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New York’s Health Department Pulls Back on Some Rules in Dining With Dogs Law

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A white dog on a leash in New York.

New York City dog owners were thrown a bone by the city’s health department.

On Tuesday, the department backed off on some rules and regulations that may have deterred restaurant owners from allowing dogs in their outside area.

The health department will not require restaurant owners to check the paperwork of dogs allowed in their outdoor areas to ensure they are vaccinated and licensed. Instead, they will only need to post signs stating pups must be licensed and vaccinated for rabies.

Related: The Dream of Having NYC Dogs Dine With Owners May Not Become a Reality for Some

This concession comes after Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the bill allowing owners to dine with their dogs in outdoor areas. The department fought back, asking for a number of provisions including checking for vaccinations, not allowing pups near the tables and having barriers between dogs and other patrons and dogs on the sidewalk. The department’s request for barriers will be upheld.

“I’m so pleased that the city Department of Health threw dog lovers a bone,” said Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal, who sponsored the dining with dogs law. “These proposed regulations are common sense measures designed to protect the public health while allowing New Yorkers to dine with their dogs.”

Restaurant owners aren’t required to allow dogs into their establishments, but if they choose to do so, they must follow the above guidelines. The new rules will go into effect in 30 days, just in time for outdoor eating.

Related: Dogs Are One Step Closer to Being Allowed in New York Restaurants

By Andrea Huspeni

Andrea Huspeni is the founder and CEO of This Dog's Life. Her mission it to help dogs live a happier, healthier and longer life. When she isn't working, she spends time with her two dogs, Lola and Milo. She resides in Brooklyn, NY.

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