are-dogs-allowed-in-cabelas[/caption]Chain stores you probably didn’t know allowed pets
For many pet lovers, bringing a furry friend along on a shopping trip would be the perfect way to spend a day. While many big-name chain stores do have a “service dogs only” policy, you may be surprised to know that a number of them will in fact allow you to shop with your Shih-Tzu or browse with your bulldog. Please keep in mind that many stores only welcome pets on a limited basis. In some cases, the decision to allow pets is left to individual store managers. This means that while one chain location may welcome your pooch, another may have a no-pets policy. In other cases, a stand-alone chain location may allow pets, while a mall location may have to comply with that mall’s no-pets policy.
Rules and policies change all the time from store to store and from location to location. It’s important to contact any store you plan to visit with your pet to ensure that they will in fact allow him in - even if you have brought him into that store before.
Out of respect to the establishment and its patrons, any time your pet visits a store he should be leashed and under your control at all times. Some stores ask that pets ride in shopping carts and be kept securely and tightly leashed, and some ask that they be contained in a carrier. Make sure you are aware of the store’s specific policies before visiting like:
Outdoor Stores
Tractor Supply Company, a well-known agricultural and farming supply store, welcomes leashed, friendly dogs at most of its locations - but that’s what you might expect from a store that supports pet adoptions and holds an annual Pet Appreciation Week. Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s - both of which are hunting, fishing and all-around outdoor authorities -- also allow pets at many of their locations; a fact that’s not well-known, but also not surprising.
Craft Stores
Michael’s Craft Store has a reputation for being dog friendly. While not every location may welcome your pooch, some of them will allow him to ride in the cart as you browse.
Local Stores
Many local chains or mom-and-pop stores work to develop personal relationships with their clientele. They also tend to have a lot of discretion and autonomy when it comes to whether or not they will allow pets in their establishments. Call ahead to your favorite local retailer. They may surprise you by saying your pet is welcome, especially if he’s small enough to fit in a carrier or shopping cart.
8 Major Retail Stores That Allow Dogs
We all like to take our dogs with use on outings, but it can be confusing trying to figure out where they are welcome. Beware of “dog friendly” lists online. While doing research, I found many companies that other sites claim are dog friendly, are not! For example, one site even claimed Bed, Bath, & Beyond had special dog shopping carts. I contacted the company and they had no idea what I was talking about regarding the carts, and said they only allow service animals.
In fact, aside from the pet stores, every store on this has a “per manager” policy, so call ahead before you go.
#1 – Home Depot
This home improvement chain is known for being pretty dog friendly, but definitely call your local one before heading out as their policy is actually varies from manager to manager. Sometimes the cashiers even had dog cookies, which always makes my pups happy.
#2 – Lowe’s
Like Home Depot, most Lowe’s stores welcome four-legged shoppers. It’s a great place to take dogs because of the wide, concrete aisles.
#3 – Barnes and Noble
I have actually taken my dogs into a Barnes and Noble at Fashion Island in Newport, California. However, like most of these chains, call ahead as not all of their stores are pet friendly.
#4 – Pottery Barn
While the idea of letting my bouncy puppy into a pottery barn makes me cringe (so many things to break!) this chic establishment does let dogs in depending on the location. So call ahead before you take your dog to help pick out your next table setting.
#5 – Petsmart
Of course they are dog friendly. Just remember your dog must be well-behaved and on leash. If you were thinking of dropping your dog off for daycare, be aware they do not accept most “bully breeds” at the discretion of the manager.
#6 – Petco
Like Petsmart, Petco always welcomes well behaved, leashed pets. However, they do not seem to always have treats at the register, which makes for a disgruntled dog.
#7 – Macy’s
Macy’s has a long history of being involved with pets. From donating window space at their San Francisco store to the local SPCA to their Petacular and Barkfast event held in NYC, they love pets. I took my puppy to Macy’s in Fashion Island, Newport Beach, CA and was shocked at how dog savvy the manager was – he asked if he was friendly and then crouched low and to the side of my dog to greet him.
#8 – Bass Pro Shop
They actually have a blog entry about allowing dogs in their stores. While their Altoona, Iowa location is definitely dog friendly, the company says to call your local store to check before going, as policies differ from store to store.
