Approved, Waiting or Not Yet Approved: A Restaurant’s Status Explained
A ballot decided which restaurants could join the scheme first, and FEHD has now published the final list of premises permitted to admit dogs. On this map each restaurant shows one of three statuses — approved, waiting list, or not yet approved. Here is what each means.
Approved
An “approved” restaurant is on FEHD’s final published list and may admit dogs under the 2026 scheme from 9 July 2026. These are the venues where you can actually bring your dog — subject to the restaurant’s own days, hours and house rules. On this map they carry the green “approved” badge.
Look for the official approval notice displayed at the entrance to confirm, and check the venue’s dog-friendly times before you go.
Waiting list
A “waiting list” restaurant applied to join but did not secure a place in this round. Dogs are not yet admitted. FEHD is expected to approve more venues over time, and a waiting-list restaurant may move onto the approved list later — but until it does, treat it as not dog-friendly under the scheme.
Not yet approved
A “not yet approved” restaurant won a place in the original ballot but has not completed FEHD’s approval procedures, so it is not on the final list and cannot admit dogs yet. Some may still finish the process and appear on the approved list later; for now, do not rely on them, though staff may sometimes be willing to tell you their own timeline.
How many are in each group
At the 9 July 2026 launch, the approved list holds more than 800 restaurants, with several hundred more on the waiting list and a smaller group that won a quota but have not completed approval. The approved group is the one that matters for planning a meal today; the others are worth watching, as the list is expected to grow.
How to filter the map
Use the “Approved only” filter in the sidebar to show just the restaurants that can admit dogs now. Combine it with district search and “Sort Near Me” to find an approved restaurant close to you, and open any listing to see its status, address and directions.
Why an approved restaurant might still say no
Even an approved restaurant can restrict dogs to certain days or hours, cap how many dogs are allowed in at once, keep a dog-only zone, or pause admission when it is busy. Approval is permission, not a guarantee — a quick phone call or a look at the house rules before you set off saves a wasted trip.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring my dog to a waiting-list restaurant if I ask nicely? No — a waiting-list venue is not permitted to admit pet dogs under the scheme, however friendly the staff. Stick to approved venues.
Will the waiting-list restaurants ever be approved? FEHD is expected to approve more premises over time, so a venue can move from the waiting list to approved. Check the map for its current status rather than assuming.
What is the difference between “waiting list” and “not yet approved”? A waiting-list venue did not get a place this round; a “not yet approved” venue won a place but has not finished the approval steps. Neither can admit dogs right now.