Animals in Food Service Establishments

Animals are not allowed within food service establishments unless they are a service animal.  The regulations governing service animals are complex.  Clark County Public Health has partnered with food industry leaders, non-profits, and other agencies to offer support to food service owner/operators and the public.  Here are some helpful resources:

dog laying on the ground

Dogs in outdoor areas of a food establishment

Since 2005, Washington State Administrative Retail Food Code (WAC 246-215) has restricted animals from the premises of a food establishment.  Food establishment owners interested in allowing dogs in outdoor areas of their food establishments need to have a code Variance Review approved by Clark County Public Health.  We have a pre-established set of criteria to help owners assemble a Variance Review application.  If you are a food establishment owner interested in this option, please contact your designated food safety specialist for more information.