Where can my dog eat with me?

Each restaurant sets its own "Notes to Customers" - dog zones, allowed sessions, whether dogs may sit on seats, and any cleaning fee. Look for these at the entrance or online before you go, and respect them.

Dogs over 5 months must be licensed, microchipped and rabies-vaccinated. Staff may ask to see the licence (electronic licence works via iAM Smart). No valid licence can mean refused entry.

Use a leash no longer than 1.5 m, held by an adult or tied to a fixture, never by a child. A dog in a carrier or stroller still has to be leashed.

Each adult diner may bring up to two dogs. Restaurants can cap the total on-site and may turn away dogs that are very large, agitated or aggressive. "Dangerous" and "fighting" breeds are barred by law.

Dogs are not allowed on dining tables, in the kitchen/food room, or at open-kitchen bar counters. Whether they can be on a seat is up to the venue - often they must stay on the floor or a pee pad.

Staff can't cook or heat dog food, and dogs can't use the restaurant's reusable tableware. Pack your own food, water and bowls; some venues sell prepackaged dog food and disposable bowls.

Don't bring a dog that's unwell, anxious or showing aggression. Keep dogs dewormed, flea-free and clean, and consider a muzzle depending on your dog's temperament.

If your dog soils the floor, bag and bin it right away and tell staff to disinfect. A restaurant may charge a cleaning fee - confirm the amount beforehand.

If a nearby diner is uncomfortable, put your dog back on the floor. Remove a barking or over-excited dog to settle it, and keep passageways and exits clear.

Bites must be reported to the Police under the Rabies Ordinance - non-compliance can lead to prosecution. And if you don't have a dog: always ask the owner before petting, feeding or photographing one.