Dog Friendly Stores Near Me: Top Picks and Tips for a Fun Errand Run!
If you ask my parents, like many of your’s they consider me a part of the family. So it's no surprise that many dog owners want to bring their pups along while running errands. But not all stores allow dogs, and it can be a challenge to find those that do.
I’m sure you have similar experiences, but it’s never fun to find yourself in a situation where you are the most well behaved pup, enjoying friendly scratches from your new stranger friends, but you just aren’t allowed…
In this article, we'll explore stores that welcome dogs and provide tips and tricks for making the experience enjoyable for both you and your dog.
What Stores are Dog-Friendly?
The good news is that there are plenty of stores that allow dogs in-store, from national chains to small local businesses. Some common examples include pet stores like Petco and PetSmart, home improvement stores like Lowe's and Home Depot, and clothing stores like Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie. However, it's important to note that policies can vary by location, so it's always a good idea to call ahead and confirm that your local store allows dogs.
Many of the smaller local stores without comprehensive store policies online don’t always list their pet policy. So one little trick we have started to note is when out and about, we keep our eyes pealed for the subtle signs that a store might be dog friendly. Those signs include water bowls out front or a jar of treats in the window. When we find these spots we make sure to note it and shop there if given the option!
But when it comes to larger retail chains and department stores, it’s tough to tell and the pet policies can be difficult to find.
For example, is Target dog friend? Although their mascot is a Terrier, only service animals are allowed in their store.
Another common question, is Walmart dog friendly? They are not, due to the health regulations that do not allow food-serving establishments to let you bring your pup along. Costco, Trader Joes, Menards, Whole Foods, and IKEA all fall into this same category.
Is Starbucks dog friendly? One of my favorite places to stop if you follow me on Instagram (puppuccino!!) does not allow dogs inside their stores, but like many stores and restaurants with a patio, dogs can enjoy the outside seating areas!
But that’s enough with the negatives - after doing some research we were pleasantly surprised to find that many of the places my mom frequents on her errands runs are on the list of dog-friendly stores!
Here are some of the more recognizable dog friendly stores:
Apple Store
Hobby Lobby
HomeGoods
Barnes & Noble
Gap
Bloomingdale’s
Nordstrom
Macy’s
Old Navy
Marshalls
Bath & Body Works
Sephora
Pottery Barn
Bass Pro Shops
Petco
Petsmart
Lowe's
Home Depot
Harbor Freight
Urban Outfitters
Anthropologie
While each of these stores identify as dog-friendly on their official policy, keep in mind that individual locations may not abide by the standard of the parent chain. In any case, just make sure to check with your local store before entering, bring your leach and your best behavior!
Tips for Shopping with Your Dog
Before heading to a dog-friendly store, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a positive experience for both you and your dog.
First, make sure your dog is well-behaved and comfortable around people and other dogs. We always make sure to brush up on our commands before going out for a social experience and always consider bringing treats and toys to keep your dog occupied and reward good behavior.
It's also important to keep your dog on a leash and under control at all times, and to be aware of any store-specific policies regarding where dogs are allowed. For your safety, the safety of your pup, and for those around you make sure you are courteous of those around you. Like you before reading this article, it may be a surprise that the place they are shopping is dog friendly!
And lastly, think about the time of day you are going and for how long. Busy times make sense to avoid as to not put your pup in an over stimulated or crowded situation if they are not used to it. Ease them into this experience and they will be the star of the show, making your day and everyone else's!
Should You Bring Your Dog to the Store?
Bringing your dog along to the store can be a great way to bond with your furry friend and make running errands a more enjoyable experience. There are several benefits for both you and your dog that come with this practice.
Firstly, bringing your dog to the store can provide valuable socialization opportunities. When you expose your dog to new environments, sights, and sounds, they will become more confident and less likely to develop phobias and anxiety. Dogs that are well-socialized tend to be more relaxed and happy in social situations, and bringing them along on shopping trips can help to reinforce this behavior. Additionally, when you take your dog to the store, you expose them to a variety of people and other dogs, which can be a fun way for your furry friend to make new friends and get some exercise.
Furthermore, bringing your dog to the store can have a positive impact on your mental and physical health. Interacting with dogs has been shown to release endorphins, which can boost your mood and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. In addition, studies have shown that people who interact with dogs experience lower blood pressure and heart rate, making them more relaxed and less prone to heart disease. By bringing your dog with you to the store, you can help to improve your own mental and physical wellbeing while also providing your furry friend with valuable socialization opportunities.
Bringing your dog along to dog-friendly stores can be a wonderful way to bond with your pup and make running errands much more enjoyable. With a little preparation and some common sense, you can ensure that your shopping trips are safe and comfortable for both you and your dog. Remember to always check store policies and guidelines before bringing your dog inside, and be mindful of your pet's behavior at all times. By taking the time to acclimate your dog to new environments and introducing them to other people and animals, you can provide valuable socialization opportunities that will help your furry friend grow and thrive.
Overall, the benefits of bringing your dog to the store are clear: improved socialization, increased exercise, and positive impacts on your own mental and physical health. However, it's important to remember that not all stores allow dogs, and even those that do may have restrictions or guidelines that you must follow. As a responsible dog owner, it's up to you to ensure that your pet is well-behaved, comfortable, and safe at all times. With these considerations in mind, you and your furry friend can enjoy many happy outings to your favorite dog-friendly stores.