Dog-Friendly Stores

• Written by: Lisa Jo Rudy, M.Div.

You can take your service dog into any store, but only certain stores open their doors to pets.  Even fewer doors actively welcome dogs with special treats or dog-friendly water bowls. And some stores that allow dogs may not be the right fit for your particular pet. If you’re planning to shop with your dog along, it’s important to know where they are welcome and where they’ll be safe and happy. We’ve compiled a list of dog-friendly and dog-unfriendly stores across the country. While we’ve done our best to be sure it’s accurate and up to date, it’s a good idea to check in with your local store before heading there with your dog.

In this article:

• Comprehensive pet dog-friendly stores list
• What makes a store dog-friendly?
• What stores allow dogs?
• What stores offer special resources for dogs?
• What stores do not allow dogs?
• Are service dogs allowed in stores?
• Tips for shopping in dog-friendly stores

What makes a store dog-friendly?

Dog-friendly stores explicitly state in their store policies that dogs are welcome. To determine whether a shop is likely to be dog-friendly, start by checking the corporate website. It’s important to note that even within the same family of stores, some locations may welcome dogs while others don’t. It’s always worth calling your local outlet to make sure you’re headed to a dog-friendly shop. 

Once you know a shop is open to patrons with dogs, it’s important to ask whether your particular dog is likely to do well at that store. A dog that’s anxious, excitable, or very responsive to sensory input may struggle in some settings.

For example, the Lowe’s website states: “Did you know well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome at Lowe’s stores? Feel free to bring your dog on your next Lowe’s run instead of leaving them behind at home or in the car.” This is good news, and if your local Lowe’s is welcoming, you could consider bringing your dog. 

But reading between the lines, it’s clear that a dog that’s likely to bark or growl might not be considered “well-behaved.” And of course, Lowe’s is huge and filled with interesting smells, fast-moving carts, and loud lifts. If your dog is afraid of loud noises or is likely to get in the way of other shoppers (including fast-moving contractors), Lowe’s may not be the right place for them.

What stores allow dogs? 

Whether you’re shopping for groceries, home goods, garden supplies, building equipment, clothes, or any other item, you’re likely to find at least some retailers that are pet-friendly. Sporting goods and pet stores are especially eager to welcome your pet. Here are some of the bigger chains that actively state that they welcome dogs:

• Cabelas
• Lowe’s
• PetSmart

In addition to stores that say “please bring your pet,” there are many that unofficially allow pets in some locations. Rather than walking right into these, it’s best to call your local store to double-check their policy. These include:

• Banana Republic
• Old Navy
• Sephora

For more stores that allow or welcome dogs, be sure to check out the comprehensive list at the beginning of this article.

What stores offer special resources for dogs?

Not surprisingly, pet stores offer more than just an open door to pets. Some, like PetCo and PetSmart, also offer free dog treats and water along with classes, vaccinations, and more. Other, more surprising, dog-welcoming options include Warby Parker, the eyeglass shop, which provides free treats, and a wide range of restaurants that offer unique dog-friendly options. For example:

• Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks offer “pup cups” and “puppucino” treats, otherwise known as whipped cream in a cup. While not especially healthy for your dog, they can be a fun occasional treat.
• Chick-fil-A often offers dog-appropriate chicken treats
• Krispy Crème gives away dog-friendly donuts

What stores do not allow dogs?

Stores with a specific no-pets policy are often food stores, such as Whole Foods and Kroger.  These types of stores are often pet-unfriendly because of health concerns and state regulations. They may also be concerned about customers’ allergies or want to avoid negative encounters with fearful patrons or other dogs. Some well-known dog-unfriendly stores include:

• Walmart
• Ikea
• Target

You’ll find a complete list of stores that do not allow pets in the comprehensive list at the beginning of this article.

Are service dogs allowed in stores?

Service dogs are always allowed in stores, even grocery stores, as required by the ADA, though emotional support dogs may not be allowed. You don’t need special paperwork to identify your service dog, but it’s a good idea to identify your dog with a vest and patch. Remember that  staff at any store may ask you only two questions about your dog: 

• Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
• What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?

While service dogs are allowed to enter stores, they may be turned out of stores as a result of bad behavior. Such behavior can include barking, growling, and pawing at merchandise. If you’re not quite sure how your dog will behave in a store, it’s probably best to stay away. Over time, you may be able to train your dog to handle the challenge of shopping trips.

What Should You Do If Dogs Are Not Allowed in a Store?

If you’re shopping at Whole Foods and you want to bring your dog, what can you do?  The reality is that food stores are not allowed to welcome animals, but there are a few options. First, and easiest, use the many options available to get what you need at the store of your choice without entering the building. Use services like InstaCart, curbside pickup, or DoorDash. If you feel you absolutely must pick out your apples yourself, consider leaving your dog at home with a housemate or dog sitter.

If you arrive at a store with your dog at your side, only to be denied entrance, you may be tempted to argue or leave your dog in the car. Arguing is usually pointless, as the individual staff member who denies you entry cannot change corporate rules. And leaving your dog in the car is apt to be dangerous unless your dog is comfortable waiting for you and the temperature outside is between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Tips for Shopping in Dog-Friendly Stores

If you’re eager to run errands with your canine companion, it’s best to be sure they’re ready for the experience. Remember that in many cases, stores present many challenges that may be difficult for your dog. These include unusual or interesting smells, new and intriguing objects at dog-height, loud noises, potential dangers, and humans (including children) who may wish to pet your dog.  

To ease your dog into the shopping experience, consider taking these important steps.

• Be sure your dog is properly trained to use a leash, heel, and obey basic commands. If your dog is not yet house-trained, avoid any indoor public place. A dog that pulls, wraps their leash around your leg, or lunges forward to investigate new people or animals can cause havoc in a crowded store.
• Expose your dog to loud, crowded situations, and make sure you can get away easily if necessary. These may include local sporting events, fairs, or parades where many people and animals congregate, and unexpected sounds and smells are likely. Start at the outskirts, and allow your dog to acclimate. If they seem anxious or overstimulated, step away. You may need to repeat this exercise many times if your dog is anxious or easily excited.
• Visit a store at an uncrowded time of day without having an agenda. Just walk the perimeter with your dog, and observe their behavior. Are they comfortable and well-behaved? If so, they may be able to handle a real shopping expedition.

Once you’re sure your dog can handle shopping, follow basic pet-owner etiquette. That is, keep your dog on a secure leash.  If you are sitting at a restaurant, be sure your dog is lying down out of the way of servers and other patrons. If your dog does become agitated or anxious, or if other patrons seem anxious around your dog, exit immediately.  

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