With the sunshine stretching into the evenings making for perfect patio weather, it's commonplace to see furry friends joining their owners while sipping or dining out.

Before 2022, however, dogs on restaurant patios were in violation of Washington State Retail Food Code. Even so, many business owners turned a blind eye despite risking a fine in order to attract pet parents.

"I would say that [violations were] common before the code changed, and we were citing pretty regularly on inspection reports," says Jennifer Martin, Spokane Regional Health District's (SRHD) food safety program manager.

Martin notes that walkable neighborhoods saw the most violations, like Kendall Yards and South Perry, with dog walkers wanting to stop by their local eateries with their pups in tow. People traveli

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