Yahoo Lifestyle 25 Dog-Friendly Stores Where Pups Are Welcomed With Open Arms
Shopping sprees are the best! The only way they could be even better is if your furry friends could join you on your retail therapy adventure. Alas, finding dog-friendly stores is easier said than done, and most non-pet stores tend to have pretty strict "no dogs" policies (save for service dogs, of course). Guess your pooch will just have to sit this shopping trip out... right?
Well, maybe not. Believe it or not, there are a surprising number of big retailers that welcome their customers' well-behaved pets with open arms. They're perfect if you're looking for a few shops you can visit with your four-legged friend (or if you want some place you can walk that's out of the summer heat). So what stores are dog-friendly? Let's get into it:
Dog-Friendly Stores
With the exception of the first two companies on this list (which are pretty universally pet-friendly), there's always some nuance with even the most welcoming retailers. Even the most openly dog-loving companies are still beholden to local and state laws regarding pets that their stores have to abide by, and local store managers who've had prior bad experiences with customers' pets generally have the authority to enforce their own pet policies at will.
If you have any doubts about whether or not your canine companion can tag along at your local stores, calling ahead is always your safest bet. You can check if your local store welcomes pets on BringFido.com, which has a database of thousands of dog-friendly stores worldwide!
What Stores Are Dog Friendly?
All 25 dog-friendly stores on our list fall under the following categories:
Always: The retailer has an official storewide policy allowing for pets across all locations. Unless local or state regulations say otherwise, you're pretty much always in the clear.
Mostly: These retailers technically have pet-friendly policies, but are frequently found in shopping centers which may or may not have their own superceding pet restrictions. Or, they might not have an explicit storewide pet policy but still have a predominantly pet-friendly reputation at most locations.
Sometimes: The retailer has no official pet policy, and it's completely up to local stores on a case-by-case basis.
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1. PetCo - Always
Let's get the most obvious ones - pet stores - out of the way first, starting with PetCo. Dogs, cats, and pretty much any well-behaved animal that can be kept on a leash or put in a pet carrier are warmly welcomed at all PetCo locations - and I do mean "any" animal. Back in 2019, one PetCo store even welcomed "Oliver," a long-horned African Watusi!
Between the friendly staff and aisles of toys and treats galore, PetCo is practically a pet paradise. Besides, many PetCo locations have in-house veterinarians, dog groomers, and obedience training classes. As long as your four-legged friend has good manners and stays on their leash, they're good to go!
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2. PetSmart - Always
Like PetCo, PetSmart gladly welcomes their canine customers with open paws. PetSmart's in-store pet policy allows customers to bring their dogs and cats, along with a number of other traditional pet animals, including birds, certain non-venomous reptiles, rabbits, and pot-bellied pigs! Just like PetCo, many PetSmart locations also offer dog training, veterinary care, pet grooming, and more!
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3. Lowes - Always
According to Dogster, Lowes' official policy currently allows both authorized service animals and leashed, well-behaved pets in all store locations. With big, wide-open aisles to walk down and a few pet supplies in stock, this hardware giant welcomes all customers, whether they walk on two legs or four!
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4. Home Depot - Sometimes
Technically speaking, Home Depot's policy only permits pets if they're authorized service animals, making them a bit less lenient than Lowes on paper. That being said, a lot of dog parents will attest that they haven't had any issues bringing their non-service animals into Home Depot locations, so long as they're well-behaved. Definitely call ahead and ask first, but there's a good chance your local franchise will let it slide if Fido wants to tag along!
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5. Harbor Freight Tools - Always
Another popular hardware chain with more than 1,300 across the country, Harbor Freight Tools is very welcoming of well-behaved doggy guests, with a company representative confirming their open-doors pet policy to Rover.com via social media. They also have a modest selection of pet supplies in stock, in case you wanna buy your buddy a little surprise on the way out the door!
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6. LUSH Cosmetics - Mostly
According to the Bark Post, LUSH customer service confirmed that while store policies differ from location to location, most LUSH stores are more than happy to have customers bring their pets along! Just keep in mind that a lot of LUSH stores are located inside of shopping malls, which may have their own overarching rules regarding pets.
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7. Sephora - Sometimes
Sephora doesn't have an official pet policy, allowing store managers to make their own calls. Additionally, like LUSH, many Sephora stores are located inside malls and are beholden to the building's pet policies. Despite this, many pet parents say they've had success bringing their well-behaved, leashed dogs into Sephora stores. Just be sure to call ahead and ask before you pull up with your pooch!
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8. Michaels - Always
Craft lovers rejoice! Your pet pooch can join you on your next arts and crafts supply run, thanks to Michaels' lenient policy on welcoming four-legged shoppers. According to USServiceAnimals.org, Michaels' pet policy only stipulates that customers keep their pets on a leash and keep them out of any areas with food.
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9. Jo-Ann Fabrics - Always
Let's stick with the craft store theme just a little longer. Jo-Ann's official pet policy warmly welcomes pet visitors as long as they have good manners, are vaccinated, and are kept on a leash or in a container. They also ask pet parents to clean up any messes (clean-up supplies are available at in-store Cut Counters), and to be considerate of guests who may have allergies or are uncomfortable around animals.
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10. Hobby Lobby - Mostly
How about one last arts and crafts store for good measure? Last year, Pet Friendly Verdict confirmed that Hobby Lobby is very pro-pet after checking in with their customer service reps. As always, individual store policies may vary, but you can generally rely on most Hobby Lobbies to welcome well-behaved pets wherever local regulations permit!
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11. Tractor Supply Co. - Always
Though Tractor Supply Co.'s pet policy is tough to sniff out online, Dogster confirmed that the farm supply retailer welcomes all well-behaved pets at any of their locations - by the way, that also includes other animals like cats, horses, goats, and pigs. Be advised that some locations may only allow pets to visit certain designated areas of the store. Safe to say, they probably don't want overeager pups digging into their pet food supply!
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12. Warby Parker - Mostly
Warby Parker doesn't just tolerate their customers' canines - they love 'em! They even launched a limited-edition "Canine Collection" under the name "Warby Barker," with five pup-sized versions of their vintage-inspired frames made from "chew-resistant acetate" - plus a complimentary gluten-free dog treat with every purchase!
Unsurprisingly, then, Warby Parker stores tend to be very pet-friendly overall. As always, though, local regulations apply, and Warby Parker locations inside shopping centers have to abide by mall rules first and foremost. When in doubt, call ahead!
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13. Barnes & Noble - Sometimes
Barnes & Noble allows stores to dictate their own pet policies regarding non-service animals by location, noting that each location has to abide by local health codes. While a lot of pet parents have had no problem visiting their local Barnes & Noble stores with their dogs, the only way to know if your local store allows pets is to call them and ask. Dogster also warns that the in-store cafe is off-limits to non-service dogs, even at pet-friendly locations!
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14. The Apple Store - Mostly
Need some new tech? The Apple Store is widely regarded as a pretty pet-friendly retailer. Most locations are more than happy to welcome well-behaved pets on leashes, provided that local laws or shopping center rules don't dictate otherwise. That being said, DailyPaws recommends visiting during low-traffic times, as smaller stores can get very congested and stressful to navigate when busy.
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15. Pottery Barn - Mostly
According to multiple sources, the luxury home furniture chain warmly invites polite pooches to visit with their special humans! By now you know the drill, though: if your mall has a strict "no dogs" policy, the Pottery Barn inside won't be an exception! Also, if your pet is currently shedding a lot, do try to keep them off the furniture - your fellow shoppers will thank you.
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16. Nordstrom/ Nordstrom Rack - Mostly
Luxury fashion retailer Nordstrom and their discount outlet Nordstrom Rack are overall welcoming of well-behaved, leashed pets in their stores, though as always, individual locations may have their own policies. Additionally, Dogster warns that local laws may restrict certain breeds from entry, such as Pit Bulls, Doberman Pinschers, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds. Before planning a Nordstrom visit, it may be worth checking with your local store to see if any potential breed restrictions apply!
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17. Macy's - Sometimes
Like Sephora and Barnes & Noble, Macy's doesn't have a storewide policy regarding dogs, allowing local stores to set their own rules where applicable. Macy's wide-open walkways can be great for strolling with your dog on slow days, but call ahead first!
Everlane
18. Everlane - Always
Everlane is already popular for their chic, stylish threads and their commitment to sustainable and ethical production. Here's one more reason to feel good about shopping at Everlane: they love their customers' dogs! USServiceAnimals.org confirmed with customer service that dogs are allowed at all Everlane locations, as long as they are friendly, leashed, and well-behaved.
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19. The Gap - Mostly
The Gap is another retailer with no set storewide pet policy. However, pet parents generally report that most Gap locations are down with well-behaved dogs where permitted by local rules. Your chances are good with a visit to The Gap - just do your due diligence and check ahead!
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20. Old Navy - Mostly
Fun fact: Old Navy is owned by Gap Inc.! Unsurprisingly, Old Navy holds the same general attitude towards animals as their parent company: no storewide pet policies per se, but most locations tend to be fairly lenient where local restrictions don't dictate otherwise.
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21. Ross Dress for Less - Mostly
According to Hepper.com, Ross's official policy as of August 2024 permits dogs in store locations, though they do specify that dogs must be leashed or carried by their owners, vaccinated, and well-behaved, and guests are responsible for cleaning after their pet's messes. Pretty standard stuff, and a small price to pay for the privilege of letting your pet pup join in on the fun!
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22. TJ Maxx/Marshalls/Homesense - Mostly
Though TJ Maxx (along with their sister companies Marshalls and Homesense) don't have an explicit pet policy detailed online, they have a broadly pet-friendly reputation overall, with most stores seeming to allow polite pets. However, local store managers get to make the final call, so give 'em a ring first!
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23. Victoria's Secret - Mostly
Didn't expect to see that name pop up on this list, did you? According to Dogster, Victoria's Secret officially welcomes dogs at all store locations except where prohibited by mall rules or local laws. Guess Lassie can come lingerie shopping - who knew?
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24. Bass Pro Shops/Cabela's - Always
The next time you're shopping for a big outdoor adventure, let your pup come along to help you pick out some supplies! Bass Pro Shops' official website states that dogs are allowed at all Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's locations except where prohibited by state or local laws (service dogs, of course, are always exempt). Some stores even have kennels available for customers to use while they shop!
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25. L.L. Bean - (Almost) Always
Much like Bass Pro Shops, legacy camping retailer L.L. Bean is a very open pet-friendly retailer that celebrates their patron's pups and welcomes them at all store locations - with one notable exception. Ironically, non-service animals are not allowed inside L.L. Bean's flagship location in Freeport, Maine, as that location has a cafe inside. Everywhere else, though, you and Fido are good to go!
