SeeCalifornia.com

There’s never been a better time to be a dog — and a dog’s best friend. Recently when it came to light that California state health code prohibits dogs from food service areas at restaurant patios, dog owners and restaurateurs didn’t take the news sitting down. AB 1965 will be taken up by California’s state senate and seems likely to be approved, giving businesses the option of accommodating customers with dogs. That’s not to say that local governments can’t create their own sets of rules permitting or not permitting pets at outdoor cafes. Keeping eating areas & sidewalks clean, and dogs leashed are regulations written into this legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman Mariko Yamada, who said it addresses a dilemma for restaurant owners in the state. If you take your dog to a restaurant now, you actually are breaking the law and the management of a dining establishment is doing so, as well, by allowing your pets on premise.

When you travel with “Max” (#1 male dog name or Bella (top female dog name,) there are more hotels accommodating pets than ever. We photographed the billboard (above) on Broadway in Santa Maria, Calif. this past week advertising “Pets Welcome” at Best Western Plus. Several of the city’s newest hotels have pet-friendly policies and advise that if you prefer no pets, request second or third floor rooms. With some exceptions, dogs are usually kept on the first floor of hotel properties.