Is It Illegal to Bring Your Dog to a Restaurant in Michigan?

We live in a time when people feel they have to take their pets everywhere they go. And we mean EVERYWHERE.

See Also: What Dog Breeds Are Not Covered Under MI Homeowners Insurance?

We're not saying it's a bad thing that you want to spend time with your pets, we're saying there's a time and place and a restaurant isn't the place. However, some people still try, even if it's not legal.

I saw an article on the Detroit Free Press website that talked about people who try and sneak their dogs into restaurants.

A puppy in a high chair. People sneaking dogs into restaurants using strollers and purses. In one case, a bar customer poured beer and whiskey into a bowl for his furry companion; in another, a dog reported defecating 6 feet away from a couple trying to enjoy breakfast.

Come on dog owners, enough is enough.

Is It Illegal to Bring Your Dog to a Restaurant in Michigan?

Sorry, the state of Michigan doesn't allow you to bring your pets into restaurants. However, there is one exception.

Section 6-501.115 of the Michigan Modified Food Code (MMFC) restricts the presence of animals in businesses that sell, prepare, or serve food. However, an allowable exception under 6-501.115 includes service animals that are controlled by a person with a disability. This Food Code exception aligns with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.

We hear stories all the time of people trying to pass off their pets as service animals. Not only is it wrong, it's illegal.

If you try to pass off your unqualified pet as a service animal or service animal in training in Michigan, you are guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by one or more of the following:

• Imprisonment for no more than 90 days.
• A fine of not more than $500.00.
• Community service for not more than 30 days.

We all love our pets but that doesn't mean we have to take them everywhere we go.

If you're going to a restaurant, leave your pooch at home...it's the law.