Having your dog come along while you run errands seems like it would be easy enough, but not all stores have clear policies on the matter. Some stores are happy to have your furry friend join you, others that will allow it only if it’s okay with the manager of the store, and still others that simply don’t allow any animals.
Pet Policy vs. Legal Access: Know the Difference
Before we discuss individual stores, however, it makes sense to distinguish between a voluntary “pet-friendly” policy of a store and a mandated right of access. According to the ADA, service animals have to be given equal rights of entry into places open to the general public, irrespective of whether such establishment has a voluntary pet-friendly policy in place. In contrast, ordinary pets, no matter how well-behaved and friendly they are, can only enter those places where the owner of the establishment gives his/her permission.
In the case of emotional support animals, the situation is much less fortunate. Unlike the service animals, ESAs do not qualify as service dogs according to the ADA and therefore, are not granted any automatic right of entry into the retail establishments. If you shop along with your ESA, you are subject to the general policy of the store and not to the provisions of the federal legislation.
Pet Supply Retailers: Built for Dogs
The fact that shops that sell food for pets are more accommodating should not come as any surprise. Not only do PetSmart and Petco accommodate well-mannered dogs on a leash in their premises, but Petco further permits all domestic animals to enter its stores, provided that they are vaccinated and licensed. The reason why such shops are ideal is that they offer wide aisles and grooming tables as well as trained personnel who are used to seeing four-legged animals.
Home Improvement Stores: It Depends on the Location
Home improvement stores can be both good and bad. While the official corporate policy of The Home Depot allows pets only if it is a service dogs, many of its stores are open for pets at the discretion of the store manager. Similarly, Lowe’s does not have an official corporate policy that allows pets. Yet, there are a lot of stores where you can take your pet as long as it is under your control. One of the best companies for taking your pet along is the Tractor Supply Co., which is a supplier of goods for farms and pets.
Therefore, since there is no guarantee that all their stores allow pets, it is better to check before visiting the store if you travel specially to get there.
Clothing and Department Stores: A Case-by-Case Situation
Fashion retailers are quite diverse in this matter as well. Nordstrom is well known for allowing pets that are kept on leash in all of its stores. TJX brands like Marshalls, T.J. Maxx, and HomeGoods allow dogs as well, although this is not a written rule; thus, policies might vary depending on each store manager. Leashed pets are also allowed in Ross, based on customer service reports, although this is not an official policy.
Apple Stores offer an interesting example as they sell electronics and not food; hence, they do not fall under the scope of health code requirements and allow dogs at many stores. However, the policy of each particular Apple Store is dependent upon the property policy as these stores are located in malls. Macy’s and similar department stores leave decisions about allowing pets up to the managers of each particular store.
Stores That Generally Don’t Allow Dogs
Grocery stores and warehouses are consistently restrictive with regard to pets, mainly because of food safety rules that hold irrespective of what the store’s preference might be. Walmart, Target, Costco, Sam’s Club, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe’s will all generally only allow service dogs, but no pets or ESAs into their store locations. It’s important to understand that this isn’t because the store doesn’t like animals; it has more to do with health codes that all businesses that sell unpackaged food have to abide by. If you come across instances of pet dogs in these store locations, it’s usually an employee who is being lax in enforcing the policy.
Beyond Retail: Other Pet-Friendly Spots
There are several places outside the shopping experience where you will find dogs allowed in. Breweries, wineries, restaurants and cafés, farmers’ markets, outdoor malls, art galleries, and even some baseball stadiums are known to allow dogs in their facilities – especially outdoor areas.
Tips for a Smooth Shopping Trip With Your Dog
A little preparation goes a long way toward keeping the experience pleasant for everyone involved.
Confirm before you go
A quick phone call to the specific store location can save you a wasted trip, since policies often vary even within the same chain.
Keep your dog leashed and controlled
Nearly every dog-friendly policy requires this, and it protects both your dog and other shoppers.
Choose calmer times to visit
If your dog gets overwhelmed easily, shopping during off-peak hours can make the outing far less stressful.
Bring the basics
Water, a few treats, and waste bags help you handle any situation that comes up while you’re out.
Be considerate of other shoppers
Not everyone is comfortable around dogs, so keep some distance from other customers unless they specifically ask to say hello.
The Bottom Line
Shopping centers accommodating dogs are increasingly popular, yet still remain mostly an assortment of policies of different stores rather than some kind of guaranteed right apart from the service animals covered by the ADA. In case you take your emotional support animal to a shopping center, keep in mind that your pet will be able to enter only based on the general pet policy of the store in question.
FAQs
1. Are emotional support animals allowed in all dog-friendly stores?
Not necessarily. The ESA is not protected by the ADA, meaning that entry will depend on the policy set forth by the particular store and will be subject to the same restrictions as any other pet.
2. Can grocery stores legally refuse to let my dog inside?
Yes, it is legal to prevent regular pets from entering. However, places such as Walmart, Target, and Whole Foods are allowed to prohibit pets because of the food safety laws.
3. Do I need proof that my dog is a service animal to shop with it?
No. The business can only inquire about whether the dog is required due to a disability and the task that the dog performs; it cannot request identification or any form of certification from the owner.
4. Which stores are the most reliably dog-friendly?
Stores such as PetSmart, Petco, Tractor Supply Co., and Nordstrom are some of the dog-friendly stores, but still, there may be exceptions to some extent in different outlets of those companies.
5. Why do some Home Depot or Lowe’s locations allow dogs while others don’t?
None of these companies has official pet policies in all their stores throughout the United States, so each outlet’s management decides on its own based on different factors.
6. What should I do if a store denies entry to my well-behaved pet dog?
As it was already said above, the access of pets to a store is a choice of the particular establishment and not a law, thus it cannot be denied. However, you may call before visiting or check their social networks.
