IOWA - Dogs in Iowa are now allowed on restaurant and bar patios without special permission.
A change in the state code no longer requires a special waiver for food establishments to let dogs hangout with their owners.
The K-9's have to be on a leash and aren't allowed inside restaurant buildings, but can now legally be on patios.
The new change in code has no effect on service dogs, which are already allowed in places pet dogs are not.
The official Iowa code governing dogs in restaurants and bars are below.
Rules governing pet dogs shall be posted at each entrance of the food establishment and shall, at a minimum, contain the following:
- Pet dogs shall be leashed at all times
- Pet dogs shall not enter any interior area of the food establishment at any time
- Pet dogs must be controlled at all times by the dog’s owner or designee
- Pet dogs are not permitted on chairs, tables, benches or seats
- Pet dog owners must immediately notify the food establishment’s staff in the event that excrement or bodily fluids (urine, saliva, vomit, or the like) are deposited