Dogs are finally allowed on restaurant patios in Quebec but it’s not a free-for-all

If all your friends are too busy to grab a drink, no worries — your four-legged one can now tag along.

Thanks to a new change in Quebec law, you can now bring your dog to restaurant and bar patios across the province — as long as the place allows it. An amendment to Bill 85, adopted in March, officially loosened the rules around dogs on terrasses, just in time for the warm weather.

Until now, bar and restaurant owners could risk fines from Quebec's Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ) if they let dogs on their outdoor dining areas. But with the new amendment, that restriction is gone.

But don't reach for that leash just yet! It's still up to the individual business to decide whether or not to allow pups on their property, but customers no longer have to leave their furry friend at home by default.

As of June 3, 2025, there's no official list of spots that say yes to dogs in the province. However, the Association Restauration Québec (ARQ), which has been calling for dog-friendly terrasses since early 2024, has made a sign available for restaurant owners to display in their windows to help clear up any confusion.

Dog owners should look out for eateries with this sign in their window.Quebec Restoration Association (ARQ)

Still, if you're not sure, the best bet is to call ahead or check the vibe when you show up.

The change follows other recent dog-friendly moves in the province, including STM's new pilot project allowing dogs on buses and the metro under certain conditions.

In the meantime, if you're looking for more pet-friendly hangouts, check out our list of 8 dog-friendly cafés in Montreal that are perfect for coffee dates with your pup.

This story was adapted from the article "Ton chien est maintenant permis sur (presque) toutes les terrasses et voici quoi savoir," which was originally published on Narcity Quebec.

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