Businesses and pet owners share responsibility for comfort of all patrons
On the May. 18, 2023, episode of CBC radio’s “Alberta at Noon,” host Andrew Brown asked listeners: “Are you OK sharing a pub or a patio with a pet?”
Some are, some aren’t.
The reality, however, is that the hospitality industry is rapidly opening up to patrons bringing Fido to their favourite restaurant with outdoor seating.
But that doesn’t mean establishments are allowed to go completely to the dogs, says Hospitality Management instructor Kristine Monteiro (class of ’08).
Monteiro joined the show as its expert for the hour – drawing on experience that includes the hotel industry, which is increasingly accommodating patrons with pets – to respond to points raised by those who called in to share opinions.
We’ve distilled her insights into a brief guide on what to know about inviting the dog out for an afternoon on the town, including where they’re allowed to be, responsibilities of businesses and owners, and where the trend of having a pint with your pooch might be headed.
1. Pets and food don’t mix
“Most businesses only [allow dogs] on the patios. Food handling and food safety is very important. If [it is] an establishment that cooks, pets and food handling do not mix. They have to be very separate. Businesses that create food make sure it’s the patio area they focus on when allowing pets on their premises.”
2. Customers must be properly informed
“From [a business’s] social media sites to signage [onsite], it has to be very clear that [it] is pet friendly, so that those who have pets know that an establishment will welcome their pets. [And], if you have allergies or are not fond of pets, you can make an informed decision.
“That’s one of the guidelines that the Government of Alberta posted on their Dogs on Patios guide. They have loosened the legislation but there are still set guidelines that you have to follow.”
3. Owners need to mind their dogs
“You have to know where your pets are comfortable. If your dog isn’t comfortable in social settings, then don’t force the dog to come with you. This is the responsibility of the dog owner or handler.”
4. Service dogs are different
“Let it be clear that service dogs are allowed in any public setting because they're doing a job.”
5. This is a benefit to businesses
“This is [an added revenue stream]. The hospitality industry was badly hit during the pandemic. [It is] in recovery and looking for creative ways to ensure that the business thrives, and one of them is opening up to pet owners.”
6. Businesses need to protect customers
“[Businesses] need to understand … that there are people who have legitimate reasons why they cannot have pets around – asthma, allergies, phobias. That’s why [businesses] have to be very clear about their offerings. You have to appease people who are wary about this and make sure that they feel safe.
“The responsibility is on the businesses to turn away pet owners and their dogs if they’re unruly, or if they can’t manage their own pet, and if they’re getting complaints from other patrons.”
7. The trend is here to stay
“The Canadian Animal Health Institute released their 2022 pet population survey, and there has been an increase in dog ownership. In 2020, there were 7.7 million dogs in Canada. Now there are 7.9 million. So if we say that one individual owns one dog, there are possibly 7.9 million individuals who love their pets and would like to enjoy activities with their dogs.
“I think this is an upward trend right now. … It’s here to stay. And now it will be up to industry and government to figure out a happy medium.”