CALGARY- Dog lovers now have another reason to look forward to patio season, thanks to a Calgary bar that has become the first to allow dogs on the deck.
Ranchman’s owner Harris Dvorken got the approval from Alberta Health Services after about a year of negotiations, and satisfying a number of health regulations.
The permit means pets must be on a leash and cannot be on chairs or tables. Servers are not allowed to touch the animals, and every table must be sanitized before a new group sits down.
Dvorken said he was tired of seeing pets left in cars or tied up outside, and noted the practice of allowing dogs on patios is common in the U.S. and Europe.
The idea is already getting a great reaction.
“You’re not leaving the dog in the truck or car, you’re not tying him outside the patio. You know, he’s a family member,” said Ken Bowes who has one dog of his own.
Dvorken said his bar has made a number of changes to reflect the new permit.
“It’s all sanitized properly and prepared for any type of incident we have,” explained Dvorken. “In case the dogs make a mess, everything has been done according to the health department.”
Ranchman’s has added a separate entrance for pets, added a dog area behind the bar for animals to do their business, and has doggy bags on site.
Pets are welcome at Ranchman’s starting on Friday, but can only stay until 9 p.m. each night. By the way-they’re not allowed to be served liquor.
Do you think dogs should be allowed on Calgary patios?
[View the story “Dogs allowed on Ranchman’s patio” on Storify]
Comments