Like many pet owners, you may appreciate having your furry friend along with you when you are out and about. Perhaps they have found their way into various stores, and when you go out to eat, it's nice to have them by your side.

With an update to a list of food regulations in 2022, the Food and Drug Administration has also updated its stance on allowing pet dogs to be in outdoor dining areas.

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The dogs win!

According to the regulations, if it is approved locally for pet dogs to be at those outdoor dining areas, it is acceptable to the FDA.

Although pet dogs are still allowed outdoors in those eateries, they would not be allowed indoors or in the environment where food is being prepared.

Dogs can also not walk through an indoor dining area to get to an outdoor dining area, but they can certainly join their human outdoors for a meal.

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The FDA still does not allow pet dogs to be inside restaurants but service dogs can join their humans in those indoor eateries.

Now that the FDA has ruled in favor of allowing pet dogs to visit those dining spots, you may be ready to put them in the car and head out for a meal. It's best if you check in advance, however, because the restaurant can still overrule that regulation.

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As long as the restaurant allows the dog on their patio or other outdoor area, then all dogs are allowed. The restaurants are not allowed to discriminate based on breed or size.

In addition, this is only for dogs. Other pets, including cats, are not permitted in those outdoor restaurant locations.