CHICAGO (WGN) — In Connecticut, it’s barking and banking.
“The treat drops in, no portion control, so they can indulge as much as they’d like to partake,” said Katie Burns with TD Bank.
This ATM isn’t dispensing cash — it’s an automatic treat machine, doling out bones instead of bucks. It’s one of 14 being installed at TD Bank branches along the East Coast, giving four-legged customers a reason to wag.
And beyond Connecticut, signs are growing that dogs are becoming an even bigger part of business.
In Chicago, Ald. Timmy Knudsen (43rd Ward) recently introduced the “Dog Friendly Business Ordinance,” which would allow more than just service animals inside restaurants.
The alderman worked with the city’s Department of Public Health to create the proposal. If approved, there would be a limit of one dog per table.
Food prep areas would be off limits and dogs can only be served water either by their owners or by restaurant employees.
“They have signage at their front door,” Ald. Knudsen said. “We’re going to help out a little bit on a signage this month showing what it can look like in a fun, aesthetic way. But they also have flexibility to add more rules on their own. Maybe they only want three dogs in the business at a time, they can do that.”
Back at the “bark bank,” TD’s motion-operated treat machine is already a hit with visitors.
“We’re just really excited. It’s another way to have a unique experience and we’re finding that our customers are really enjoying different ways to engage when they come to visit us here,” Burns said.
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