Allow us to begin by debunking a common superstition: No, a dog’s mouth does not have fewer germs than a human’s, despite many believing that to be true. As the American Kennel Club writes: “Most of us have just accepted this as fact, when we think about it at all, but have you ever wondered if it is actually true? Here’s a hint: the answer is no.”
The fact is that dogs carry plenty of germs, not to mention an occasional flea or tick, so there are good reasons they are largely prohibited from entering restaurants and grocery stores. With businesses placed in a difficult spot regarding the presence of animals, the burden must fall upon patrons to understand and follow the law. In other words, your pet probably has no business joining you for a cup of cappuccino.
Under state law, only certified service animals — such as dogs guiding a blind person — are allowed in businesses where food is served or sold. Under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, only a dog or a miniature horse that is specially trained can qualify as a service animal. The presence of unqualified animals — regardless of how adorable they might be — could put a business at risk for sanctions under Washington’s health code.
This might sound surprising, considering a growing trend that has pet owners bringing all manner of animals into stores and restaurants. In 2012, Clark County Public Health fielded three complaints about animals in food service establishments; through Oct. 28, the agency had received 18 such complaints this year. “It probably is viewed by some as an innocent thing, but the reality is it puts the business in a precarious legal place,” Joe Laxson, program manager for Clark County environmental public health, told The Columbian.
