Environmental Health FAQs
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What programs are under Environmental Health?
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How do I make a complaint against a restaurant, hotel/motel, or swimming pool?
For complaints (including COVID related), services, inspections, or questions contact your
County
Environmental Health Office
(or view as webpage).After Hours Public Health Emergencies
1-866-PUB-HLTH (782-4584) -
Where can I find restaurant inspections?
Restaurant Pool, and Hotel Inspection Search Click here.
For questions or complaints about a facility, contact your County Environmental Health Office.
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What are the Public Health Districts and what counties are under each district?
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Where can I find Env Health Rules and Regulations?
DPH Regulations and Rule-Making
Body Art Rules:
511-3-8
(additional documents)
Food Service: 511-6-1 (additional documents)Pools: 511-3-5 (additional documents)
Portable Sanitation:
511-3-6
(additional documents)Septic Tanks:
511-3-1
(additional documents)Tanning Facilities:
Title
31, Chapter 38
(additional documents)Tourist Accommodations:
511-6-2
(additional documents) -
How do I become a certified septic tank installer or pumper?
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Who can I hire to install or pump a septic tank? Or do a soil report?
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How do I get certified/permitted to do tattooing or body art?
Please call your local
County
Environmental Health Office
to find out details regarding permitting requirements and inspections (or view phone numbers as webpage). -
What do I need to do to open a new restaurant, pool, or tourist accommodation facility?
Please call your local
County
Environmental Health Office
to find out details regarding permitting requirements and inspections (or view phone numbers as webpage). -
How do I open a mobile food facility?
Contact your
County
Environmental Health Office
with additional questions and to get started. -
Are dogs allowed in restaurants?
View
FAQs as a downloaded pdf file
.Q: What are the Georgia rules about dogs in restaurants?
A: Georgia Food Service Rules and Regulations require restaurants to obtain approval from the local health department before providing a dog-friendly dining space. This dining space must be outside and only accessible from the outside. Pet owners are not allowed to walk their dogs through any indoor dining areas or non-designated areas to access a dog-friendly dining patio. Only service animals that perform a task or service for their owners are allowed inside restaurants in Georgia. Pet dogs, comfort dogs or other animals are not allowed in any indoor dining areas of restaurants.Q: How will I know if a restaurant is dog-friendly?
A: Restaurants are required to notify customers that their establishment is dog-friendly. This information will be available through signs, or from restaurant staff. The restaurant must have an outside entrance to the dog-friendly area that will allow the pet owner and their dog to access the patio without walking through the indoor dining room. Only service dogs are allowed inside of a restaurant.Q: Can my dog sit at the table with me?
A: No. Dogs that accompany their owners to restaurants with dog-friendly dining patios are always required to be on a leash and under the owner’s control. Dogs are not allowed to be on tables, chairs or other furniture at the restaurant. The pet owner must ensure their dog does not come into contact with tableware or utensils at the restaurant.Q: Is my dog allowed to eat with me on a dog-friendly dining patio?
A: No. To protect the public’s health and safety, dogs are not allowed to eat on a dog-friendly dining patio. Some dogs become aggressive around food and eating stimulates a dog’s digestive system increasing the likelihood that they will vomit or defecate immediately afterward.Q: What if my dog has an accident while on the dog-friendly patio?
A: Restaurants with approved dog-friendly dining patios are required to have materials available for cleaning up after a dog, if an accident occurs.Q: If it is hot outside, can a restaurant give my dog water?
A: If you visit a restaurant with a dog-friendly patio, the restaurant can provide a single-use, disposable bowl of water that you can give your pet away from the dining area. Dogs are not allowed to eat or drink in the dining area.Q: Will restaurant employees be able to pet my dog?
A: Restaurant employees working with and around food are not allowed to touch or pet animals. For more information, contact your
County
Environmental Health Office
or visit our Food Page and download a copy of the Georgia Food Service Rules and Regulations. -
What is considered a non-profit food service event?
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How do I get a job in Environmental Health?
Click here for available jobs and then filter on Environmental Services. Then apply.