes and shirts?

:rofl: Not if my sister has anything to say about it!! She hates it when people dress up animals. :eek: :crazy: :lol:

I LOVE dogs and I admit that this would an interesting idea to try but considering how my dog is I don't think I could take him into a restaurant he would want all the other patrons to pay attention to him and one of us would have to keep a hold of him the whole time and it wouldn't be a very enjoyable time for my mom, brother and myself.

Nope

No! Dogs shed and poop a lot!:eek:

No but only if the dog is a guide dog then I agree with it

i need a scooby snack

No but only if the dog is a guide dog then I agree with it
Same here, my Niece has one and the dog is so well behaved.

I am not too keen on dogs in restaurants . How well behaved is the dog?.
I applied at job and as I was writing out the application, I hear a water fall sound. After a few seconds I happened to turn around and within a short distance was a dog peeing on the floor. The application taker didn't seem to say much. I was hoping I would hear DAN take Fido out of here. I gave my application and left the place. Outside while in my car I happen to glance up to the door where I exited and saw a man carrying a gob of paper towels with sections of yellow. It was bad enough that the dog piddled but then I had to see the results. I lost my interest working at that place. This could happen in a restaurant. Isn't this a health hazard reason not to do it. The dog could bark. Another reason how well would the dog like it? .Sitting on the floor next to a table. What is next a chair and table for Fido.?