Eating Out With Pet Dogs: New York City Favors Pooches Dining Al Fresco

New York City's Department of Health now allows restaurants with al fresco dining to welcome your four-legged friends to eat with you. Licensed and vaccinated dogs are now permitted to join their masters in participating diners.

CBS News reports that Democratic Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal, the proponent of the bill, was pleased that the City's Health Department has approved the new rules she proposed in support of dogs' presence in restaurants. Under the new rules, the dogs are allowed to stay in outdoor dining areas as long as they have permits and they are vaccinated.

According to the City Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett, the new rules will be implemented within 30 days, just perfect for outdoor dining season, CBS News noted. Previously, the dogs are only allowed outside of the railing patio and waiting staff needs to check the dog's license and vaccination records, Fox5 adds. Now, participating restaurants are only required to pose a warning sign that says their pooches need to be licensed and vaccinated against rabies.

 We had a fun photoshoot yesterday with @wilburthefrenchbulldog. He was loving our new dog menu. The humans were also pretty happy with the house $12 rump available lunch and dinner 7 days a week. #thecarro #surryhills #local #newmenu #goodfood #steak #wine #perfect #dog #dogsofinstagram

A photo posted by The Carrington (@thecarringtonsydney) on Feb 23, 2016 at 6:21pm PST

One of the dog-friendly restaurants is The Barking Don on 94th Street. Since the early 1990s, pooches were allowed to enjoy the patio area along with their owners. The restaurant even offers treats and even features animal artworks. Most amazing however is the dog bar. The waiting staff said that dogs and their owners are one of their greatest patrons.

In Australia, there's also a pub that allows their four-legged best friends the same treatment, Mashable adds. 'Dogustation' at the Carrington Hotel in the suburb of Surry Hills is open to all canine-lovers all throughout this March. The restaurant initially thought of this as a Valentine's gig but due to its success, they have extended the treat until the end of the month.

For A$15, your pooches can enjoy a three-course meal consist of beef tartare, steak and vegetables and a biscuit for dessert. Five bucks will go to Animal Welfare League (AWL). For more information about the organization, check out the video below.