Service Dogs + Dogs on Outdoor Dining Areas

Pets are often considered family members and providing ways to include them in your visitors' trips to your wineries can pay big dividends with all ages but especially with those "pet parents" in both the millennial and boomer generations. But there are some caveats.

• Check state and local health department requirements [Ohio just okayed pets on patios, but prior to the legislation, they were banned.]

• Post a sign at the entrance regarding 'rules' including leashes being required, no dogs on chairs, benches, etc. Indicate that no pets can be left in parked cars.

• Designate a 'pet friendly area' in your tasting room if its legal and outside too

• Note that you reserve the right to ask unruly/barking or jumping/begging dogs to leave the premises.

• Also indicate that dogs are not to bother other patrons

• Make sure your staff does not interact, pet, kiss, ever.

• Absolutely keep up with any dog hair and waste [designate a separate area walking area and provide plastic do-do bags and distant disposal bins]

• Provide single use-disposables for doggie food and water.

• Put hand sanitizers on tables in the designated area

• Offer doggie treats for purchase and make the profits go to local pet rescue organiztions

• Collect donations for local pet shelters

• Create a log book of cleanup times along with a policy book available to any guest at any time.

• Check with your insurance carrier too.

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[Thanks to Old Firehouse Winery for sharing some of these best practices from his insurance program administrator.]