CINCINNATI — For nearly five years now, pet owners and their dogs have been allowed to dine together at participating Ohio restaurants. It’s all thanks to a bill signed into law by Former Gov. John Kasich. And now more states are following suit after the FDA has recently approved outdoor dining for dogs.
Outdoor dining for dogs is nothing new to The Pub Rookwood in Cincinnati. It has allowed dogs on its outside patio since it’s been open. Similar to the bill Kasich signed into law, the FDA’s guidance requires your pet to stay outside in the designated outdoor dining area, unless it’s a service dog. Restaurants may not discriminate against certain breeds.
“We expect the guests to keep them leashed and they must be well-behaved,” said Mandy Taylor, The Pub-Rookwood general manger. “If they are not well-behaved, then we can ask them to leave. But we haven’t had any issues in the past with that.”
The Pub is taking things a step further. In a couple of weeks, it is going to roll out a new drink and food menu for dogs. Taylor expects to see more guests bringing their dogs along now that the FDA has approved it.
