Dogs in shops

[Geoff]

Should shop owners that have their dogs at work roaming free have to display a sign outside warning customers?

My daughter is mildly allergic to dogs and this has caused a few problems as we weren't warned before entering the premises.

[Technique]

Oooh, a bit of a tricky one this. The dog might only be in the shop on certain days - and all shops now have to allow assistance dogs in as a matter of course. It seems to me to be the more 'bohemian' establishments that allow their dogs free rein; I am not sure if I agree with it. Personally I think they should be kept behind the counter, as with the best will in the world they are animals and not everyone loves them. I never take my two shopping - and if we are sightseeing and have to bring them along, we take turns to hold them outside.

My local laundry has a lovely resident cat, which is not particularly gregarious and has a bed "out the back," but I still can't help wondering how many people that have a service wash and are allergic to cats...

How does your daughter's allergy manifest itself; is she itchy or asthmatic?

[Derek Jempson]

Intriguing question Geoff - I've never considered it before. If a dog, or dogs are roaming freely in a shop, then yes, a prominent warning sign should be displayed for the benefit of those who have problems with dogs. There is a café in Rye, which my wife and I once used. We were surprised to find the owner's dogs inside, wandering around the tables. It didn't bother us, but I can imagine that some would object.

[Richard]

Purely from a H&S viewpoint, owner's Dogs (or cats, even) roaming around in cafe's or restaurants are one potential hazard.
How do we know if serving or food-preparation staff touched them, at what point, and if they could be a cause of cross-contamination?
I have no problem with dogs, generally as I was brought up on a farm where dogs are working animals, but if I have a bad stomach after eating at a place serving food, etcetera, in such circumstances, my first thoughts will be to blame the pet for a potential risk.

[roy]

I would not use a cafe or any other premises with dogs roaming free,sorry but when food is being served I dont want ANY animals near my table,dogs cats ,its not very hygienic is it.