Full Title Name:  Virginia Administrative Code. Title 2. Agriculture. Vac Agency NO. 5. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Chapter 585. Retail Food Establishment Regulations. Part VI. Physical Facilities. Article 5. Maintenance and Operation. 2 VAC 5-585-3310. Prohibiting animals.

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Country of Origin:  United States Citation:  2 VAC 5-585-3310 Agency Origin:  Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Last Checked:  March, 2023
Summary: This Virginia regulation states that dogs may be allowed in outdoor dining areas if: (1) the outdoor dining area is not enclosed with floor-to-ceiling walls; (2) there is a separate entrance; (3) there is a sign at the main entrance stating that dogs are allowed in the outdoor dining area that is easily observable by the public; (3) food and water provided to dogs is served using equipment not used for human food service or is put in single-use receptacles; (4) dogs are not allowed to sit on chairs, benches, seats, or tables; (5) dogs are kept on a leash or within a pet carrier and under the control of adults at all times; (6) the establishment provides a means for picking up dog messes; and (7) there is a sign outlining some of these requirements observable to the public.

A. Except as specified in subsections B, C, and D of this section, live animals may not be allowed on the premises of a food establishment.Pf

B. Live animals may be allowed in the following situations if the contamination of food; clean equipment, utensils, and linens; and unwrapped single-service and single-use articles cannot result:

1. Edible fish or decorative fish in aquariums, shellfish or crustacea on ice or under refrigeration, and shellfish and crustacea in display tank systems;

2. Patrol dogs accompanying police or security officers in offices and dining, sales, and storage areas, and sentry dogs running loose in outside fenced areas;

3. In areas that are not used for food preparation and that are usually open for customers, such as dining and sales areas, service animals that are controlled by the disabled employee or person, if a health or safety hazard will not result from the presence or activities of the service animal;

4. Pets in the common dining areas of institutional care facilities such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, group homes, or residential care facilities at times other than during meals if:

a. Effective partitioning and self-closing doors separate the common dining areas from food storage or food preparation areas;

b. Condiments, equipment, and utensils are stored in enclosed cabinets or removed from the common dining areas when pets are present; and

c. Dining areas including tables, countertops, and similar surfaces are effectively cleaned before the next meal service;

5. In areas that are not used for food preparation, storage, sales, display, or dining, in which there are caged animals or animals that are similarly confined, such as in a variety store that sells pets or a tourist park that displays animals; and

6. Dogs in outdoor dining areas if:

a. The outdoor dining area is not fully enclosed with floor to ceiling walls and is not considered a part of the interior physical facility.

b. The outdoor dining area is equipped with an entrance that is separate from the main entrance to the food establishment, and the separate entrance serves as the sole means of entry for patrons accompanied by dogs.

c. A sign stating that dogs are allowed in the outdoor dining area is posted at each entrance to the outdoor dining area in such a manner as to be clearly observable by the public.

d. A sign within the outdoor dining area stating the requirements as specified in subdivisions 6 e, f, and g of this subsection is provided in such a manner as to be clearly observable by the public.

e. Food and water provided to dogs is served using equipment that is not used for the service of food to a person or is served in single-use articles.

f. Dogs are not allowed on chairs, seats, benches, or tables.

g. Dogs are kept on a leash or within a pet carrier and under the control of an adult at all times.

h. The establishment provides effective means for cleaning up dog vomitus and fecal matter.

C. A dog may be allowed within a designated area inside or on the premises of, except in any area used for the manufacture of food products, a distillery licensed pursuant to § 4.1-206 of the Code of Virginia, a winery or farm winery licensed pursuant to § 4.1-207 of the Code of Virginia, or a brewery or farm brewery licensed pursuant to § 4.1-208 of the Code of Virginia.

D. Live or dead fish bait may be stored if contamination of food; clean equipment, utensils, and linens; and unwrapped single-service and single-use articles cannot result.

Credits
Statutory Authority: § 3.2-5121 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes: Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 2, eff. October 16, 2007; amended, Volume 32, Issue 22, eff. July 12, 2016; Volume 35, Issue 12, eff. March 6, 2019.

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