Summary
The Washington State Board of Health (Board) is proposing to add a new subsection to Chapter 246-203 WAC to allow pet dogs inside licensed domestic breweries and microbreweries that do not provide food service. In 2025, the Legislature passed Engrossed House Bill 1602, which requires the Board to create this rule.
For More Information
Statutory Authority: RCW 66.24.240 and RCW 66.24.244
State Board of Health Contact: Ash Noble, ash.noble@sboh.wa.gov
The Board will provide updates and announce opportunities to participate in the rule change through an interested parties list. To join the interested parties list, fill out the Dogs in Breweries Airtable Form.
Additional Background
In 2025, the Legislature passed Engrossed House Bill 1602 (Chapter 141, Laws of 2025), which changed RCW 66.24.240(7) and RCW 66.24.244(8). The law requires the Board to “adopt rules to allow dogs on the premises of licensed [domestic breweries and microbreweries] that do not provide food service subject to a food service permit requirement.” The law became effective on July 27, 2025.
This fall, the Board will begin updating Chapter 246-203 WAC, General Sanitation to include the changes required by EHB 1602. Chapter 246-203 WAC addresses issues that may affect public health, safety, or the well-being of a community.
