This is a right dog’s dinner! Or not!
I like dogs. Truly. Well, some of them. Especially the little cute ones. I like their wagging tails, their boundless joy, and their loyalty. I also like the way they look at their owner adoringly. But when it comes to restaurants, I am definitely in the no dogs allowed camp – and not because I do not love them, but because I love my food. I want to eat and enjoy it in peace, not in a fur-covered, side-eyed staring contest with someone else’s German Shepherd. And, sorry, but dogs can also smell.
Let’s be honest: restaurants are shared spaces. They are where people go to relax, celebrate, or grab a quiet bite. That experience changes when someone walks in with a panting Labradoodle who thinks every passing plate is for them.
The issue isn’t about discomfort – it’s about hygiene. No matter how well-behaved a dog is, it still sheds hair, drools, and occasionally decides the floor is its loo. I have watched a waiter step around a leash stretched across the aisle like a tripwire. I have heard the awkward coughs when a dog begs at a stranger’s table. And yes, I’ve seen patrons discreetly get up and leave.
Also, let’s not forget allergies and phobias. Some people are genuinely afraid of dogs. Others might have severe allergies that make even indirect contact risky. A restaurant has a responsibility to serve everyone, not just the dog-friendly crowd.
Of course, guide/assistance dogs are a different story entirely. They are trained, essential, and protected by law – and rightfully so. But emotional support pets or designer poodles in handbags? That is where I draw the line. And don’t tell me that your mutt is ‘well-behaved.’ It’s a dog. Not a graduate of finishing school! There’s always a chance that the dog will bark. That’s what dogs do. And not to mention, bite. No matter how clean you say your dog is, they are still… well, dogs. I wouldn’t want a stranger sneezing over my plate – so why would I want someone’s German Shepherd panting next to it? That’s not hospitality. That’s chaos with a side of fries. And another thing, a 2023 YouGov poll found that seven in ten Britons say it should be unacceptable to dine with dogs.
I am not suggesting we ban dogs from the planet – just from the table. Go for a long walk with your mutt. Sit in a dog-friendly café patio. Enjoy the companionship and fresh air. But once you step into a restaurant, leave the leash at the door. Diners deserve a meal without muddy paws, curious snouts, or canine serenades under the table.
There is a time and place for everything. And as much as I like (some) dogs, I love my dinner a little more. Dog owners, please respect the diners who didn’t sign up for a side of canine. Dogs should not be allowed where food is served. Woof! Woof!
