I don't allow buyers to bring pets through seller's houses, either.  And while I don't mind having a conversation with the sellers about it, it's not necessary. 

Buyers shouldn't be bringing their dogs (or other pets, for that matter) through the seller's property.  You don't know if they have a dog of their own, who might be driven crazy by the smell of a foreign animal, or a family member with allergies.  It's just not appropriate.

Love the sign and completely agree with it. I once had a buyer who was a professional that did have a service dog. Her dog could sense when a seizure was imminent for her, giving her time to seek help. She respected the sellers in the homes so much that she always had a friend or family member with her who could stay outside with her dog while she quickly toured homes. 

To answer your question Fred, I do not think it's appropriate for the very reason my client who DOES have a service animal didn't bring her dog through homes that she toured!

Unless the dog is a co-signor for the loan to be, it stays in dog country i.e. outside, in the car or perhaps the agent can watch as a courtesy at the front door of listing. In the house? NEVER. Comfort dog? NO! Any stories on how their beloved pet is half human, wouldn't hurt a fly? Not interested. Test this: A buyer with a dog, who was refused entry says: I was going to make an offer, but now, since you disrespected my dog, NO DEAL!       LOL

It's just not cool these days . . . and I LOVE dogs!
Back in the days of broker tours, Luna would ride with me in the truck and visit with people, who all loved her. She'd go to title company with me and it was a holiday for the girls to get to hang out with her. I have had buyers back when they would ride with me with a small dog in their arms. That was fine.
In your example, NO WAY would I allow it and I would gently explain that we could not risk any offense to the property owner that might disadvantage them in event of a negotiation . . .

No pets allowed. No emotional support.
*Service Dogs Only

*Frequently by appointment due to owners' allergies.

I respond - We love our pets too. Thank you for coming today. Please leave your precious fur baby outside while touring the home. We must be mindful of protecting others who may have allergies or a fear of dogs. 

This falls under the category of 

 R E S P E C T 

Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate

Absolutely not.

Dogs are territorial and males might urinate to mark their spot or worse, bite anyone within their strike zone. A husband and wife buyer had 2 dogs and she insisted on bringing them inside to all the houses they were to see. I suggested they leave the dogs in their truck and take turns going through. It worked!

It depended on the circumstances Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate . In general it was a NO! However if a lady had a little teacup sized dog in her purse that may pass. In other cases I just politely said that someone in the home may have allergies so NO please.

NO ANIMALS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE. PERIOD. END OF STORY.

There have also been circumstances when I've denied access to people with children. It's not because I don't like kids, but because there are either potentially dangerous situations where a child may be seriously injured, or there are very valuable items in the home that I refuse to be responsible for in the event of accidental breakage.

I would say no dogs per owner of the open house.

I’ve asked them to keep the dog outside.

"Is your dog a service dog?"  "what service does he perform for you?"

They are allowed in with the correct answers. 

Otherwise... your pet can wait in the car.

A definite no.  Liability abounds in this sue me society.  Sellers home comes with boundaries.  Same with children at showing and/or a pack of relatives all going in different directions.  Bring them back after your offer is accepted.

No dogs or other pets allowed at an open house or individual showing. Just policy to avoid incidents. Next!

Does the dog have authority to sign a purchase offer?

Just no.  Not even a service dog.  There are so many reasons not to take any animal into another's home.  You want to bring your dog in this house.... buy it.

Who let the dogs out... 

I'm with you on that, Fred. A polite request to not bring a dog in should hopefully suffice. And really, the buyer's agent should know to tell his/her clients not to bring their pups to a showing. As for dogs in restaurants, that bothers me less... I got used to it living in France.

Dog stays in the car.

I've seen similar signs in California.  The worst offenders are hotel guests.

No animals allowed and no using the toilet either.

Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate Last time I went to Sonny's BBQ, there was a man waiting for treats for his dog, the man worked there and he had a dog, He stated that the dog was for emotional support. I did not feel confortable with the dog wanting to jump on me. Most service dogs are super well behaved. There is one that attends the evening service at our church and the dog sits quietly next to his owner and appears to be very clean. 

I have not had any experience with dogs coming to an Open House, but if they did, it would be a hard NO. More of those signs should be in all restaurants.

I would find out why they are bringing the dog into the house.  I would explain that I'm responsible for the home and can't allow pet in unless it is mandated by law.

It is a complicated issue these days if you deal with buyers/tenants since their dog might be an ESA.  Here are some of CA rules you might find different from your state: California's Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) works with the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) to provide protections for ESA owners in housing. 

• Reasonable Accommodation: Landlords must make reasonable accommodations to allow an ESA, even if there is a "no-pets" policy.

• No extra fees: Landlords cannot charge extra pet fees or deposits for an ESA.

• Conditions for denial: An ESA request can be denied if the animal poses a direct threat to the health and safety of others or would cause substantial property damage.

• No breed or size restrictions: Landlords cannot impose restrictions based on the ESA's breed, size, or weight. 

I’m with you on this one Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate —unless it’s a true ADA-compliant service dog, pets shouldn’t be coming into open houses or showings. 
As much as people love their dogs, there are allergies, liability issues, and potential damage to think about.
I usually ask politely that they leave the pup outside or reschedule if needed. It keeps things professional and respectful for the seller.

I haven’t seen it too much in my area. I do agree, the dog issue is a bit out of control.

That’s a good question, Fred. Pets at showings can definitely create challenges, because you need to balance being welcoming with protecting the seller’s home.

At an open house, I would politely explain that for safety and cleanliness, pets cannot come inside. I would suggest that a friend or family member wait outside with the dog while the buyer takes a quick tour.

For private showings, it helps to set expectations in advance. A simple reminder such as, “For everyone’s comfort, please leave pets at home,” avoids surprises. If a buyer still arrives with a dog, I would kindly ask them to secure the pet outside while we view the home together.

The key is to keep it friendly and professional. Most buyers understand when you explain that you are protecting both their experience and the seller’s property.

Shad R. | Helping Realtors® Grow with Proven Marketing | AmericasBestMarketing.com

I would tell the dog owner that the owners have requested that pets remain out side.