Companion Animals Allowed in Restaurants Meeting Hygiene and Safety Standards

Proposed Amendment to the Enforcement Rules of the Food Sanitation Act Announced
Legal Basis Established for Allowing Companion Animals in Restaurants
New Hygiene and Safety Standards Introduced for Pet-Friendly Establishments

Moving forward, restaurants that comply with hygiene and facility standards will have a legal basis allowing companion animals such as dogs and cats to enter.

On April 25, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced that it would propose a partial amendment to the Enforcement Rules of the Food Sanitation Act, which would establish a legal basis for allowing companion animals to enter restaurants and introduce new hygiene and safety management standards for restaurants that permit companion animals.

Previously, starting in April 2023, the Ministry operated a pilot regulatory sandbox program for approximately two years, allowing restaurants to admit companion animals. As a result, the program confirmed positive effects, including improved hygiene and safety standards at restaurants admitting companion animals, as well as increased satisfaction among industry stakeholders and consumers. Based on these outcomes, the system will now be codified into law.

However, not all restaurants will be permitted to allow companion animals. The new rules will apply only to restaurants that wish to participate and that comply with facility standards and other requirements.

The amendment first restricts the types of companion animals allowed to dogs and cats. This is because dogs and cats make up the majority of companion animals in Korea, and their relatively high vaccination rates help ensure adequate hygiene standards.

To maintain hygiene, restaurant operators must install partitions, fences, or similar barriers to prevent companion animals from entering food handling areas such as kitchens and ingredient storage rooms. They must also provide hand sanitizing equipment or supplies at the entrance. Additionally, restaurants must clearly indicate at the entrance that companion animals are permitted, so customers can easily identify such establishments before entering.

Restaurants must also display notices informing customers that companion animals are not allowed to roam freely away from their guardians inside the premises. They must install animal-specific chairs or tethering devices. To prevent companion animals from coming into contact with other customers or animals, tables for guests must be spaced sufficiently apart.

To prevent cross-contamination of food and ensure hygiene, food on display or for sale must be covered with lids or covers to prevent contamination by animal hair or other foreign substances. Animal dishes and utensils must be clearly labeled as such and stored and used separately from those for human use. Dedicated trash bins for animal waste must be provided, and signs must indicate that animals without required vaccinations are not permitted to enter.

If these hygiene and safety standards are violated, restaurant operators may face business suspension for up to 20 days (5 days for the first violation, 10 days for the second, and 20 days for the third). Other violations of mandatory requirements may result in corrective orders or other administrative actions.

Further details about the amendment can be found on the National Law Information Center and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety website. Relevant opinions may be submitted until June 5.