The Scoop on Cafe Hygiene: Why pooches are welcome in some and left out in the cold in others.
- sarahforrester07
- Apr 2
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 9
As a nation of foodies and dog lovers, we Brits adore our cafes and restaurants, and many of us can't imagine enjoying a cuppa or a meal without our furry friends by our side. But have you ever wondered why some eateries welcome dogs with open arms, while others give them the cold paw? It all comes down to hygiene regulations, folks!
In the UK, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) sets the rules for food safety and hygiene in cafes and restaurants. And, let's be honest, it's all about keeping us humans safe from those pesky germs and bacteria. But what about our canine companions? Can they really be a hygiene hazard?
The Hygiene Lowdown
According to the FSA, dogs are not inherently "unclean" animals, but they can carry bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella, which can be transferred to humans through contact with their fur, paws, or saliva. Yikes!
However, this doesn't mean that dogs are banned from all cafes and restaurants. It's all about the type of establishment and the measures they have in place to prevent cross-contamination.
Dog-Friendly Cafes: The Exceptions
Some cafes and restaurants are happy to welcome dogs, as long as they're well-behaved and kept under control. These establishments usually have a few things in common:
Separate areas: They often have designated dog-friendly zones, where furry friends can relax with their owners, away from food preparation and serving areas.
Easy cleaning: Dog-friendly cafes tend to have easy-to-clean surfaces, like hardwood floors and wipe-down tables, to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Staff training: Employees are trained to handle dog-related situations, like cleaning up after accidents or dealing with allergic customers.
Why Dogs are Left Out in the Cold in Others
On the other hand, some cafes and restaurants are not dog-friendly, and it's usually due to one of the following reasons:
Food preparation: If a cafe or restaurant prepares food in an open-kitchen, they may not want to risk cross-contamination.
Allergies and sensitivities: Some customers may have severe allergies or sensitivities to dogs, so establishments may choose to keep them out to avoid any potential issues.
Small or cramped spaces: Tiny cafes or restaurants with limited seating areas may not have the space or facilities to accommodate dogs safely.
The Bottom Line
It's all about finding a balance between keeping us humans safe and happy, while also accommodating our furry friends.
If you're a dog owner, it's always a good idea to check 'The Dog Friendly Map' as we have called ahead for you to check their individual rules.
And, if you're a cafe or restaurant owner happy to welcome those all-important dog-loving customers and you are not on the mop already, drop us an email (hello@thedogfriendlymap.co.uk) and we will include you. It's free!
After all, who doesn't love a good cuppa with their pooch by their side?
