Lunch with the pup? It’s a thing in Washington. Where do you love to go with your dog?

Have you noticed dogs at the bar and wondered, “Wait, is that legal?”

It can be — usually so long as no food is actively prepared in the area and the pup remains leashed and well-behaved. Of course, businesses that technically meet those parameters still reserve the right to decide whether they want to allow pets on the premises. It’s always best to call ahead to ensure your doggo is welcome.

The Federal Drug Administration updated the rules in late 2022 to formally allow dogs in food-service establishments. Although some states had previously let pups on patios in particular, Washington joined the crew only after the FDA’s blessing.

The change did not affect service animals, which may continue to accompany their owner in customer-focused areas of a restaurant (but not the kitchen or other food-preparation space).

Have you taken advantage of the change? We want to know where you love to go with your best pal in Tacoma, Pierce County and the South Sound. Brewery taprooms come to mind, but you might have discovered other dog-friendly hangouts that offer more than the dog park.

Fill out the form below to help inform an upcoming guide, just in time for warmer, sunnier days ahead.

A few important things to know about Washington’s rules:

▪ Dogs that aren’t service animals are never permitted inside a restaurant that actively prepares food on-site. Restaurants can choose to allow dogs on the patio, deck or other outdoor seating area, but there must be a separate entrance: No dog shall pass through the restaurant itself.

▪ Bars that serve only commercially pre-packaged food or no food at all, such as a brewery taproom or tavern (which is licensed to sell beer and wine but no liquor), can choose to allow dogs inside.

▪ Either way, the business must first receive approval from their local health department.

As the caretaker of our furry friends at bars and restaurants in Washington state:

▪ You must keep the dog on-leash at all times, whether indoors or out.

▪ You must take the dog elsewhere to be relieved.

▪ Staff that works with food in any capacity should not interact with your dog.

▪ You can’t let your dog on chairs, tables, benches or other fixtures.

▪ You can let your dog drink from a water bowl provided by the business, but the business should not be washing that container in their sinks.

This story was originally published May 29, 2024 at 10:00 AM.