CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Canine friends can now join their owners on patios of 27 downtown Charlottetown restaurants as part of a new program.
The restaurants will welcome well-behaved pups on a lead to join their owners on outdoor patios as part of Downtown Charlottetown Inc.’s Paws on Patios program.
Updated legislation gives restaurants the option to allow pets if they choose, with individual business owners deciding the suitable pet limit for their patios.
Businesses can also ask customers to remove a pet if it is misbehaving. However, due to food safety guidelines, pet dogs will not be allowed inside restaurants.
Downtown Charlottetown Inc. executive director Dawn Alan said the program will allow dog owners to make impromptu stops at restaurants, now that their furry friends can tag along.
"This program will help establishments attract and accommodate dog owners who want to enjoy a meal or a beverage on a patio and avoid the risk of leaving their pet in a hot car when they are travelling with their pet," said Alan.
Alan noted that the program is an extension of the Paws Downtown program, which lists 60 dog-friendly shops downtown.
“This is something that many patrons, local and visitors and restaurant owners have been asking for a long time, an opportunity which has been in place for some time in other downtowns in Atlantic Canada,“ Alan said.
A full list of the 27 downtown patios allowing dogs and additional details are available online.
