does-chocolate-kill-dogs[/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.
