Damyang County to Fully Implement "Pet-Friendly Restaurant System" Starting in March

System Launches in March
Mandatory Posting of Entrance Notices for Businesses

A view of Damyang County Office, Jeonnam. Provided by Damyang County, Jeonnam

Damyang County in Jeonnam announced on January 14 that it will officially implement the "Pet-Friendly Restaurant System," which allows people to dine with their pets, starting from March 1.

This system, established in accordance with the amended Enforcement Rules of the Food Sanitation Act, aims to guarantee the right of choice for both pet owners and non-pet owners, while creating a safe dining environment. The applicable businesses include general restaurants, cafes, and bakeries, and only dogs and cats are permitted as companion animals.

Business owners wishing to participate must meet strict facility standards to ensure hygiene and safety. Key requirements include: ▲ installing partitions or fences to separate food handling areas such as kitchens ▲ posting entrance notices ▲ providing pet-only chairs, cages, and leash hooks ▲ using dedicated pet tableware separate from those for customers ▲ and installing covers to prevent foreign substances from entering food.

Additionally, business owners must restrict the free movement of pets inside the restaurant and check vaccination status, with notices to deny entry to unvaccinated animals.

Damyang County has begun promoting the system by sending notices to 1,019 eligible establishments in the area. Business owners who wish to participate can submit a pre-review application to the county’s Tourism Division after meeting the facility requirements.

A county official stated, "We will strictly manage hygiene to ensure that the pet-friendly restaurant system is stably established, so both pet owners and non-pet owners can enjoy a pleasant experience."