As animal lovers, we LOVE to find stores that allow us to bring our furry friends along for our frequent shopping trips.
Service dogs are ALWAYS allowed.
A few things to keep in mind before bolting out to our list of pet-friendly establishments:
- Make sure your pet is vaccinated.
- Make sure your pet is appropriately restrained on a leash.
- Be prepared to pick up after your pet.
- Always call your local store first, as policies may vary depending on location.
We made a quick list of stores that allow customers to bring pets in with them; happy shopping:
Lowe’s
Lowe’s official policy is that it only allows registered service animals inside their stores.
However, some locations defer in their enforcement. Generally, they allow well-behaved animals in its stores, provided that they are on a leash, harnessed, or carried by their owners. Under no circumstances is the dog allowed to roam the store freely. Make sure to call your local store to confirm their policy.
Petsmart
Petsmart allows the following animals into their stores: dogs, cats, ferrets, snakes, guinea pigs, small birds, and several more. Petsmart is much more lenient than other major stores because they cater specifically to pet parents!
Hobby Lobby
This one may surprise you, but Hobby Lobby does indeed allow pets into their store. The dogs must be well-behaved and kept on a leash for the duration of your visit.
Petco
As with other pet stores, Petco does allow pets to enter the store as long as they follow basic guidelines of being out in public, like being on a leash and properly vaccinated. If you anticipate an issue because there are other pets typically in-store, it’s best to travel without your furry friend.
Check out this cute video of a puppy picking out its toys in a Petco!
Ace Hardware
Ace Hardware’s store rules on pets will vary throughout each location. Some stores will allow most dogs into the store, but of course, the same basic restrictions apply just like any other store allowing pets.
Macy’s
This department store may be a surprise on our pet-friendly list; however, make sure to check the policy per location, as many locations are connected to a mall, and the mall policy applies if you are looking to venture to other shops outside of Macy’s.
The Apple Store
Most Apple stores allow dogs inside. Ensure your pet is comfortable and not overly stressed being around high foot traffic areas and lots of people.
Bass Pro Shops & Cabelas
The official pet policy of Bass Pro Shops (and their family of brands, like Cabelas) allows all dogs securely leashed and well-behaved dogs inside their stores.
Lush
Lush Cosmetics support and love animals. They welcome dogs into their stores and have a cruelty-free policy for any of their items. Just like Macy’s, though, you will often find Lush inside of a mall, and it is advised to educate yourself on the mall’s pet policy before bringing your furry friend along.
Pottery Barn
Many Pottery Barn locations allow leashed dogs in their stores! However, not every store allows furry friends.
Nordstrom
All Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack stores are dog-friendly environments. It is best to check with your local store and all dogs must be leashed and well-behaved.
Gap
Some Gap stores allow your dog to accompany you during your shopping trip. While most stores allow leashed, well-behaved dogs – It’s best to call ahead and check!
Home Depot
Home Depot has a policy to only allow Service Dogs into their stores. Some locations don’t enforce the policy and allow pets, but others do; we recommend checking with the store before you head there.
Moral of the story?
Check the policy before you head out shopping with your best friend in tow, especially if your best friend has four legs!
Are there stores we left out? We’d love to know! Email us at outreach@texashumanenetwork.org
Links:
- https://corporate.homedepot.com/newsroom/canine-connection-service-store
- https://www.rover.com/blog/dog-friendly-stores-across-america/#:~:text=Home%20Depot%20is%20one%20of,HD%20still%20welcomes%20their%20pooch
- https://doggieparent.com/are-dogs-allowed-in-hobby-lobby/
- https://dogsandclogs.com/are-dogs-allowed-in-lowes/
- https://www.sidewalkdog.com/are-dogs-allowed-petsmart/
- https://www.petcoach.co/question/?id=411218
- https://ncraoa.com/ace-hardware-allow-dogs-policy/
- https://www.rover.com/blog/dog-friendly-stores-across-america/
- https://www.entirelypets.com/dog-friendly-stores.html
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