Controversial Video of Dog Climbing Through Starbucks Drive-Thru Window Viewed 5M Times

A recent TikTok, showing an eager pet dog climbing into a Starbucks drive-thru window, went gone viral in just four days. The video has been viewed over 5 million times, amassing approximately 537,000 likes and 3,200 comments.

While the adorable canine appears harmless, the video has sparked some controversy in the comments section, with many calling out the Starbucks employees for allowing a potential health code violation.

Starbucks is known for its pet-friendly and complimentary "Puppuccinos"—a small cup filled with whipped cream made specifically for customers' canines.

However, despite the pet-friendly offering, Starbucks doesn't allow dogs inside their restaurants, reported The Dog People, a blog run by Rover. Instead, pets are allowed to wait in any of their restaurants' outdoor spaces.

But the dog featured in the viral TikTok could not to contain its excitement. The video, shared by @dollface_danapace, is filmed from the perspective of a car waiting in the drive-thru line. In the next car, the dog sticks its head out of the front-seat window and rests its paws on the drive-thru windowsill. The sounds of employees cooing and giggling at the dog's appearance can be heard in the background.

"When the [Puppuccino] calls to you," wrote @dollface_danapace, before adding: "The dog's name is Booboo."

An employee then sticks out a hand and pets the large dog—and in response, the pup starts to climb out of the vehicle and onto the ledge. A pair of arms then stick out from the drive-thru window, in an effort to prevent the dog from falling and guide it to the other side. Soon, the dog's head disappears behind the wall of the coffee shop.

Many commenters were struck by the dog's enthusiasm—but others took issue with the potential health risks that could have resulted from the incident.

"The employee's giggle as she guides him to the window ledge is everything," wrote @jennifergridley.

Echoed @shady_nate: "This would literally make my whole day if I was a barista. I'd brag to everyone."

Others, meanwhile, were less enthused by the clip. "This is absolutely not ok," countered @jen2270.

"As cute as this is, please remember that having a dog in the kitchen is a huge potential health code violation," added @mckooldude.

In response to the criticisms, @dollface_danapace provided a comment of her own: "Starbucks has always been a dog friendly restaurant. Booboo was not harmed and turned right back around like the good boy he is."

Newsweek has reached out to Starbucks for additional comment but did not hear back in time for publication.