Environmental and Health Services
Frequently Asked Questions (about new ordinance allowing dogs on restaurant patios)

The Dallas City Council adopted an ordinance on January 24, 2007, which, among other aspects, introduced a variance process to allow dogs on restaurant patios under certain conditions. The following are frequently asked questions and responses to this change.

1. Will all restaurants with outdoor patios allow dogs now?

   No, restaurants must choose to apply for a variance to allow dogs on their outdoor patios. Equally important, these establishments must meet certain conditions that protect public health.

2. How will I know whether a restaurant is permitted to allow dogs on its outdoor patio?

   Permitted "dog friendly" businesses will post a sign at their entrance and Dallas will list all permitted "dog friendly" food establishments online at dallascityhall.com (a list is not yet available).

3. What are the steps for a restaurant to obtain a variance to allow dogs on their outdoor patio?
   1. Apply at 7901 Goforth Road, Dallas, TX 75238, Mon-Fri, between 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. thru 4:30 p.m.;
   2. Make payment of $100.00 dollars for a two-year variance;
   3. Inspection of the establishment is scheduled and conducted, and on-site staff is provided regulations on cleanliness and health measures; and
   4. Upon approval by a City sanitarian, a dog-friendly sign is posted at the entrance.
4. Will dogs enter through the restaurant interior?

No, restaurants approved for this variance must feature a separate, outside entrance to enter the patio, so that dogs will not enter the interior of the food establishment. Further, outside patios must be separated from the restaurant by an air curtain, which is a device that blows air out.

1. Can any food preparation to be done in outside patios?

   No food preparation, including mixing drinks or serving ice, may be performed in the outdoor patio area.  

2. How will cleanliness be maintained on outside patios?

   The patio must be cleaned every 30 minutes whenever a dog is present and with cleaning equipment separate from that used for the restaurant interior.

3. Can staff handle the dogs while at the outside patio?

   Restaurant staff may not pet or touch the dogs while on-duty.

4. What other requirements exist for allowing dogs on patios?

• Dogs are not allowed on any space that customers use, e.g. tables, chairs, countertops, or play areas.
• Owner must maintain control of their dog on a leash.
• Dogs must wear current rabies vaccination tags on their collar.

9. How do I register a health concern or complaint about a particular food establishment?

   Dallas residents may call 3-1-1 or submit a Restaurant/Food complaint online at dallascityhall.com

10. Who do I contact for further information about this variance?

Contact the Food Protection & Education Division at 214-670-8083.