Is this place pet friendly? The table across from me has a live small dog sitting on the table and the waitress just took a picture of their group for them.

He’s not on your table so what’s the problem?

A dog should NEVER be on the table!

Yeah, service dogs are the exception, otherwise no

Only with service dogs, otherwise that would be a no

Not to my knowledge.

Here's the thing, Fair Oaks Mall in general is considered "pet friendly" where people are allowed to bring leashed pets through the shops and corridors, so ideally as pets (unless service animals) should not be permitted in restaurants, if you eat at this location do not be surprised if they are more lenient than most when it comes to that.

Never seen anybody with a pet at Cheesecake Factory

No