Call the Alameda County Health Department. There ARE regulations banning this. They will tell you to take a photo of the pet with enough to identify the restaurant and they will then cite and/or fine the restaurant. It would be nice if they actually had inspectors to do this but your photo is the next best thing.

Also, let the restaurant owner know that you will not patronize them due to their health code violations.

(Post deemed inappropriate by Pleasanton Weekly Online staff)

(Post deemed inappropriate by Pleasanton Weekly Online staff)

Thank you downtown diner

Appreciate the message

Don't be such a cry baby! I happen to love this about Pleasanton. It reminds me of Carmel......very dog friendly!!!

If a dog is just laying next to it's owner, on the sidewalk, outside of a restaurant, minding its own buisness maybe you should just mind yours! Don't be a pain in the azz!!! Stop and take a picture of the dog and restaurant and call the health department?????? Really??? GET A LIFE!!!! Don't ruin what many people LOVE about this town just because you don't like it. Maybe you should just stick to the drive thru window.

And to think, some people say Pleasantonions act like entitled bullies....

Give me a break...doesn't matter what you think, it's the law that no animals where there is food!! Or should we just ignore it cause it's cute Pleasanton downtown.
The health dept will respond! Guess this puts those of you who choose to ignore this law on notice!!!
Leave your dogs home!!! Maybe the rest of us don't think your little pooch is cute!

Power to you, Alice. I'll be taking photos as well. I've had it with the pushy, selfish people in this town who think rules aren't for them or their children or their pets. Pleasanton is charming and quaint, but too many Pleasantonians are not.

Sadly, some people in Pleasanton think that they are above the law. Definitely take a picture and call the health department.

If dogs at restaurants are such a horrible health hazard, how come it is legal in Carmel?

Hey oldtimer...why don't you ask the City of Carmel that question. Doubt anyone here knows the whys and why nots of Carmel!

I love animals but, am also personally alergic to dogs and cats. I feel I would be entitled to be annoyed if the only sidewalk table available was next to someone with a dog which may ultimately ruin my dining experience with sneezing and such.

If it's the law then what's with all this hositility from you pet lovers about the issue? Perhaps we should all start parking Handicapped spaces too because they're often not being used??

Dogs should be band from restaurants and public parks I am tired of dogs barking at people walking in the park and stepping on their poo.

Where does it stop? Then we can bring our birds, cats, horses, lizards, snakes whatever pet we like. There is NO room for pets in a restaurant or grocery store. I see this all the time now and the store owners need to have a back bone and take a stand. We need to ABIDE by our laws to be a civilized society...or like withheld states....let's just start doing whatever we feeeeeel like doing because it makes us feeeeeel good.

My, my, my. I have to agree that there are many dog-owners that feel they not only have a right to take their dog anywhere they want, but they also believe that their pets are far more important than people. Entitled dog-owners, smokers, snotty rich kids, you name it, don't care about the laws, don't care about YOUR rights, don't care about the environment, etc. There is only one person in the world that matters - me, me, me, me, me!

Forget the ban on dogs - what about screaming kids and parents that have no consideration for other diners or restaurants and leave a mess at their table when they leave. And let's not forget about the motorcycles driving past. Dogs are a pleasure to see!

There should be laws banning kids and dogs from all public areas. I also don't like tattoos, rich people, wool sweaters, or leather shoes. Wool sweaters and flowers make me sneeze. Ban all of these things so I can have a pleasant dining experience in Pleasanton. I had to sit next to some flowers the other day and my nose itched the whole time and I sneezed four times. It was horrible.

What if the dog has to make caca or pipi, does the restaurant have to provide poop bags and disposal facilities, more expense for the business owner that has to wash down the pavement under the table or do we take the germs home with us. Lunch Downtown is not cheap, restaurants are for human beings I don't want to share the space with mans best friend.

The only time I object to a dog in a sidewalk restaurant is when they are allowed to sit in a chair or, unbelievably, on top of the table. I have seen a woman feeding her dog a cookie, the dog with its mouth hanging over the table. And I have seen a dog standing on top of a table outside. I love dogs, too, but dog owners should be aware that others may not find a dog slobbering on their dining space very appetizing or healthy.

Yet ANOTHER way to kill the business in downtown. Livermore is looking better and better and Pleasanton is looking deader and deader. Unbelievable. You go downtown at 9pm and it's a ghost town, even on the weekend! This could be a thriving area that brings in a lot of revenue for the City but nobody seems to understand the potential. Just more and more laws/regulations that kill business and send people elsewhere. I love this town but it breaks my heart to see the downtown dying a slow death...

Maggie, parents with screaming kids can be asked to leave if need be. You can't do that with dogs, you would have P.E.T.A. in your face, maybe you should brown bag it at the local kennel

Unfortunately, I knew by posting my original message, that many would either not understand my comments in the context they were intended…or they would just rant about kids, people, etc.

But, my reason for asking the question is simple. I said I love dogs. They are great. Love walking a dog at the park, love the companionship etc. And, of course, most people think ‘their’ dog is great, well mannered and would never ‘snap’ at anyone.

The issue is that dogs DO snap, bark, protect their territory, etc. That’s understandable. What isn’t understandable, to me, is why anyone would bring their pet to lay on the ground next to them while they eat at one of the outdoor dining tables. Sure, it is nice…walk the dog, and then stop for a bite to eat. But, whatever happened to common courtesy. I also want to eat a wonderful meal and enjoy the day or evening. And, having a dog bark at every passing dog or child is not only rude to others, but is a possible danger.

As I said – a service worker here in P Town WAS bitten by a dog that was sleeping calmly under the table. She walked up – and bang – dog bites employee. This isn't a rumor. It did occur. You don’t think that service worker is a bit paranoid now if someone has a dog at her feet?

I have been dining with friends, and had a dog that was tied up next to the table area make a lunge for one of my friends. Teeth and barking. That is scary as all get out. Not all dogs are happy to see other dogs, and the barking begins. How may times have you seen an adult PULLING their dog past a group of people or kids, as the dog is PULLING against the adult – trying to get a sniff of the people walking by.

Have you not seen a little child walking with a parent – see a cute little doggy – and begin to reach out to pet the dog – only to have the dog snap or bark? Come on…we all have seen that happen. It’s what dogs do.

My concern is that adults need to understand that their own dog may be wonderful…but may come up against a dog that isn't as well mannered – and so the barking and territorial ‘fight’ begins. That aggressive behavior occurs daily on the streets and parks of this city – and all cities. Again, it is what some dogs do.

So please, leave the dog at home, come and enjoy a good meal – and then go home and take your dog for a wonderful walk.

Thanks

I'd like some clarification from the City/County. I know that pets are not allowed, by law, into food establishments. Too many uncontrolled health risks. Not sure if it applies to outdoor spaces. It is illegal, and any owner/employee that doesn't uphold their law, upon which their license to operate is predicated, could be subject to fine, or even revocation of license to operate. With such significant potential ramifications, I would hope the PW seeks out the correct answer, and as a society of laws intended to protect, I would hope business owners, as well as pet owners, will respect them.

Our downtown closes at a reasonable hour due to the voters and counsel members.We are not the ghetto.
We do not want drunken people at all hours of the night wandering through our streets causing trouble.
Our downtown is conected to streets with families and seniors if you want to party till all hours of the night go to San Francisco.

I have to admit that I agree with all of the concerns listed about health and safety reasons not to allow dags at outdoor tables of restaurants. Those should be enough for dog owners to respect other peoples right to a safe and healthy meal. BUT I have not seen anyone here worrying about the dogs. It is not always pleasant for those poor pets to be on hot pavement where there might be food residue or sticky drinks spilled. They may snap at people because they fear being stepped on. Also, there are a lot of diseases that dogs can catch from other dogs, and from humans, too. If you ask your vet or P.E.T.A. I believe that they would express concern for the animals, as should we. I know that some people really like to take their canine companions with them wherever they go, but in a town environment it just seems like it's not safe for the dogs, or in some cases, the humans either.

So I guess what I'm saying is think about the dogs, too. Under a table outside on a hot day is not a good environment for them. They would rather that you take them to the park (or your backyard) for a rousing came of fetch before you head downtown for a meal.

I am a senior who loves dogs but do not have one. If a dog is not eating off 'YOUR' plate, what's the problem ??? I love to have them around, and pat them on top of the head. Dog behave when they are at the side of their owners. Stop being such grumpy grouches. Meddling, holier than thou really disgusts me.
I like the Norman Rockwell setting. Americans respect dogs more than some countries. It's very American to have a dog at your side.

To "Lover,"

You may also love to put on a bikini and rub bologna all over yourself, but that neither makes it sanitary or considerate of others around you. And why is upholding the law "meddling" to you? If you try to stop someone burgling your home, does that make you a meddler?

Is there any way we can get people to leave their wonderful, obedient children home when they aren't acting quite so obedient?

There is a great article on the SF Chronicle today, written by a doctor whose patients often ask her to write a letter calling their pet a service animal. This is a violation of the health code and the ADA. Service animals are TRAINED animals, not your little pocket pets that you say "lower your anxiety". Even the ADA says that no non-service dogs are ever allowed around food, that includes on the sidewalks, farmer's markets, street fairs, anywhere that food is prepared or sold.

I once sat on a plane next to a woman with a very small monkey that she claimed was her "service animal". First, a service animal is by ADA definition a dog, never anything else. Secondly, I notified the captain who had the cops arrest the passenger on arrival. It's against the law people. If it is not a trained service dog, in an appropriate place, then don't bring it!

Send in your photos to the health department. They cannot tell you if the restaurant or store is fined but they will take action on it.

Posted by Lover, "Dog behave when they are at the side of their owners."





Thanks for that laugh....

try living in a neighborhood with a homeowners assoc. governed by CC&R's! You want to see self centered, I will do whatever I please (but quickly pass judgement on my neighbor!), attitudes? City/county ordinances, and CC&R's where applicable, are there for a reason; the greater good. If in disagreement, lobby for change.
Re. the local laws in Carmel. They still hand out plastic bags at all the stores. Maybe we should follow their "lead" with that policy as well...!?

Downtown Diner, you sir (mamm, whatever) are wrong and you should know better than to trust anything you read in the SF Chron.

For starters, this is still valid law...

Web Link

While I'd never suggest that one should resort to drastic measures, just to put people like "DD" in their place I'd like to offer this as an alternative as well.

Web Link

Lets see 100 Dogs walking downtown all wearing one of these to shut these people up once & for all!

I still have yet to hear ONE case in which a Dog has bitten anybody or a Police report, lawsuit etc. It seems that the only offense here has been the appearance of Dogs in public places. Just a bunch of animal haters afraid to confront their own fears or prejudices whining about their special interests.

It is frustrating being a dog owner in this city!

I live in a small condo with a wonderful dog. She has no yard to play in so I spend a lot of time walking her and taking her to dog parks. If I get hungry on the way home, I can’t stop and get food. She is not allowed. Anymore, I can’t take her to the beach, dogs are not allowed. I can’t take her to hike outdoors without dragging her around with a leash…no running for her. I can’t take her to eat with me outside (where there is dirt and birds poop on tables) because maybe 1% of the people might get offended. I can’t leave her in the car because she may get too hot and get a ticket of upwards of $400.

This is getting ridiculous. I can’t have a normal life and my dog can’t enjoy the outdoors which should be a right for her, not a privilege.

I give Carmel props for their dog friendly town and notice they have a great atmosphere without all these crazy anti-dog laws.

Dog Luver is right, this is ridiculous. I have several horses and live in a one-bedroom condo in Pleasanton. Am I allowed to ride them on the sidewalk? You'd think so, but you'd be wrong. When I tried to take one into Starbucks to get it a cup of oatmeal, people were angry with me for bringing in MY horse! It's MINE, and I should be able to do anything I WANT! It really isn't fair that I've chosen to live in a space too small for my pet and that Pleasanton won't let it run wild and free, the way God intended but that I myself have prevented due to my life choices. Pets have Constitutionally guaranteed rights!

It's very simple for all dog owners, don't patronize any downtown dining establishment. When they all go out of business, the town will simply die away..

Another Anon, yeah, that's just what we need, more involvement and rules / regulations from the City Council and other Pleasanton "Authorities." Get them involved and they'll have a list of "Do's & Don'ts" posted at every restaurant (for dogs and people!) The dogs that I have seen downtown are well behaved and no one finds their presence at appropriate dining establishments objectionable. This is classic Pleasanton....over reaction to nothing!!

I couldn't agree more with Bill T. and P-Town Citizen. How about we let "Sleeping dogs lie"? My sense is that if we hear from restaurant owners with outside seating that that would encourage having canine patrons at their establishments. If not, easy solution...stop dining downtown at the countless Italian, Asian and Pizza places. One other thought, how about approving just one more Spa for dogs only to give them a place to go while their owners are dining!

@ Albert G, who said: "I still have yet to hear ONE case in which a Dog has bitten anybody or a Police report, lawsuit etc."





More current:

Web Link
(The Pleasanton Police Department receives thousands of animal related calls each year.)

Web Link



Web Link


and an older one as well:
Web Link (search the word dog bite)



If you don’t realize that some people are very nervous around your dog, then nothing said will convince you. The point to the original comments is to point out that having an animal with you whey dining next to other people is the beginning of potential danger. For the people and the dog. This is not about dog bashing or anything like that. Just asking for common courtesy (not so common anymore).

While the majority of dogs will sit and ‘hang out’, other dogs do bark and snap at passersby. Maybe not your dog. But it does happen. If you have ever been bitten viciously by a dog, trust me, you will view dogs in a different light. Your sweet pooch may have a more aggressive dog come close. Then, the action is on. It happens all the time.

About 1 month ago, we were sitting at a downtown restaurant, enjoying our meal. Another diner was alone but with a dog. As we sat down, the dog snapped at one of us and moved toward us. It scared us greatly. The owner said that the dog was friendly and not to worry. Not to Worry?? Easy for that owner to say. Give me a break.

I hope we always have doggy parades etc downtown. This is simply a plea to all animal owners to leave the pet behind while dining. Seems simple to me…and a common sense thing to do as a good neighbor to others.

I spend time every week downtown, and find people and their dogs in restaurants all the time. I don't like it. It is not sanitary, and you don't know how friendly the dogs are. I am glad they are not supposed to be in restaurants, and it should be enforced. On the sidewalk patios where people are eating, is the same thing as inside a restaurant. The dogs do not belong there.

As to Carmel, I don't know what their laws are but here we should not allow dog owners to bring their dogs to restaurants!! As to children, if they are a pain, the management staff have the right to ask the parents and kids to leave--for the peace and enjoyment of the patrons. I hope people are aware of this.

If you ban dogs then ban kids as well. Kids are loud and annoying. My dog is better behaved than your ...child.

'Some dude' needs to get a life. The rest of you nanny state lunatics go ahead and outlaw all social behavior and do your best to close businesses that are catering to their clientelle, who have lives that include their pets. Don't patronize those businesses if you hate animals and their owners that much. Get take out and eat at home, where those mean doggies can't get at you.

@LOL...what do we do about my lab mix that almost daily jumps into my mail carriers jeep and gives her kisses...

@DJ...I posted the same comment, but the PW thought it was inappropriate and deleted it...

@anon and DJ,

You don't get it. Dogs are already banned. There is already a law. People are breaking the law. If you guys want to outlaw kids in restaurants and and food stores, go try and get a law passed. Otherwise, how about obeying the current law?

Posted by anon, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, 1 hour ago

@LOL...what do we do about my lab mix that almost daily jumps into my mail carriers jeep and gives her kisses...



If your carrier loves the kisses, great. I don't see a law against doggie kisses. They can be fun

@lol

I steer clear of downtown ptwn. I go WC, Danville and livermore.

"grow up": sounds like someone is a liiiittle too attached to their "pet." Hey, if you and your dog want an intimate meal together, please do that at home. We don't need to see that in public.

What about screaming kids in the library? I always thought libraries were a quiet place.

Let me guess......I won't be seeing most of you at the Pooch Parade? And to those of you who will be taking my picture at restaurants with my dog.......I'll give you something to take a picture of! LOL Just PLEASE don't have me arrested for breaking the law.

People keep mentioning how it's unsanitary and that dogs carry disease. What about the birds and squirrels that frequent the downtown - shall we ban them too? If it's an outside table, then it's subject to the rabies etc. these animals carry. I doubt any of the dogs you see downtown have any of the diseases the squirrels and birds do.

To Sad: I don't think you're allowed to bring squirrels or birds into restaurants either.

I'm pretty shocked many people are quoting a law without understanding the full entirety of the law. The law states that animals are allowed on sidewalks outside of restaurants because the sidewalks are considered public. This is the reason you can walk, sit, pet, and do what you wish with your dog because it is considered a public area, the restaurants don't own the public sidewalk just like us homeowners do not own the public sidewalk.
The fact that you can sit with your dog outside of a restaurant like many people do in Pleasanton shows the cities charm like it has for years. If you don't like the fact that this is what Pleasanton is about maybe you should consider living somewhere else. I personally love this aspect of the city.
Next time I'm enjoying coffee with my well behaved pooch I'll take a picture and post all the smiles, conversation, and the pets my pooch gets from strangers walking by.

You're 100% right, Pleasanton Resident. Not only are sidewalks outside of restaurants considered public property, but by placing tables, chairs, glassware, etc. out there, the restaurants legally no longer own them, and they may be freely carried away by customers or passers by. It's like when you take your garbage out, it becomes public property. I don't know if people are taking full advantage of their rights in this matter.

On an aside note, where will you be posting this photos you'll be taking. I think it's a great idea. I look forward to seeing them!

I'm not against pets by any means ......however they are FAMILY pets and not all people feel comfortable with them in restaurants, shopping malls and grocery stores which is becoming all too popular. I have recently witnessed a dog and its owner leaving their "business" in the middle of a fast food restaurant and walking out the door. Needless to say - most people lost their appetite. I have also witnessed dogs licking food off the outdoor restaurant tables with their owner enticing it......only to have a young family take the table next and let their child eat french fries off the same table. They had no knowledge that a dog had been lapping up french fries and drooling all over the same table minutes prior - UNTIL I GOT UP AND TOLD THEM. How gross is that. Enforce the law.

@Resident, I have also witnessed people throwing trash on the ground, people using curse words in front of children, children acting up, people fighting, using the middle finger, you name it. What I'm getting at is no one is perfect. Their is more good coming out of dogs on public sidewalks (remember the law says they can be there, you should look it up before you say people aren't obeying it) I have lived in Pleasanton for years and have never heard of a crazy dog muling a small child outside a restaurant. I see we live in the same area...maybe you see me walking my dog everyday. We even walk with up to seven dogs and seven owners once a week (I know we're rebels) We even stopped and had coffee outside New Leaf (remember not inside we don't want to break the law) Did you know every person that walk by the hour we were there stopped to say hello to us and our pooches. Next time you see me and my pack come and say hello. My dog will sit and wiggle his butt until you pet him.
I have never had someone say something rude to me or give me a dirty look outside on a public sidewalk but if I ever do I would have to think, how sad...your life is that boring that you have to worry about my harmless friendly dog and I minding our business. Shame!

@Pleasanton Resident,

I don't see anywhere that "Resident" said it was illegal to have a dog on a sidewalk. He/she said he saw a dog inside a restaurant (illegal) and saw another one "licking food off the outdoor restaurant tables with their owner enticing it".

I also live in your area and I have seen dogs off their leashes in Tawny park (illegal) and chasing small children. I've seen some children scared to the point of screaming and crying when all the while the dog's owners hardly pay attention or casually say "he won't bite". There's one guy with a big white dog who seems to enjoy scaring people with his dog and mutters to himself as he "pulls" the wildly barking and growling dog away. Maybe you've seen this guy?

Plenty of people, like you say, are respectful with their dogs and follow the law and common sense. Sadly some don't.

@John- Residents last sentences says enforce the law and the original post is about dogs on outside sidewalks. I assumed it was an all around notion. If it was just about the illegalities then my appologies but I really thought Resident was referring to the topic at hand.
In regards to the old guy and his old white lab at the Tawny park. I see him often, his dog is off leash and barks. I have never seen that dog charge or go six feet from his owner. My dog and I went up to him one time. I had asked if my dog could say hello to his dog. His response was that his dog was as old as him, set in his ways, and grumpy. No harm done. I told him to enjoy his day and we went our separate was. Now whenever we pass we wave.
My point is their is more positivity to a dog downtown then not. Yes their maybe some odd balls here and their but very few. It's just like saying a kid stole some candy at a store and now we are going to ban all kids. The would be idiotic.

Ban dogs from restaurants, public parks, and my PRIVATE front lawn.(Posting edited by Pleasanton Weekly Online staff to remove inappropriate comments.)

To "No Dogs Allowed"
You sound angry.........and probably lonely and miserable. Poor you. Oh and I almost forgot......YOU'RE stupid.

To "No Dogs Allowed"
You sound angry.... (Comment partially removed by Pleasanton Weekly Online staff)

Very entertaining topic. I love dogs but have to agree that some of the dog owners in town need to get their heads checked. Not everyone like dogs, or pets for that matter, so leave the dog at home if you are dining out or if you plan to be in a crowded place.

(Post deemed inappropriate by Pleasanton Weekly Online staff)