Geneva might allow people to bring pets to businesses that want them

Shopping with your dog, or being greeted by an ankle rub from a store owner's cat, have been no-nos in Geneva for 43 years.

That could change, at the request of the owner of a business at the Geneva Commons shopping mall.

Sheila Spitza, owner and president of the Wet Nose pet supplies boutique, asked the city council Monday to change the law.

"Geneva Commons has been pet-friendly for 16 years. Anyone who shops there knows that," Spitza said.

When her store opened 16 years ago, she asked mall management for permission for her store and others to allow dogs. It said yes, and has confirmed participants annually, Spitza said.

But a customer recently told the mall manager that Geneva prohibits having animals in public buildings, "food establishments" and stores. Mall management then informed the store owners it wouldn't allow pets anymore.

Not even in Wet Nose. Only pet stores that have grooming or veterinary businesses can let pets in.

Spitza suggests the city remove the ordinance, and leave it up to individual businesses to decide whether to accept pets.

"We just want to have the chance to be able to welcome them," Spitza said. It is an advantage brick-and-mortar stores have in competition with online shopping, she said.

The law was enacted in 1975, during a major revision of Geneva's city code.

"Sometimes, quite frankly, these ordinances are out of date," Mayor Kevin Burns said.

Spitza posted her idea on the "What's Happening in Geneva" Facebook page, and urged people to contact their aldermen. There are supporters, but also opponents. Some commenters said it was unhygienic to allow dogs in restaurants. Others worried about dogs biting shoppers.

Alderman Jim Radecki read three emails from residents who oppose letting dogs be in stores. One was from a woman who said she is allergic to dogs, and takes an antihistamine when she knows she will be around them. But the antihistamine makes her drowsy.

Alderman Jeanne McGowan empathized, saying she is so allergic to cats she has twice been treated in an emergency department for difficulty breathing. But, she said, service animals are already allowed everywhere, and people may be exposed to allergens even if animals aren't allowed in stores, such as if a dog-owner brought a piece of clothing home, then returned it to the store. She favors leaving it up to business owners.

"Allergies are a part of life. I do not ask the park district to remove all trees and grass," said Spitza, who said she has allergies to them.

St. Charles also prohibits bringing animals in businesses. Batavia allows them in some businesses.

Illinois law prohibits bringing companion animals to restaurants. It allows cities of 1 million or more to enact laws allowing companion animals at outside dining areas, according to the Michigan State University College of Law's Animal Legal and Historical Center.

Aldermen directed the city's administrator to research the matter and bring a proposal back to the council.