Dog Days of Orleans

Bring Fido! Two Orleans restaurants now have variances to the health code that allows dogs to join their owners in designated outdoor spaces. We spoke with restaurant owners and the health department about what this means.

What is the health code rule for dogs at restaurants?

3 July 2024 - ORLEANS, MA - According to state regulations, non-service dogs may not go anywhere on restaurant premises. This includes outdoor areas of restaurants. However, local towns can allow for a variance that allows pups to dine with their human friends outdoors - and two restaurants in Orleans have done just that.

While the town cannot change health codes to make any sweeping changes to allow dogs in restaurant outdoor spaces, Assistant Health Agent Kelly Messier says that one-off variances can help interested restaurants greet patrons with open paws, within safe guidelines. Boston restaurants have used this process to become dog friendly and some Orleans establishments are following their example.

What are Orleans restaurants doing?

In Orleans, two restaurants have received a variance to the health code which provides the restaurant with an exception to the specific regulation prohibiting dogs in outdoor spaces -- as long as they commit to maintaining the cleanliness and health of the restaurant. La Bella Vita Kitchen and Bar was the first to go dog friendly, based on customer requests last summer. Shortly after,  3 Fools did the same.  Each now allows well-behaved canine guests to join their humans in outdoor seating areas.

Assistant Health Agent Messier said that other other restaurants can follow suit and if more restaurants request variance, the department can respond to demand by implementing infrastructure to make the application process more streamlined .

Where can you bring your dog?

As of this reporting, dogs are allowed in the outdoor spaces at the 3 Fools and La Bella Vita restaurants. No other restaurants have yet received a variance.

However, some restaurants have picnic tables outside that are not technically part of the restaurant — here, dogs are generally allowed. As a rule of thumb, Messier said, if outdoor spaces have table service, they count as part of the premises and would need the variance to allow dogs. If you get takeout and walk to tables to sit and eat they are probably not considered part of the premise.

What does this mean for Orleans as a whole?

Owners at La Bella Vita and 3 Fools recognize Orleans is a dog-loving community and said they’re excited to remove some stress from Orleans residents as well a visitors to the town who include their dog in their dining plans. Judging by the wagging tails, the dining dogs seem to approve the changes as well.

And this season and these two restaurants might be just the first paw in the water; Messier said she foresees others following suit to welcome dogs at their businesses.