Are Dogs Allowed In Chipotle? [Restaurant Policy Guide]

So you fancy a chicken burrito and there’s no place but Chipotle for that. But can you take your dog inside; is this Mexican grill dog-friendly? Let’s find out!

So, are dogs allowed in Chipotle? Dogs are not allowed in Chipotle restaurants, due to health department rules on food. The only exception is for service dogs or working dogs. This is a company policy and applies to all chipotle locations.

In fact, the official Chipotle Twitter account responded to a question on the matter:

So it’s pretty clear cut.

But what constitutes a “working” or “service dog”.

Well, here is what animallaw.info concludes:

“Service animals, defined by federal law as dogs (and sometimes miniature horses) who do work or perform tasks for individuals with disabilities”.

So for instance, a guide dog, hearing dog, or mobility assistance dog.

Those would all be allowed in Chipotle, under the protections afforded to such animals.

And while Chipotle staff can only inquire about the service status of a dog, and can only really politely ask for the dog to be taken out if they are not, it is ultimately the responsibility of the owner, to be honest or do the right thing.

What Restaurant Chains Allow Dogs?

There are a number of dog-friendly restaurant chains that you can find in most locations. These include:

• In-N-Out Burger
• Shake Shack
• Starbucks
• Outback Steakhouse
• Applebee’s

Nevertheless, if you are looking to take your dog to a restaurant, then you would do best to visit one with an outdoor dining area.

That’s because didn’t rules and regulations apply to restaurants with these facilities.

And while you’ll need to sit outside, you should be able to keep your dog with you on the premises.

Again, back to animallaw.info:

As of 2020, there are about 17 states total that allow dogs in outdoor patios areas of restaurants by state law or through administrative regulation.

By law, some of the states that allow outdoor dining with dogs present include Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, Tennesse, Maryland, New Mexico, California, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Texas.

And in Georgia, Kentucky, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Virginia; regulation enables dogs in outdoor facilities too.

That being said, there are caveats, so you will want to check your state laws and any restaurants you may be visiting ahead of time.

And remember, this is just for eating outside.

Finally

Chipotle does not allow dogs.

And that’s a company, corporate policy.

Unfortunately, that’s just the way it is.

Sometimes you will see or hear of people taking their dogs into Chipotle.

Occasionally they will be allowed to do so, other times they may be asked to leave.

Ultimately it is going to depend on the restaurant, the employees, and how they manage the situation.

Nevertheless, this is a policy for a reason.

And thankfully, there are some restaurants that you should be able to take your dog to.

This is an excellent resource to check out if you intend to do so.

And if you are wondering where else you can take your dog inside, check out the following guides below: