Dear Editor,
I am concerned with both the number of restaurants and supermarkets allowing animals into their establishments, as well as the number of pet owners who think they can take their dog into said places. Along with your column The Straight Poop, people think that they can bring their pets anywhere.
This is not the case when it comes to establishments serving ready-to-eat foods. Idaho Food Code states that live animals “…may not be allowed on the premises of a food establishment.” In an exception to this code, “SERVICE ANIMALS are allowed in areas not used for food preparation and that are usually open for customers such as dining and sales areas, that are CONTROLLED by the disabled employee or person, if a health or safety hazard will not result from the presence or activities of the service animal.”
This means that your pet is not allowed in a restaurant or supermarket unless it is a certified service animal. Service animals do not need cuddling, do not bother other patrons, do not beg, and certainly do not eat from the table.
My thoughts on The Straight Poop: There are hundreds of acres of prime dog walking areas just minutes from your favorite local eatery, so take FiFi over there before you go out to eat.
Tim French
Sandpoint
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