2021-04-22
Are you a proud owner of a lovely, fluffy dog that you want to take everywhere you go? Do you like going shopping, especially when you are allowed to take your beloved furry friend? If you answered “Yes” to both questions, you might want to know which stores allow the presence of pets.
In this article, we will let you know about some pet-friendly stores in the US. You can also check our previous article in regard to the same topic, but the information provided about different stores here.
Menards is one of the biggest home improvement chains in the US, located in the Midwestern United States. There is no official pet policy enforced by the store chain and if you are wondering whether to take your fluffy friend or not, you need to contact the local store management. Despite the fact that there is no official pet policy many local stores allow pets if they are well-behaved and are on a leash. Some stores run a restrictive pet policy, as a dog’s behavior might be unpredictable and dog attacks or any kind of disruptive behavior should be avoided. You need to keep in mind that not all dogs, especially those with no special training, feel comfortable being surrounded by strangers. Even though some stores do not allow dogs and have “no pet signs”, service dogs are permitted. Once again we need to make clear that service dogs are not considered pets, as they have been trained to perform specific tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability.
New Menards’ Rules
Due to the global pandemic in April 2020 the store chain changed its pet rules. Pets, except service dogs, are no longer permitted in the store establishments. Since this change is based on the current global situation it might be changed accordingly.
Specialty retailer of outdoor recreation merchandise, based in Sidney Nebraska, Cabela’s Inc is a subsidiary of Bass Pro Shops.
If you intend to take your dog to the store’s premises, we are happy to let you know that the store chain is deemed pet-friendly. All breeds are allowed on the store’s territory, as Cabela’s do not run a breed discrimination policy. In addition, you may ask the employees for a kennel, where your dog can stay while you are shopping. Of course, the number of available kennels is limited.
We need to mention that depending on the state, there might be restrictive local regulations in regard to the presence of dogs on the store’s premises.
Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc., formerly known as Hobby Lobby Creative Centers, is a retail company, based in the US, that owns a chain of arts and crafts stores across seven US states. We are happy to let you know that you can take your pet in the chain stores, whether it is a service dog or a well-behaved dog, walked on a leash. Despite the pet-friendly policy that the chain runs, we would recommend that you contact the local store before bringing your dog since there are some customers whose dogs might have been denied access to the store.
If you are into electronics, you are definitely familiar with the international consumer electronics retailer- Best Buy. Based in Richfield, Minnesota, the store chain operates facilities also in Canada and Mexico. If you are willing to visit the store with your fluffy friend, we need to let you know more about their pet policy. Actually, there is no official pet policy, on the national level, run by the store chain. As the presence of your dog can be allowed or denied by the local management, you might want to call them before visiting. Similar to the pet policy of the stores mentioned above, your dog needs to behave properly and not be attention-seeking or disturbing towards other customers. You might want to use a stroller in order to transport your dog more safely and unobstructed. If this is your case you need to remember that even this kind of transportation will not prevent allergies that a dog’s fur may cause to other shoppers.
In order to be allowed in the store premises with their dogs, there might be some unethical customers, who claim to be accompanied by a service dog. Unfortunately according to ADA regulations employees are not allowed to ask for a certificate or other documentation as proof. Of course, as we already mentioned in one of our articles a fake dog can be recognized by its disturbing behavior and may be asked to leave.
Are you into healthy foods, free of artificial flavors, colors, and hydrogenated fats? If your answer is “yes” you are already familiar with the multinational supermarket chain, based in Austin, Texas- Whole Foods Market. What do you need to know about visiting the store with your pet? Since we are talking about a grocery store, you need to remember that pets are usually not permitted in facilities where food has been prepared or served due to health concerns. However, dogs are allowed in the outdoor spaces in many restaurants. Of course, service animals are always welcomed in the store premises.
If you would like to go shopping with your pet in the home goods and clothing store Marshall’s you may have luck. We need to note, that some clients complain about not being granted access when accompanied by their pets. With that in mind, it would be a good idea for you to call your local store first. However, service dogs are allowed due to their special status.
Another popular chain of grocery stores in the US is Trader Joe’s. Based in Monrovia, California, the store chain operates over 503 stores in 42 states. If you like to go shopping in Trader’s Joe, and you are willing to take your pet, we would recommend that you rethink your decision. Since the chain complies with the ADA regulations, service dogs are allowed in the Trader Joe’s stores. Due to state regulations in regard to food-related stores, the presence of other pets is not permitted.
Reportedly there are complaints about “fake” service animals, since some clients may want to take advantage of the service dog policy, implemented by stores in accordance with ADA rules. Unfortunately, the law does not determine how it can be proved that a dog is a real service dog and does not require a certification of the dog. However, employees are allowed to deny access even to a service dog in case that it is not well-behaved.
Walgreen is a company, based in the US that operates the second largest store chain in the pharmacy industry. If you are wondering if you and your dog partner will be allowed on the store’s premises, you need to prepare for a call with the local store manager. Pets, unless they are service dogs, are only permitted inside certain stores. The pet policy is based on the judgment of the store manager.
A very popular membership-only retail warehouse chain, based in the US and managed by Walmart Inc. is Sam’s Club. If you are a member of Sam’s club, and you want to visit the store accompanied by your beloved fluffy friend, you might get a bit disappointed. According to their policy service animals only are allowed on the store’s territory.
An interesting fact in regard to the pet policy of the store chain is that dogs, as well as mini horses, will be accepted as service animals. However, every local store is allowed to enforce its own pet policy, which means that whether your dog will be allowed or not, is left to the discretion of the store manager.
Like all stores in this list, Old Navy implements the same based on a location pet policy. Considered pet-friendly, the international operating clothing company, based in San Francisco, California, welcomes dogs in their establishments as long as they are on a leash and behave properly.
Of course, service animals are always allowed as their policy states:
“We are committed to welcoming people with disabilities who are accompanied by a service animal on the parts of our premises that are open to the public and other third parties. We will also ensure that all staff, volunteers, and others dealing with the public are properly trained in how to interact with people with disabilities who are accompanied by a service animal”.
If you want to buy new furniture in order to freshen up your home decoration, you might want to go to one of the biggest American furniture companies- Big Lots. The company is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio and manages over 1.400 stores in 47 states. If you are intending to take your furry friend, that would not be a very good idea. The store chain allows only service dogs in their premises. If you are accompanied by a service animal, you will not be required proof of pet training or special jackets.
One of the biggest pet-lovers among the stores in the US is Macy’s. The fashion clothing & accessories store chain is popular with its collaboration with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), and encourages the presence of fluffy friends. Since many of Macy’s stores are a part of larger malls, the presence of your dog may be denied. We would recommend that you contact the local management first. Adoptable dogs were displayed on the store’s holiday window. The store chain obviously has built a good reputation among dog lovers!
It could be hard to believe, but Sephora- one of the favorite retailers of personal care and beauty products, of many women around the world. Although Sephora does not run an official pet policy, it is reportedly a dog-friendly store. Many shoppers have affirmed that they were allowed to shop with their pets. Of course, dogs need to be on a leash and well-behaved.
