Much to bark about: Restaurants that allow dogs

Ilana Minkoff checking out the menu with her dog JoJo Wigglebutt at a restaurant in San Francisco recently. Photos: AP

Just in time for the summer dining season, the US government has given its blessing to restaurants that want to allow pet dogs in their outdoor spaces.

But even though nearly half of US states already allow canine dining outdoors, the issue is far from settled, with many diners and restaurants pushing back against the increasing presence of pooches.