Forum: Clearer rules needed for pet-friendly dining areas

Private food establishments are no longer required to seek approval to allow pets in their outdoor dining areas.

While this gives pet owners more flexibility, I urge the authorities to require restaurants to indicate clearly which sections are designated as pet-friendly.

Customers should be informed in advance if they are being seated in such areas, as not everyone is comfortable dining near pets owing to hygiene concerns or allergies.

There should also be a mandatory requirement for restaurant staff to properly sanitise and clean these areas after pets leave, before seating the next group of diners.

I recently dined at a restaurant where two large dogs were seated nearby, one of which was drooling on the floor. After the customers left, the staff did not clean or disinfect the area before serving the next group.

This raises hygiene concerns, and such situations could be avoided with clearer guidelines and stricter enforcement.

I hope the authorities will refine the regulations to uphold public health standards and ensure that both pet owners and other diners can share dining spaces safely and responsibly.

Chua Boon Yiang