By Tiffany Johnson-Wiggins
Summer in Alexandria means so much fun for dog-owners: long walks on the Mount Vernon Trail, meet-ups at Chinquapin Park and, of course, outdoor meals at Alexandria’s many dog-friendly restaurants.
In Virginia, only service dogs that assist with disabilities are allowed indoors. Service animal owners should be prepared to answer short questions about their dogs’ specific tasks. If your pet isn’t a service animal, you will need to pick a restaurant with an approved, dog-friendly outdoor dining area. This keeps our city’s indoor dining rooms safe and clean for yourself and others.
At the Alexandria Health Department, we love to hear that Alexandrians are getting out, exercising and socializing with their dogs. So, we wanted to share some do’s and don’ts of outdoor dining with dogs for the summer.
Do’s
- Call ahead to see if the restaurant you’ve chosen allows dogs to eat outside. Plenty of Alexandria restaurants allow dogs in their outdoor spaces, but a quick call before leaving home can prevent awkward moments at the host stand. I recommend asking if the restaurant allows dogs outside and if there’s a good time to stop by.
- Before you leave, check the weather. Adverse weather conditions like extreme heat are dangerous for dogs and people. It’s important to stay home if it’s too dangerous to travel or eat outside.
- Go for a walk before your meal. Burning some energy with a walk or play time can help your dog stay relaxed during a meal. Also, encourage your dog to do their business before you eat so you don’t need to leave your table for a potty break.
- Bring a water bowl and pour your dog some fresh water as you eat. Just like us, dogs need to hydrate to stay healthy and feel good, especially when it’s warm outside.
Don’ts
- Don’t order food for your dog off any human menus. Some restaurants may have special treats just for animals, but it’s smart to avoid new foods while away from comforts – and cleaning supplies – at home.
- Don’t let your dog use human seating like chairs, seats, benches or tables. When they sit closer to us, dogs’ slobber and dander can mix into our meals. To protect your health, make sure dogs stay on the ground. Wash your hands before you eat, and don’t pet them as you’re eating.
- Don’t let your dog off their leash. Keep them away from other dogs, people and wild animals to prevent accidents. All these tips help make for a great outdoor dining experience, but you know your dog best.
So, use your best judgment when deciding if your dog is well-behaved and healthy enough to visit a busy, Alexandria restaurant. Takeout at a park or leaving your dog at home may be more comfortable for you and your pup alike.
If you ever have questions about your dog’s health, call your vet. And, of course, feel free to reach out to the Alexandria Health Department for any questions or concerns about food safety in Alexandria by emailing AlexEHHealth@vdh.virginia.gov.
The writer is an environmental health manager in the Alexandria Health Department.
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