County HD approves 38 restaurants for dog variances

The Salt Lake County Health Department (SLCoHD) has announced that 38 Salt Lake County food service establishments have received the regulation variance that allows them to allow dogs in their outdoor eating areas. Establishments with approved patios may display a department-provided “Approved Dog Patio” sticker for the season, the department said.{mprestriction ids="1,3"}

The variance applies only to dogs, not other animals, and does not affect qualifying ADA service dogs in any way. Federal law requires that service dogs individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability must be allowed in all public areas of a food establishment. Emotional support animals, comfort animals, companion animals and therapy animals are not considered service animals under the law.

To receive “dog patio” approval, food-service businesses need to submit a special processes safety plan, pay an application fee of $330 (which covers the staff time necessary to review the safety plan and conduct an on-site inspection of the patio, the department said) and agree to several rules ensuring patron and animal safety.

A list of approved businesses is available at the SLCoHD website.{/mprestriction}