# New Legislation Allows Dogs to Sit in Outdoor Restaurants By Nisara | Published 2007-04-02 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-legislation-allows-dogs-in-outdoor-cafe References: [bloggingpet](http://www.bloggingpet.com/entry/bill-to-permit-dogs-in-outdoor-cafes-advances/) This is a good news for dog owners in Chicago: New legislation will permit dogs to have lunch with their owners if they eat in outdoor restaurants. The bill is sponsored by John Fritchey, a state representative from Chicago, and only pertains to cities with over a million residents. The bill has already been approved by the Senate. **Implications** - In many homes, dogs aren't just pets -- they're full-fledged family members. In these households, pets accompany their owners in nearly every daily activity, including dining out and shopping. Retailers and restaurateurs can cater to this market by providing water bowls for dogs, free treats and even menu items for customers' four-legged friends. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.7/10 - Popularity: 14% | Activity: 30% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Pets](https://www.trendhunter.com/pets) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Pet-friendly Dining:** Restaurants catering to dog owners by allowing dogs to sit in outdoor areas, providing water bowls and menu items for dogs. - **Inclusive Retail:** Retailers offering pet-friendly services such as free treats and accommodating shopping experiences for dog owners. - **Legislation for Pets:** Cities passing laws to allow pets to accompany their owners in public spaces, creating new opportunities for businesses to serve pet owners. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Restaurant Industry:** Restaurants can capitalize on the trend of pet-friendly dining by creating outdoor spaces for dogs and offering special menu items for dogs. - **Retail Industry:** Retailers can attract pet owners by providing pet-friendly services and accommodating shopping experiences such as doggy treat stations and designated pet areas. - **Legislative Industry:** The passage of new legislation allowing pets in public spaces opens up opportunities for lawyers, lobbyists, and policymakers to shape future laws related to pets and their owners. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Dog-Friendly Patio Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dog-patio-menu.md) - [Dog-Friendly Dining Events](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cesar-restaurant-weekend.md) - [Canine-Friendly Restaurant Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cafe-villa.md) - [Seasonal Pet-Friendly Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pet-friendly-menu.md) - [Dog-Friendly Tasting Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dogue.md) - [Dog-Friendly Patio Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beertown-public-house.md) - [Pet-Friendly Offices Grants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/petfriendly-offices-grants.md) - [Dog-Friendly QSR Patties](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pup-patty.md) - [Dog-Friendly Workplace Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cesar-hire-my-dog.md)