Why are dogs not allowed in some coffee shops?

As a dog owner, you’d love to bring your pup with you as much as possible. However, going to coffee shops might be challenging when you’re a coffee enthusiast and an outdoorsy fur parent. Sipping your favorite latte with your furry companion on the side sounds like a dream, but it’s not a common reality to many dog owners.

Discover why furry companions are mostly discouraged inside coffee shop premises.

Why Do Some Coffee Shops Ban Dogs?

Coffee restaurants are dedicated to bringing a safe dining experience — to create a clean, good and sanitary environment. In support of this global mission, pet dogs are not allowed indoors or in food preparation areas. Coffee shop owners might adore pups, but they still have to follow what the law tells them to do.

Why Are Dogs Not Allowed in Starbucks?

Like other coffee shops, Starbucks follows the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which only allows service animals indoors. While stores might appear dog-friendly, furry companions are always left outside unless they aid you. Qualified service dogs are those that can provide a task related to their owner’s disability. For instance, a canine who can help their visually impaired owner navigate the world can enter the store.

Even if you want to bring your small pup to any Starbucks store, this is still against their company policy.

Can I Bring My Puppy to Coffee Shops?

Just because your dog is not allowed in Starbucks doesn’t mean there aren’t pet-friendly coffee shops you can visit. An update to the 2022 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) enables you to bring dogs to restaurants with outdoor seating. However, it’s still up to the restaurant and the local regulations to decide if they will allow canine companions.

Popular Dog-Friendly Shops in the United States

Aside from Starbucks, these coffee shops offer a safe space for you and your pup.

1. Caffé D’arte

Puppuccino may be exclusive to Starbucks stores, but this coffee shop in Alaska also offers a tasty treat for your pup. This place also provides tea options for those looking for caffeine-free drinks.

2. Lola Coffee & Espresso Bar

This café in Phoenix, Arizona, allows dogs indoors and on their patio. Enjoy their signature coffee, light bites and a treat for your four-legged friend.

3. Muddy Paw Coffee

The Muddy Paw Coffee in Los Angeles, California, is a pet-friendly shop that offers excellent coffee options and lends a hand to animals in need by giving back to a local pet rescue.

4. Rise Up Coffee Roasters

This coffee shop puts a creative spin on the traditional cup of joy. If you’re looking for a dog-friendly space in Delaware that offers exciting caffeinated drinks, such as coffee-infused smoothies, this is the place for you.

5. Elevate Coffee

Enjoy your coffee and specialty sandwich while your dog munches on a tasty treat. Indulge in baked goods and breakfast options with your furry companion at any time of the day.

Tips When Bringing Your Pup to a Dog-Friendly Coffee Shop

Now that you can bring your puppy to select coffee shops, here’s what you can do to ensure your experience goes smoothly.

Try Plant-Based Milk

Plant-based milk types such as almond, soy and oat milk are trending options in coffee shops. With a market value set to reach 41.06 billion U.S. dollars by 2025, trying out this popular alternative to traditional cow’s milk is a must.

Even better, plain and unsweetened oat milk without xylitol can be a safe treat for your four-legged companion. It’s low in fat and calories and contains calcium and B vitamins. You can ask the coffee shop if they offer oat milk-based treats to your four-legged friend.

Keep Your Coffee Out of Your Dog’s Reach

Coffee is toxic for dogs. Just like it does in humans, it affects the canine’s heart and nervous system, leading to symptoms such as elevated heart rate, vomiting and diarrhea. As much as you’d like to give in to their adorable, begging face, don’t let your pup sip your cup.

Get Your Dog Vaccinated

Before going outside, ensure your dog is in their best health with complete vaccines. Core vaccines such as parvovirus and adenovirus help prevent costly treatments for life-threatening diseases found in the outside world, such as distemper and rabies.

Get Exercise Before Your Trip

Just like in humans, physical activity helps relieve anxiety and release energy among dogs. To view the outside world as a welcoming place, expose your pup to locations other than your home so they don’t feel overwhelmed by unfamiliar surroundings.

Keep Your Pup Leashed

Even if you’re confident your dog can stay put, it’s best to keep them on their leash — tie it to your chair, belt or wrist. Ensure the strap is short enough to keep your furry companion from bothering other people at the shop.

Enjoy a Safe and Fun Time Outside

While cafés have to follow a paws-off policy indoors, you and your pup can still have an enjoyable time in coffee shops with outdoor seating options. So, leash up your furry friend — dogs may not be allowed in Starbucks, but they can still enjoy a sweet treat with you outside while you sip on your favorite brew!