Your Guide for Dog-Friendly Coffee Shop
You've heard about pup cups and you've probably seen signs on coffee shop doors about pets. The regulations around pets in restaurants can be confusing but we're here to clear that up. Here's your guide to allowing dogs in your coffee shop or a coffee shop for dogs.
To clarify: this blog post is based on the regulations in the US. To learn about regulations for pets in coffee shops outside of the US, reach out to your local restaurant authorities.
It Depends on the State
In the US, every state has its own laws and regulations around dogs in restaurants or dog-friendly coffee shops. These states will allow dogs in outdoor dining areas (with some stipulations):
- California
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Kentucky
- Maryland
- Minnesota
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- Oklahoma
- Ohio
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
These states will allow dogs (and some other animals) to be in the outdoor dining areas of restaurants and cafes. This doesn't allow animals in or around the food preparation area. With some exceptions, each state allows well-behaved and leashed animals in outdoor dining areas.
In New Hampshire, the owner of a restaurant may have a "properly disciplined companion dog" in their restaurant, provided that it is away from food preparation areas.
Why Allow Dogs in Your Coffee Shop?
While many states allow animals in outdoor dining areas, you don't have to. There are many reasons why you should allow dogs in your coffee shop. The main one is pup cups! Pup cups are treats made specifically for dogs. If you have dog-friendly cafes, you can serve more pup cups! If you want to learn more about how to make pup cups, read our blog post.
Another reason you should allow dogs in your coffee shop is to be more accommodating to your customers. They don't want to have to leave their dog in the car while they get coffee. Give your customers a chance to enjoy their beverages with their furry friends.
Allowing dogs in your coffee shop is a great way to sell pup cups and accommodate customers with pets. It's great for your business!
