District of Columbia § 8-1865.02 Outdoor dining with dogs.

District of Columbia Statutes

§ 8-1865.02 — Outdoor dining with dogs.

District of Columbia § 8-1865.02

Title 8Environmental and Animal Control and Protection.

Ch. 18Animal Control.

Subch. VIIDogs allowed in outdoor dining areas of food establishments.

This text of District of Columbia § 8-1865.02 (Outdoor dining with dogs.) is published on Counsel Stack Legal Research, covering District of Columbia primary law. Counsel Stack provides free access to over 12 million legal documents including statutes, case law, regulations, and constitutions.

Bluebook

D.C. Code § 8-1865.02 (2026).

Text

(1)Notwithstanding any other provision of District law or regulation to the contrary, a food establishment may permit dogs in outdoor dining areas or designated portions thereof, or in unenclosed sidewalk cafés.

(2)A food establishment that permits dogs in outdoor dining areas or unenclosed sidewalk cafés may restrict types of dogs based on a dog's size or temperament.

(b)A food establishment that permits dogs in outdoor dining areas or unenclosed sidewalk cafés shall:

(1)Post signage outside the food establishment clearly stating that dogs are permitted in outdoor dining areas of the food establishment or in an unenclosed sidewalk café adjacent to the food establishment, along with any restrictions on dogs based on size or temperament;

(2)Provide an entrance that does not

Free access — add to your briefcase to read the full text and ask questions with AI

(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of District law or regulation to the contrary, a food establishment may permit dogs in outdoor dining areas or designated portions thereof, or in unenclosed sidewalk cafés.

(2) A food establishment that permits dogs in outdoor dining areas or unenclosed sidewalk cafés may restrict types of dogs based on a dog's size or temperament.

(b) A food establishment that permits dogs in outdoor dining areas or unenclosed sidewalk cafés shall:

(1) Post signage outside the food establishment clearly stating that dogs are permitted in outdoor dining areas of the food establishment or in an unenclosed sidewalk café adjacent to the food establishment, along with any restrictions on dogs based on size or temperament;

(2) Provide an entrance that does not require dogs to enter an indoor dining area or an area in which food is being stored or prepared to access the outdoor dining area or the unenclosed sidewalk café;

(3) Provide patrons with waste bags and a sanitary means of disposing of waste bags;

(4) Meet the requirements of section 503.1 of Title 25A of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (25A DCMR § 503.1), by ensuring that food employees do not care for or handle dogs;

(5) Require a patron to keep the patron's dog in a carrier or on a leash at all times; and

(6) Prohibit a patron from leaving the patron's dog unattended.

(c) A food establishment may require a patron to take the patron's dog off the food establishment's premises or away from the food establishment's unenclosed sidewalk café.

(d) Nothing in this subchapter , shall be construed to prevent live animals, as described in section 3214.2(b) and (c) of Title 25A of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (25A DCMR § 3214.2(b) and (c)), from accessing a food establishment.