Taking your fur baby for a meal? Know your ‘petiquette’

Over the years, Goa’s restaurants have opened their doors to those who fancy having a meal with their pet in tow. With the concept of pet-friendly restaurants on the rise, we talk to restaurateurs, pet-parents and vets about the etiquette you and your furbaby can follow to ensure a great dining experience for yourselves and other diners.


Wanna take your pet for a meal? Here are some things you should know before
ETIQUETTE TO FOLLOW WHEN TAKING YOUR POOCH FOR A MEAL AT THE RESTAURANT

Book your table in advance : Always make reservations ahead and clarify about bringing a pet along, so that arrangements can be made accordingly.
Always carry a leash/ harness: Have your pet on a leash or a harness to prevent them from moving around and causing damage to others.
Avoid tying the leash to furniture: When dining, ensure that your pet is not tied to the furniture. You don’t want them damaging restaurant property or causing injury to yourself and others.
Carry your pet’s bowl if possible: Though pet-friendly restaurants always have a set of bowls for your pet’s meals, it is better to carry your own.
Ensure your pet is clean: As most restaurants have cushioned seats, it would be best to get your pet washed, cleaned and groomed before entering an eatery.




WANT TO GIVE PETS AND PARENTS A GOOD EXPERIENCE: RESTAURATEURS
From designated spots to a special menu, restaurateurs have gone all out to ensure a pleasant dining experience for both – pets and their owners. Gaurav Bharadwaj of Beno in Benaulim says, “People come in with their pets mostly on weekends and we have a designated spot for them. Sometimes two or more pet-parents come to dine with us, we then make the sitting arrangements around the corners, so the pets are away from each other and don’t end up growling. We also ensure that our other customers are seated in areas with no pets around.” Rahul Gomes Pereira, of Jamun in Assagao says, “We have two designated areas for pets in the restaurant. When we take a reservation, we ask the guests if there are pets, and where they would like to be seated. We also inform other guests about the pet and if they want a seat elsewhere. We have also had instances where two pets have become friends and played with each other.” Parvathi Desai, pet parent to Misti – a shih tzu, has been taking her out for quite some time now, “Though I would have been apprehensive earlier, I now know that Misti is well trained and very accommodating; I’ve hardly had any problems.”

HAVE AN AGGRESSIVE PET? HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO
However well-trained your pet may be, they could get aggressive sometimes. This ruins the vibe of the restaurant and the date with your buddy. “We ask the owners to calm their pet. A walk is often recommended, so that the pets can calm down and get to know the place,” Olvi Gomes, Jamun in Assagao.

MEASURES RESTAURANTS TAKE AFTER A PET’S VISIT
Wash the bowls that the pet has eaten in
Sanitise the place after the pet leaves
Dust the area; you don’t want fur entering the next customer’s food


VETS SPEAK
Dr Sasha Pinto, a veterinarian in Panaji says, “It is always good to know your pet first – restaurant or not – if he will sit in a particular place for a long time, has learnt a few commands, like no barking, sit etc. Only once you know these things, you should take them out. Always carry a comfort cloth or their favourite toy when you take them out. Also ensure their vaccinations are on schedule. And let them do their business before taking them out to a restaurant, it will save you a lot of hassle.”