Dog Inside a Food Service Establishment

Live animals may not be kept or allowed in a food service establishment. Service animals accompanying a person with a disability are permitted, and dogs are permitted in an establishment's outdoor dining area under the city's outdoor-dining rules. A service animal cannot be distinguished from a pet in a photograph, and an outdoor seating area is easily mistaken for an indoor one.

• dog on the floor or on a seat in an enclosed indoor dining room with tables in use
• dog behind a service counter or in a visible food-preparation area
• dog inside a grocery or deli aisle where unpackaged food is displayed

1. Photograph trash, bags, or spill at the curb with building address visible.
2. Note time of day — set-out time violations require proof of early placement.
3. File at 311 under Dirty Conditions or Sanitation.
4. For commercial waste, note business name on signage if visible.

Official channel: portal.311.nyc.gov or dial 311. Agency: NYC DOHMH.

DSNY fines range from $50–$500+ for set-out time, containerization, and dirty-area violations. Repeat commercial offenders may face escalated penalties.

DSNY Sanitation Enforcement inspects and may issue Notices of Violation. Residential issues may be referred to property management; commercial routes get BIC oversight.

• What 311 does after you file