Dining Out with Pets: New Legal Basis Established

A legal basis has been established for visiting restaurants with pet dogs and cats.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has announced the legislative notice for the amendment of the Enforcement Rules of the Food Sanitation Act, which establishes hygiene and safety standards for restaurants that allow pets.

This amendment reflects the demands of consumers who want to enjoy dining out with their pets and includes provisions that permit the entry of dogs and cats.

Dogs and cats are the most commonly kept pets in the Republic of Korea, and their high vaccination rates are considered to make them relatively safe. However, the regulations do not apply to all restaurants; they are limited to those that meet the facility standards and wish to allow pets.

Restaurants that allow pets must install partitions or fences to ensure that pets do not access the kitchen or food storage areas.

Additionally, restaurants must post signs at the entrance to clearly indicate whether pets are allowed, and they must provide accommodations such as pet-specific chairs or leash hooks.

Pets that have not been vaccinated are prohibited from entering, and clear guidance on this matter must be provided.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has been operating the "Pet-Friendly Restaurant" system as a pilot project since April 2023 under a regulatory sandbox initiative.

This amendment is intended to legalize the positive effects identified from the pilot project, which focused on improving hygiene and safety levels as well as enhancing industry and consumer satisfaction.

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