Dog dilemma: what about dog-friendly restaurants?

In films children and dogs are sure to be a success, but the world of catering is a different ballpark. In Hungary there are many dog owners who would spend more time in restaurants or hotels if they should not leave their favourites at home. But in Hungary most guests do not tolerate the presence of animals in restaurants or bars, mostly because they are afraid of infections, allergy or the dogs themselves. ÁNTSZ (Hungarian National Public Health and Medical Officer Service) does not prohibit the presence of animals in restaurants, only in the kitchen and in the storing room. It is the owner who decides whether to let animals in or not. There is no problem with a well-behaved dog on a terrace, but what about inside? In Hotel Kempinski’s bq terrace dogs are given fresh water and bits of food. In certain parts of Austria free dog menus are offered to guests who arrive with their pets. Overseas these menus cost a couple of dollars and are featured on a separate menu. In general we can say that bars and restaurants in Western Europe are more compliant in this question. In Hungary there are also places where this situation is treated less conservatively: if the owner likes pets he is more likely to let dogs enter, e.g. Pierre, a belga, Libella in Budafok or Csalogány 28. The dog situation is only one from the many that restaurant owners have to handle, but the topic is quite popular these days, for instance ‘dog facilities’ are often mentioned in connection with restaurants in programme magazines and on the Internet.