Post-pandemic, nobody’s fur-baby likes being left home alone. And frankly, we don’t like being away from them either after all those extra cuddles during lockdown!
But while some establishments go to great lengths to make dogs and their owners welcome, others make out like you’ve stepped in the proverbial.
We sniffed around to see what gives.
Can I take my dog to Bunnings?
Believe it or nor, this is one of the most commonly asked questions on Google!
According to Bunnings Warehouse’s dog policy (yes, they have one!), pets are permitted – provided they are either carried, secured in a trolley or are on a lead and wearing a muzzle.
If you’re lucky, you’ll even receive a patch of fake grass for your dog’s comfort like this lucky pooch.
Can I take my dog into restaurants and pubs?
As the peak governing body, Food Standards Australia New Zealand has strict rules around animals at hospitality venues that serve food.
According to those rules, restaurants must allow all service dogs into customer-accessible areas.
All other dogs are only allowed in non-enclosed outdoor areas of restaurants and pubs where food is not prepared. However, this is at the discretion of the owner.
In fact, the authority states that “fish, seafood and shellfish are the only live animals allowed in areas where food is handled”.
Can I take my dog to the shops?
As a general rule, only assistance dogs are allowed in shops; particularly supermarkets such as Coles and Woolworths and other food stores.
However, in some parts of Australia, dog-friendly shopping is taking off. For instance, more than 500 shops in Melbourne’s Chapel Street Precinct now display a “paw on the door” as a sign of their bone-a-fides.
It may be best to call the relevant shop ahead of your visit, to see if they will welcome four-legged customers in addition to those with two!
Image credit: Bec_Morrison/Twitter
