Can you bring your dog to SC grocery stores? What regulations say about pets in public

Dog may be man’s best friend, but there are some public places Fido isn’t welcome.

While your dog may seem like good company on a day running errands, South Carolina has some strict regulations about where you can — and can’t — bring your pet.

Some retail stores may be amenable to furry companions, but to protect health and safety, the Palmetto State restricts animal presences in retail food establishments.

South Carolina defines these establishments as anywhere that “prepares, processes, packages, serves, or otherwise provides food for human consumption, either on or off the premises.” In addition to restaurants, that includes places like cafeterias, delis and, yes, grocery stores.

While dogs and other pets are generally prohibited in South Carolina grocery stores, there are some exceptions for animals doing jobs.

Service animals

Service animals, like guide dogs and signal dogs, that are trained to assist people with disabilities are permitted in customer areas that aren’t used for food preparation, like dining and sales areas. These service animals must be controlled by the disabled person they assist and aren’t allowed anywhere they can present a health or safety hazard.

Although service animals are permitted in retail food establishments, the Americans with Disabilities Act doesn’t recognize emotional support or comfort animals, and these companions are prohibited from the same establishments as other pets.

Outdoor dining

If the grocery store has an outdoor dining area allowing pets with signs posted, domesticated cats, dogs and ferrets can join you while you eat. At such an establishment, pets have to be restrained and under the owner’s control.

If you bring a pet, it must be restricted to the outdoor pet dining area and isn’t allowed on food contact surfaces like tables and counters.

Just because your pup can’t keep you company in the grocery store doesn’t mean there isn’t lots to do with your canine companion around Myrtle Beach. The area is home to several restaurants with outdoor pet dining areas and in the tourism off season dogs are welcome on the beach any time of day.