Georgia’s Department of Public Health says dogs on leashes are now allowed in outdoor dining areas.

Many restaurants in Georgia already allow dogs, but the department says making it official will improve safety.

As part of the new rules, restaurants with outdoor dining areas that want to allow dogs have to post a diagram of where the dogs are allowed, servers are not allowed touch the dog, and, if the dog poops outside, there needs to be a rapid action plan in place.

Safety Guidelines

“It was a practice that was happening, but not being allowed,” said Chris Kumnick, deputy director of environmental health services at the Department of Public Health. “Now we’re just making sure the safety matches up with enjoyment of the patrons.”

Kumnick says now restaurants won’t risk a three-point penalty on their rating for hosting non-service animals outside.

Fulton County is the one exception in the state. Its public health department hasn’t yet enacted dining guidelines for pet dogs.

Dog-Friendly Spaces

At Iberian Pig in Decatur, executive chef Eric Roberts said his restaurant has never refused service to customers with dogs and it’s now easier because there are more open spaces for customers to take their dogs.

“A lot of the metro-Atlanta area has become more dog-friendly with more space and dog parks for dogs to go and play or use the restroom,” Roberts said.

According to the rules, dogs can’t be fed and they’re still not allowed to sit at the table with humans.