We all love having our dogs with us wherever we go -- and they love to come along! Pet-friendly travel doesn't just mean taking taking vacations or weekend getaways. It can also mean taking them along on your weekly shopping errands. The good news is that a a surprising number of big-name stores do allow pet parents to bring their furry kids along.
Department Stores
Banana Republic, the Gap and Old Navy have all been known to welcome pets – not surprising, as they are all owned by the same company. TJ Maxx and Marshall’s allow dogs in at least some of their locations, and Bed Bath and Beyond not only allows pets in some locations, but offers specialty dog carts for them to ride in. Even high-end stores like Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom welcome the four-legged set. Nordstrom in particular has been pet friendly for over 20 years.
Home Improvement Stores
Lowe’s Home Improvement and Home Depot both have a reputation for allowing pets in their stores – however, many pet parents have noted that the welcome wagon isn’t rolled out at every location. So, it’s important to double-check individual store policies before bringing your dog with you to help you pick out drywall or kitchen faucets.
Outdoor Stores
Tractor Supply Company, which sells agricultural and farming supplies, welcomes leashed, friendly dogs at nearly every location. This particularly pet-friendly chain also supports pet adoptions and holds Pet Appreciation Week each year.
Sporting goods stores Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s also allow pets at many of their locations; a little-known but much-appreciated perk for pet parents who also love the great outdoors.
Craft Stores
Some locations of Michael’s Craft Store will welcome your pooch, and allow him to ride in the cart as you shop for scrapbook pages or art supplies.
Local Stores
Many local chains and mom-and-pop shops make developing a personal relationship with their customers a priority. They also tend to have plenty of autonomy when it comes to creating pet policies. Give a quick call to your favorite local store. You may be surprised to find that they will happily welcome you and your four-legged children.
And of Course, Pet Stores
All the big chain pet stores, as well as local pet stores always welcome furry patrons. That includes pet bakeries too!
Before you head out for some retail therapy or errand running with your pooch, it’s worth mentioning that some chain stores leave the decision up to the individual store manager. Other times it’s up to the type of location – a stand-alone store may be able to make its own rules, but a mall store has to comply with the mall’s pet policies.
Pet policies are always changing, from chain to chain, from store to store, and from locale to locale. We advise you to contact any store you want to visit with your pet to make completely sure that he will be welcome. Also, always keep in mind that it’s important to be a respectful and responsible pet parent -- any time your pet visits a store, you should have him secured on a leash or in a shopping cart, and he should be under your control at all times. One incident with a wayward dog can cause a store to change their pet which ruins the fun for everyone else.
Happy shopping!
Photo credit: Istock/PongMoji