Are Dogs Allowed in Washington State Grocery Stores? Here’s Updated Legal Guidance

KENNEWICK — In recent years, Washingtonians have been noticing more of man’s best friend in public spaces. In 2022, state guidelines for businesses were updated to allow dogs inside or outside, depending on the business.

But some state residents have reported an increase in the number of dogs in grocery stores. Is that within state guidelines? Are you allowed to bring your dog into a grocery store? Can you be reported for it?

Here’s what we know.

Where are dogs allowed in Washington?

Service dogs are permitted on all premises as long as they meet the state definition of a service animal. The definition in the Washington Revised Code, and subsequently in Department of Health documents, is a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual or mental disability. The dog’s work or tasks must be directly related to the person’s disability.

This definition excludes emotional support animals and pets used for personal safety.

Additionally, food and drink establishments may allow dogs inside or outside if certain requirements are met and plans are approved by the Department of Health.

To allow dogs to go outside, the following regulations must be followed:

• It is prohibited to prepare food and drinks outside
• No dishes are stored outside
• Dogs are not allowed to go outside through the interior of the premises
• Dogs must be on a leash and under the control of the owner or in a carrier.
• Businesses can obtain individual approval for the presence of dogs in enclosed spaces by meeting the following requirements:
• Signs should be posted to inform customers that dogs are allowed in the food service establishment.
• The menu must only include beverages produced by a food processing plant and non-TCS products such as ready-to-eat foods (soda, pretzels, cookies, doughnuts, cakes or jerky) served from their original packaging without direct contact with food.

Whether dogs are inside or outside, they are not allowed on tables, chairs, benches, seats or other fixtures. Employees are not allowed to have contact with dogs at any time, nor are they allowed to wash any dog ​​bowls inside the facility. All areas where dogs are allowed must be kept clean and free of feces.

In addition, police or security patrol dogs are permitted in offices, canteens, sales outlets and warehouses, and important guard dogs are permitted in fenced outdoor areas.

“Pet dogs may be allowed in some food service establishments under certain conditions and with prior approval,” a DOH public information officer told McClatchy in an email. “This approval applies to food service establishments that only serve pre-packaged nonTCS food items (food items that do not require refrigeration/temperature control) or serve commercially packaged nonTCS beverages, such as tasting rooms and brewpubs.”

These regulations are in place to ensure food safety. Establishments that do not follow these guidelines can be reported by completing this survey or by contacting your local health department.