12 Best Dog-Friendly Retail Stores in the U.S.

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When you’re running errands or simply enjoying a day of shopping, having your furry friend by your side can be a real treat. You may wonder whether or not your pup is allowed into a business, and fortunately, many retail stores now welcome dogs with open arms, creating a shopping experience that’s enjoyable for both you and your canine companion. In this guide, we round up some of the best dog-friendly retail stores and their pet policies, so you know when to bring your furry companion the next time you go shopping.

• Petco
• Nordstrom
• Bloomingdale’s
• TJ Maxx / Marshalls / Home Goods
• Lowe’s
• Home Depot
• Apple
• Bass Pro Shop
• JOANN Fabrics
• Tractor Supply Co.
• Bed Bath & Beyond
• L.L. Bean

Petco

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Petco is well-known for inviting its customers to bring in their dogs into their stores as long as they’re leashed, well-behaved, and vaccinated. According to a Petco Facebook post, they’ve confirmed that “ALL leashed pets are welcomed” in their stores. You can feel comfortable going up and down the aisle with your pet and letting them pick out a new favorite toy or treat.

As a general rule of thumb, it’s good to make sure your pup is friendly with other dogs, as the chances are high that other customers will bring in their companions in the store as well. 

However, one thing to keep in mind as a Petco shopper is that there may be some Petco stores with grooming salons and/or vet clinics. In this case, leashed dogs may not be allowed in the main area and instead only be allowed in those sections of the stores. Call ahead if you’re uncertain about your local Petco!

Nordstrom

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While their store pet policy is not accessible online, Nordstrom is known to be dog-friendly with the understanding that the furry creatures must be well-behaved and on a leash. There’s even a popular social media hashtag #dogsofnordstrom that shows many customers with their pups inside a Nordstrom store. According to some shoppers, it’s recommended to bring smaller dogs as it’ll be difficult to juggle all those new clothes with a larger canine by your side. 

Bloomingdale’s

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According to many shoppers, Bloomingdale’s is dog-friendly but they ask that customers ensure their four-legged friends are leashed and trained. However, if your local store is located in a shopping mall, we advise that you call ahead to confirm about bringing your pup. 

TJ Maxx / Marshalls / Home Goods

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TJX-branded stores like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods are widely known to have pet-friendly locations. While it’s not an official store policy, most store locations allow dogs if they are leashed and well-behaved. However, the policy may vary by location and it is ultimately up to the store manager. It’s a good idea to call ahead and double check before heading out.

Lowe’s

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When running home-improvement errands, it may be easier to bring your pet along instead of leaving them at home, but does this home improvement giant allow dogs? According to the National Canine Research Association of America (NCRAOA), Lowe’s official policy is to allow both service animals and other animals in the store. The NCRAOA does specify that stores are dog-friendly as long as they’re leashed, harnessed, or carried. Be sure to check with the store manager if you feel uncertain about your local Lowe’s. 

Home Depot

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Similar to Lowe’s, there’s no official pet policy online for Home Depot, but you may have seen leashed dogs roaming around with their owners in the stores. While Home Depot is dog-friendly according to most shoppers, their policy varies from store to store, so confirm with their employees or the store manager. Just make sure your pup is well-behaved and won’t cause a disturbance, which should limit issues with your pet inside a local Home Depot store. 

Apple

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Though there isn’t an online pet policy, according to shoppers, most Apple stores allow customers to bring their dogs, but it varies from store to store. We recommend calling ahead with your local Apple store or looking up reviews to see if your local store is dog-friendly. Do note that during peak shopping hours, stores may get congested, so it may not be the best place for your pup during those times. 

Bass Pro Shop

Bass Pro Shops

Bass Pro Shop combines their love for the outdoors and pets by allowing customers to bring their dogs into their retail stores, according to the store’s online help section. Bass Pro does specify that pets are allowed “except where prohibited by state or local laws.” They also recommend calling a location ahead of time if you’re unsure about legal restrictions. What’s awesome about Bass Pro Shops is that some of their retail stores have a limited number of outdoor/indoor kennels for their customers to use while they browse around. 

JOANN Fabrics

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The good news is that this fabric and craft retailer welcomes their customers’ pets, as long as owners abide by several guidelines that are consistent with other retail stores, according to their pet policy online.

JOANN Fabrics asks that the furry creatures have good manners, be vaccinated, and leashed or in a carrier. If your pup makes any messes, there are usually clean-up supplies available at their Cut Bar area. As long as you follow these guidelines and you’re considerate of other customers who are allergic or uncomfortable with pets, there shouldn’t be any issue with bringing your furry friend while you shop for your next art project. 

If you visit their online store locator, you can double-check to see a pet icon next to local stores that are pet-friendly.  

Tractor Supply Co.

Tractor Supply Co.

Tractor Supply Co. is widely regarded for its pet-friendly store policy, inviting its customers to bring in dogs and other furry creatures to shop alongside them as long as they are on a leash and are well-trained. They love to promote this policy on their social media as well. Tractor Supply Co. also conveniently offers pet wash stations and vet clinics for some stores. 

Bed Bath & Beyond

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Along with offering your favorite home goods, most Bed Bath & Beyond stores allow its customers to bring in their canine friends, granted these pups are well-behaved and leashed and/or carried. These stores are, however, subject to individual store managers’ decisions, so be sure to check in with them first. According to some shoppers, there are even pup-friendly shopping carts and treats at the counter. 

L.L. Bean

L.L. Bean

Though their pet policy is not readily available online, this popular retail store is dog-friendly for most of its stores, so you can feel comfortable bringing in your canine. L.L. Bean loves to promote their customers’ dogs on social media as well, a good sign that your dog will likely be welcomed. The only exception is at their Maine Flagship store due to their two cafes on site. 

How to Tell if a Store is Dog-Friendly

Before bringing your dog into a store, do some research first to make sure they are welcome:

• Check the store’s website: Look for an official pet policy or information regarding dogs on the store’s website.
• Contact the store: Give the store a call or send an email to inquire about their pet policy.
• Look for any signage: Upon arrival, keep an eye out for signs that indicate whether dogs are allowed inside.
• Observe other shoppers: Notice if other shoppers have dogs with them. If they do, it might be a sign that dogs are welcome.
• Ask other pet owners: Other dog owners may have insight into which stores do or do not allow dogs. Check forums or social media sites to read the experiences of other dog owners.

Tips on Bringing Your Dog to a Store

• Know the Store’s Policies: Familiarize yourself with the store’s pet policy, including leash requirements and designated areas. Call ahead to see if their pet policy is listed online. 
• Basic Training is Key: Make sure your dog is well-behaved, responds to commands, and is comfortable on a leash.
• Pack Essentials: Bring water, a collapsible bowl, poop bags, and a leash for your dog’s basic needs.
• Monitor Behavior: Keep a close eye on your dog’s behavior and be prepared to leave if they become stressed.
• Respect Others: Be considerate of other shoppers, maintain a safe distance, and ask for permission before interactions.
• Clean Up After Your Dog: Always clean up after your dog if they have an accident. Certain stores may have supplies, but it’s best to bring your own just in case. 
• Patience is Key: Shopping with a dog may take longer as they’re getting used to a different environment, so be patient and enjoy the experience together.

With this helpful guide, you can now explore dog-friendly retail stores with confidence, ensuring a pleasant outing for both you and your beloved canine companion.