Dining out is an experience the whole family can share together. When you patronize a dog-friendly restaurant, your four-legged friend can join in too. While this is an exciting opportunity for pet owners, there are some rules to follow that will make the experience more positive for everyone.

Do:

Feed your dog ahead of time.

Feed your dog before leaving home to ensure they won’t be as hungry and curious when you get to the restaurant. A hungry dog is more likely to go after the food on other tables.

Keep your dog leashed.

Many other families will be at the restaurant, eager to enjoy their dinner. A roaming dog can bother other guests and pose a tripping hazard to busy waiters, so keep your dog leashed at your side while you eat.

Dine early or late.

Try to avoid hitting the dog-friendly restaurant during the dinner rush, which can last from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. If you go earlier or later, you’ll have your choice of seating, and there won’t be as many distractions for your dog.

Don’t:

Forget your dog’s bowls. 

Even though a dog-friendly restaurant may have bowls to serve water and dog food, you should still bring your own. Other customers may be unsettled seeing a waitress bring a bowl of food for your dog since they may assume these are the same bowls used to serve human customers. Additionally, don’t let your dog eat or drink from your own restaurant dishes, which is a health code violation.

Let your dog sit at the table.

Even if you have a seat at the table for your dog at home, avoid giving them a chair in the restaurant, which can likewise make other guests uncomfortable with the establishment’s cleanliness. It’s better to have the dog lay at your feet under the table.

Overstay your welcome.

Some dogs don’t perform well in public settings. They may get too excited, curious, or energetic. If the dog-friendly restaurant you visit has a pet play area, let your dog burn off some of that energy there before sitting down for a meal. If you still can’t get your dog to settle down, it may be better to get your meal to go. 

As a dog-friendly restaurant, Kawailoa Tavern provides a welcoming atmosphere for everyone, including your pet. They offer a play area for your four-legged friend and games to entertain the whole family. Locals and visitors alike enjoy the authentic Hawaiian cocktails and meals served at the establishment. Visit their website or call them at (808) 744-3754 to learn more about their menu.