Farmers' markets in Bay Area struggle to keep dogs out

SAN FRANCISCO -- The signs are everywhere at Bay Area farmers' markets these days.

``No pets.''

``No dogs allowed in the farmers' market.''

``No dogs.''

Yet, there they are, right next to the farm stands: dogs on leashes, dogs off leashes, dogs in buggies, dogs in designer bags. San Franciscans seem dead-set on ignoring the signs, and it's not uncommon to see a dozen or more dogs over the course of an hour at the city's major markets, be it at the Ferry Plaza or Civic Center.

``Farmers markets provide such a relaxed environment that it's hard to think of them as having rules,'' said Jessica Wyatt, Fort Mason Center Farmers' Market operations manager.

However, the signs are there for good reason, their authors say.

``Pee and poop. Those are the biggest concerns,'' said Steve Pulliam, ground manager for Heart of the City Farmers Market at San Francisco's Civic Center.

On market days, Pulliam will spy upwards of 20 dogs with their humans at the market -- sometimes more.

Health codes state that with the exception of service animals, pets aren't legally permitted within farmers' markets, or even within 20 feet of food stands or stalls.

However, according to Pulliam, ``enforcing that is a whole different ball game.''

Health violations are the main concern, but there are other problems that can arise, points out Beth Schecter, interim CEO for the Agricultural Institute of Marin. At crowded markets, dogs often get stepped on, and both people and dogs can get tangled in leashes.

Sometimes, dogs aren't the only animals you'll see.

While at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, this reporter ran into a red iguana from Ecuador name Prince.

Prince's owner, Anthony Caldwell, said that in addition to trips to the farmers' market, he takes his pet to protests and marches as a way to bond with people.

``You receive so much love. Of course I bring him out,'' said Caldwell, who, as he walked the market, was stopped by dozens of adults and kids asking to take selfies and pet the iguana.

Caldwell says he's seen the signs, but when asked if he's ever been stopped or asked to leave, Caldwell says no. He does, however, recall security officers asking to take a photo with Prince a few years back.

It's hard to put the kibosh on animals that seem to bring joy to those around them, but market managers said that the most challenging part is navigating whether a dog is, in fact, a service animal.

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), in cases where it's not obvious if the dog is a service animal, staff are legally allowed to ask just two questions: Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? And, what work or task has the dog been trained to perform?

No documentation may be requested, nor can the dog be asked to demonstrate the task. It's also, understandably, forbidden to inquire about the nature of the person's disability. Adding to the challenge for market workers, the ADA does not require service animals to wear a vest, ID tag or specific harness.

Misrepresenting oneself as the owner of a service animal is a misdemeanor. But, let's face it, the lines for what constitutes a service animal (Google the phrase ``emotional support peacock'') have been stretched in recent years.

It can be seen as offensive to even approach someone with a dog, said Pulliam, so he and his team rely on the signage and making sure all dogs passing through are at least on leashes.

At Fort Mason Center, however, they're tackling the problem in a different way.

Pet owners bringing their four-legged friends to the weekly market had become such an issue that about a month ago, the management decided to try new signs: ``Puppy Parking.''

Each Sunday, the team sets up dog-friendly zones around the perimeter of the market that feature metal railings for strapping leashes, plus water bowls to keep dogs hydrated.

This is the first such setup for the California Farmers' Market Association, which operates just over a dozen farmers' markets around the Bay Area.

Response to the puppy parking has been overwhelmingly positive. Furthermore, customers have started to self-police, reminding any potential scofflaws to park their pooch, said Wyatt.

Still, not everyone is satisfied.

Parked at a bench next to one of the puppy centers, Fort Mason regular Sheila Finn and her black terrier mix, Jimmy Mac, were taking in the crowds waiting for a friend to bring back some chicken dumplings to snack on. Finn hadn't been to the market in a couple of months and it was her first time encountering the new signage. Her critique of the setup: It needs to be in the shade. (Adding large umbrellas is on the to-do list for summer, Wyatt said.)

``In Europe, there are dogs walking into restaurants all the time,'' Finn said. ``It's much more relaxed.''