Proposed legislation may enable Michigan restaurants to allow pets to join patrons
Flickr photo by Nick Farnhill
Michigan is a destination for visitors from all over, and many want to bring their four-legged friends with them on their travels. It's no surprise — pets are a big part of our lives, and wanting them to share in the fun is natural.
I recall many years when Gretchen was able to tag along on trips to the Traverse City area.
In fact, I get a lot emails and phone calls from folks across the nation inquiring on pet-friendly restaurants in the area — but I cringe when I have to tell them that there are none. For many, they say that may make or break their decision to come here and spend time (and money!).
But one piece of proposed legislation may enable restaurant patrons to bring their dogs when they dine.
The bill would give cities the oversight to decide whether they wanted to pass such an ordinance. Restaurants could make their own choice whether or not they wished to allow pooches within their outdoor seating areas.
Canines would not be allowed inside these businesses, save for service dogs.
The measure, House Bill 4335, was introduced in February by Rep. Margaret O'Brien, R-Portage.
O'Brien emphasized that the proposal wouldn't be mandatory for every establishment; those outside of tourism areas may not find it to be a fit.
“We didn't want to step on any toes.”
But there's no doubt that many would consider the idea to be attractive.
“We've become a destination state,” said O'Brien.
“We just want to make sure Michigan has one more tool in the tool belt.”
The idea of allowing pets to join their people at Michigan eateries would follow the lead of other states, like Florida and California that are lucky enough to have an abundance of tourism.
Lorrie Shaw leads the pets section for AnnArbor.com. Catch her daily dog walking and pet sitting adventures or email her directly and subscribe to AnnArbor.com's email newsletters.
Comments
Elaine F. Owsley
Thu, Jun 20, 2013 : 11:43 a.m.
A well-behaved pet on a short leash - maybe. In the neighborhood we stayed in in France, dogs were allowed inside and every one of them was sitting or lying UNDER the table and we often didn't even notice them until they left with their owners. Perhaps someone should make a French connection and find out how they manage that.
J
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 4:37 p.m.
The key part of the bill is, "O'Brien emphasized that the proposal wouldn't be mandatory for every establishment." But still, as an owner of 2 dogs (and 3 cats), I think it's a bad idea. We don't allow our dogs to beg at our dinner room table, let alone having to deal with other owners' dogs. And who knows what dogs could pick up off the floor (ooh, chocolate!) or be given by "pet loving" customers (here, have a bone!). Not to mention the ruckus caused by the aggressive reaction some dogs may have with others. (Of course, *everyone's* dogs are "great with other dogs.")
Jenksy
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 2:30 p.m.
Walking around downtown Chicago I noticed watering stations for pets and outdoor patios that allowed dogs to join their owners... I thought how great is this! I think most dogs that would join their family would lay at your feet and enjoy the fresh air like they do on your patio at home.
Ben Freed
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 2:28 p.m.
For the dog owners out there, how many of you regularly (or sometimes) bring your pets to eat with you on a patio? Has anyone every complained to you about it or have any restaurants stopped you?
jeanarrett
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 2:06 p.m.
Why? Look, I love my dog as much as anyone else, but our dogs aren't even ALLOWED in the dining room at home when we are eating. It's called "begging," and it's not a good habit for dogs to acquire. I don't think I'd want to eat somewhere where people are bringing their pooches. Seriously, you can't leave your pet at home long enough to go out for a nice dinner? What about when one of them hears the call of nature and lifts a leg or worse? Eeewww.
Tru2Blu76
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 2:05 p.m.
I honestly don't think it's that big of a deal. But I also think having dogs in restaurants may be unfair to the dogs - because, the dogs don't understand all the nuances of "good manners at the table." And we've all seen poorly socialized dogs and such things as excessive barking. A lot depends on the dog owners' judgement as well.
Ben Freed
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 2 p.m.
I've been talking to business owners and the county health department on this subject recently, make sure to check back on the site tomorrow for further coverage on this bill and the current and future legality of allowing pets on patios.
Sarah Rigg
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 12:36 p.m.
Outdoors, I don't see a problem. Doesn't Roger Monks, locally, sponsor a day when dog owners can bring their pooches and dine on the patio/deck? What's the legality of that?
Hmm
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 12:31 p.m.
I would not eat in any restaurant that allows pets to be sitting in the dining area. If you want to eat with your pets at the table in your own house that is one thing, but you should not be forcing anyone else to have to deal with that. Just look at the picture, who wants to eat on a table that someone's dog has been resting his head on? Again if you want to do that at your own home that's fine but that is not appropriate in a public setting in my opinion
Billy
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 1:03 p.m.
Heh...you said almost EXACTLY what I wrote...so I just deleted what I wrote and decided i would just comment and say you've pretty much spelled it out.