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12 Dog-Friendly Stores Across the US (Updated in 2024)

Kristin Hitchcock

By Kristin Hitchcock

man with his dog in a leash inside a store

So, you’re looking for dog-friendly stores to bring your furry friend along as you shop. Luckily, there are quite a few stores that are dog-friendly. However, it’s important to make sure you call ahead of time to ensure that the location near you is dog friendly (you’d be surprised how much these things vary).

Shopping with your dog can be quite fun, but be sure your dog is well-behaved enough to be in stores and not upset any staff or other customers. You don’t want to be forced to leave because your dog misbehaves. Also, ensure you have some cleaning supplies just in case your dog has an accident inside or outside the store.

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The 12 Dog-Friendly Stores Across the US

1. Home Depot

Like many hardware stores, Home Depot is dog friendly in most locations. However, you need to call ahead of time. Technically the rules state that it’s service dogs only, but it’s fairly common for non-service dogs not to be questioned as long as they are well-behaved.

Abstract blurred photo of hardware store with empty shopping cart
Image By: 99Art, Shutterstock

2. Michaels

Michaels is one of the stores that should allow dogs in every location. Like all dog-friendly stores, you must ensure your dog is leashed and well-behaved. Small dogs work best here because of the smaller isles and the possibly fragile items on the bottom shelves.

It’s always important to check beforehand, even if it’s known that all locations are dog friendly, because the staff in your specific location may be unprepared or simply not accept dogs within their store.


3. Bed Bath & Beyond

Bed Bath & Beyond is a well-known dog-friendly store. There are plenty of pet-related products in the store. In some locations, they also have dog carts that can allow your dog to ride along as you shop.

However, not all Bed Bath & Beyond locations are dog-friendly. Like the others on this list, you should contact the store via phone before entering the store with your dog. It’s very important as certain locations can be against having dogs in their store due to state laws or other reasons.


4. Bass Pro

Bass Pro shops are all dog-friendly. They are well known for being a great place to bring your dog to socialize them. Properly trained and socialized dogs are welcome if they don’t misbehave.

Bass Pro shops even have a certain dog-related event every year, labeled the “Dog Days” event. Dogs are 100% welcome in Bass Pro shops and even encouraged.

Dog walker strides with his pet on leash while walking at street pavement
Image By: alexei_tm, Shutterstock

5. Macy’s

Macy’s is another big store that welcomes dogs most of the time. Again, be sure to call ahead as the location near you might not welcome dogs due to state or county laws or some other reason.

Macy’s is a clothing store with a history of welcoming dogs. There are multiple collaborations with the SPCA, as well as there being in-store courtesies for dog owners.


6. The Gap

The Gap is a store that allows well-behaved, leashed dogs within their stores. However, the corporate office has stated they are welcome on a location-to-location basis, meaning you should call beforehand to ensure the staff will welcome your dog.


7. Tractor Supply

This chain store is well known for being dog-friendly, even having products for your dog and encouraging dog owners to bring their friendly pups into the store. Of course, you need to ensure that your furry friend is well-behaved and leashed to avoid having to leave the store.

Doberman pinscher dog on leash sitting on the floor in a pet store
Image By: BearFotos, Shutterstock

8. Joann Fabrics

Joann Fabrics is very pet friendly. They have a list of guidelines for those wanting to bring their dog in. Requirements include full vaccinations and good behavior. The store must be kept clean, and they have to be leashed/carried. This list ensures that your dog will be allowed into the store with no problem.

However, there’s a catch. Not all Joann Fabric stores are pet-friendly. Some are located in malls or other areas that do not allow pets, including dogs. But Joann Fabric’s website includes a search bar within their policy page that you can use to check and see if your local store allows pets.


9. TJ Maxx

TJ Maxx is a discount store full of practically everything, including items for your pets. However, the same catches apply here as many stores on this list. All dogs must be well-behaved and leashed or carried. Also, pet-friendliness changes between stores, so call ahead to ensure you’re safe to bring your dog in.


10. Marshalls

Marshalls is very similar to TJ Maxx as it’s a discount clothing and home goods store with many different things within it. The similarities don’t stop when it comes to the policy of pet-friendliness, meaning that most locations are pet friendly. The same rules apply, as well as only certain stores allow pets.

Woman pushes her Chihuahua dog in pet stroller walking in mall
Image Credit: CandyRetriever, Shutterstock

10. Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor stores are known for being dog-friendly, as long as the store isn’t part of a mall or something else that could restrict this policy. For this reason, it’s important to call ahead and search for the rules applied to the area it’s in if it’s within a mall or other type of store collection.


11. Lush Cosmetics

Lush Cosmetics is a beauty store known for not testing on animals, and their policies for shopping with your pets are also dog-friendly. Dogs are allowed in Lush Cosmetic stores, assuming the specific store is not part of a small system.

Of course, the same rules apply to all other stores—well-behaved, leashed/carried dogs only.

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FAQ

Are dogs allowed in Walmart, USA?

No, all Walmart locations are not pet-friendly, except for when it comes to a service animal—the only pets allowed are service animals. Even the most well-behaved dog is not allowed in Walmart.

Are dogs allowed in grocery stores?

According to the FDA, dogs are not allowed in grocery stores, with a few exceptions. Restaurants, as well as any other food establishment, are to not allow pets. However, service dogs should be allowed.

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Conclusion

There are many dog-friendly stores out there. If your dog is well-socialized, well-behaved, vaccinated, and leashed/carried, your pup should be allowed in most dog-friendly stores.

However, you should contact the store before bringing your dog there, as there can be store-specific policies or restrictions.


Featured Image Credit: Erickson Stock, Shutterstock

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