Retail Chains You Didn't Know Were Dog Friendly
I'll bet you didn't know there were this many! When I was younger, I took my dog with me everywhere. It was great socialization. My dog was with me every minute I wasn't working or going to school. Generally, we assume that if the store doesn't have the word "pet" somewhere in its name, our friends aren't welcome.
Though it's not well advertised, there are several big retail chains out there that empathize with a dog owner's desire to take their pooch absolutely everywhere. Next time you want to shop, especially on a warm day and don't want to leave them in the car, consider shopping at these stores. (always call first to double check...some locations have size restrictions)
Home Depot
The wide aisles and concrete floors make Home Depot a great opportunity for your canine to get out and see the world that is commercialized home improvement. They almost universally welcome puppies (just make sure you bring something to clean up any accidents. Many Home Depot locations allow both small and large dogs to wander the aisles and admire their extensive inventory--as long as they're accompanied by their humans on leash.
Apple Store
Did you know that the tech giant retail stores allow four-legged friends? Looking for a new Apple watch or deciding which new iPhone your Mal thinks is best, he can be right at your side. Everyone needs a break from all this covid silliness, even store employees.
Barnes and Noble
Your pooch may not know how to read, but he'll love checking out the shelves at this popular book store. What could be better than having buying books with your best friend. Just don't let him talk you into a book on baking treats. The Barnes and Noble Café has separate rules, and many states do not allow dogs in food areas, so check with a manager before you head over for a refreshment break.
Bass Pro Shops
The fact that you can bring dogs of all sizes into most Bass Pro Shops is what makes them awesome. The people that run Bass Pro Shops are dog lovers...and after all your best friend needs a fitting for a life jacket, hunting jacket or new radio collar....They even host an annual Dog Day event that encourages customers to shop with their dogs. During the event, they put all their dog supplies on sale. Your pooch can stock up on all of life's essentials without going over budget.
Abercrombie and Fitch
Pretty much everything from the 90s is back in style these days—and that includes uber-popular clothing retailer Abercrombie and Fitch. A&F welcomes dogs in their locations (since many malls are dog-friendly, this makes total sense!) so bring your pup along to help you choose the best graphic tee to add to your collection. Macy's
Your dog deserves some major retail therapy, and lucky for him, most Macy's locations welcome dogs through their doors with open arms. Who knew? Macy's has always been known for supporting local SPCAs, and their dog appreciation doesn't end at monetary donations. We like stores that do that.
Lush Cosmetics
Lush is one of the few cosmetic companies that refuse to test products on animals, and they extend an open-door policy to the same animals they're protecting. Eyeliner, mascara, and foundation have no business being on your dog's face, but that doesn't mean he can't help you pick out the perfect lipstick to slobber on!
Hobby Lobby
Hobby Lobby is the perfect place for both you and your pooch. Hobby Lobby is awesome for many reasons, but this is a big one. Hobby Lobby offers everything you could possibly need for all of your crafting projects, and they even have a yes-to-pets policy so your dog can craft too.
Pottery Barn
To avoid your dog behaving like a bull in a china shop, it's best to make sure he has passed the Good Citizen test before inviting him along to shop at Pottery Barn. You don't want to hear your dog broke it, so you've bought it. But if your pooch is content to walk safely by your side, call the location nearest you to see if he can come along to that specific store.
Tractor Supply Co.
Tractor Supply is your lawn, garden, and farm animal super center, and they encourage mammals of all kinds to check out what they have to offer. They stock everything from dog houses, to dogfood and toys, -everything else your dog needs to stay happy. And the cashiers are nice too.
Ross
Both you and your pup can dress for less when you shop at Ross. This store offers everything from discounted clothes to quirky kitchen gadgets, and they even have a well-stocked pet supply aisle. Contact your local store for specific animal size restrictions, some only allow small dogs.
Foot Locker
They not only have a really cool hot air balloon they fly at balloon events, they allow four-legged patrons in this popular athletic shoe store. As many Foot Lockers are located inside malls, be sure to check the mall's pet policy before you and Fido start strolling down the promenade.
Half Price Books
Half Price Books prides itself on being dog-friendly (in fact, the story goes, in their early days, they had so many workers wanted to bring their dogs to work, they had to limit their employees to two dogs per store!). However, if a dog is allowed in a specific location is left up to that store’s individual manager. If your location does allow dogs, you must keep your dog on leash and make sure they’re well-behaved and don’t disrupt any other customer’s shopping experience
Lowes
Like the Depot, expanses of cement floors, lumber and open spaces make them an ideal place to bring your puppy for socializing. When we've had puppies I'll put a couple in the basket and roll them around the store...they get lots of stranger attention but being in the basket aren't exposed to potential disease when they haven't had all their shots yet. As always, call first and make sure you'll be welcome but I've never had a bad experience. Mostly just oooohs and aaaaaahs.
Bath and Body Works
You're not the only one that gets to enjoy the magical mix of aromas that is a Bath and Body Works store. Let your small-enough-to-hold pooch use his nose to help you pick out the perfect perfume. Socialize that puppy to new smells.Michaels
Well-behaved dogs are also allowed in Michaels according to their Facebook page. Individual locations always vary in their rules so it is always a good idea to give them a quick call to make sure your dog is allowed to shop with you. If your dog is a certified service dog, they are allowed anywhere you go.
Academy
Academy Sports + Outdoors is the place for all things athletic. And while they don’t have a pet policy posted on their website, shoppers from around the country have posted pics with their pups in the store—so most locations shouldn’t have a problem with you bringing your dog along to shop.
Gander Outdoors
What better place to bring your pup than to shop for fishfinders, and hunting cameras. Definitely check out Gander Outdoors. And bring your hunting pup with you; Gander Outdoors has a liberal pet policy and welcomes your four-legged friends in-store.
Free People
Thank all the uber trendy people and their pets for this one. This trendy retailer gives a thumbs up to shopping with your dog. They even have an on-trend line of pet accessories so both you and your pooch can walk away with something special.
Bebe
Bebe is a women’s clothing retailer that has a pet-friendly policy that allows you to bring your furry “bebe" with you when you shop. While the company doesn’t have a published pet policy, many shoppers report being able to bring their dogs into stores.
Nordstrom
Nordstrom is an upscale retailer known for their semi-annual sales, where shoppers can score some of the best deals in the retail world. But as it turns out, they also have quite the reputation as a dog friendly space. According to an LA Times article, well-behaved dogs have been welcomed at Nordstrom for over three decades). Who knew? The rich apparently do live better...they take their pets to stores and you can too.
Old Navy
Old Navy has something for the whole family—and that includes your dog! This retailer is a great place to bring your dog shopping; not only is the company dog friendly, but their stores are typically very spacious, which gives your four-legged friend plenty of space to roam around on leash of course.
Saks Fifth Avenue
Saks Fifth Avenue has a reputation for being one of the fanciest department stores in the country, so you wouldn’t think they’d be thrilled with customers bringing their dogs to shop. But you’d be wrong! While Saks doesn’t have a posted pet policy, sources online confirm that well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome.
I guess we owe Paris Hilton a thank you for that one.Strand Bookstore
According to the company’s website, shoppers are welcome to bring their pups in to check out the newest releases at this NYC bookstore.
Banana Republic
Banana Republic is known for being the go-to spot for chic office wear and is gaining a reputation as one of the most pet-friendly retailers around. According to a recent article in the Chicago Tribune, not only does allow dogs in store, but many locations will stash treats behind the register to make sure your pup feels welcome.
How cool is that?Anthropologie
You can bring your dog shopping with you to help pick out fun dog-themed merch (the retailer regularly has fun items like Dog Christmas ornaments or designer doggie bowls)—just make sure they stay on their leash!
Being totally trendy, it makes sense that they’re totally on-board with the trend of shopping with your pooch!Urban Outfitters
Another store that is known to be pet friendly. We don't have one so I can't vouch personally, but it's worth asking. Shopping with your dog is a great way to introduce him to new places and socialize him with new people. Always keep him on a leash, and be prepared for random people to come up to you and coo over how cute your doggie is. Each store location is a breed of its own, so it's always a good idea to call ahead to ensure your furry friend won't be turned away at the door.
Virtually all Pet Stores including:
Petsmart
Pet Supplies Plus
Petco
Virtually all Pet Stores including:
Petsmart
Pet Supplies Plus
Petco
Well DUH...are there pet stores that don't allow pets? I think I'd boycott a place like that because their commitment isn't there. Fortunately most pet stores love having pets visit, and will help you decide what to buy. It makes good business sense!
If you are concerned about socializing your puppy and prefer a low traffic time at one of these retailers for training opportunities, (after calling to make sure they're pet-friendly) stop by without your pup for a visit! Watch how friendly dogs on leash are treated by the staff and other customers. Dog-friendly stores that allow dogs like Petco or Petsmart may be a great retailer to start with since they will have treats at the register! And if you really don't feel confident enough yet to bring your pooch, you can always shop online....check out the blue sidebar for some really great products.