Are Dogs Allowed in REI? 2 Important Rules to Know

Both you and your dog live for the outdoors. The fresh air. The rolling hills. The breathtaking views. So naturally, REI would be a favorite shopping destination. Before you hit the road with your pooch to browse some new hiking or camping gear, it’s important to determine if your local REI store is dog-friendly.

Are dogs allowed in REI? According to a Twitter post from REI: “Service animals are welcome in all REI stores. Pets are not allowed; however, staff can assist with fittings or sizing questions.”

Although the formal corporate policy prohibits our furry friends, many shoppers have shared experiences across the Internet about their local stores welcoming pets. Follow the two important rules below to determine if Fido can join you on your next REI trip.

Connect With Your Store

Because there is so much conflicting information online, the best way to determine if your pooch can visit REI with you is to contact your local store directly. Many shops may not regularly keep ideal cleaning supplies readily available to handle pet-related messes or fear the possibility of damage to goods within their stores. Additionally, some stores want to create a welcoming shopping environment for everyone, including people who fear dogs. If your local store only allows service dogs, do not bring your pet to the store under the guise of being a service dog. Not only is service dog fraud unethical, but it is also illegal in 19 states.

Make Sure You AND Your Pooch Are on Your Best Behavior

You’ve contacted the local store manager and confirmed that your REI allows dogs. Now what? To ensure your store continues to be a dog-friendly destination for outdoorsy pups, it’s important to make sure you and your furry friend are on your best behavior. Bringing your pup to REI is a privilege; management can revoke it anytime if it creates problems. If necessary, exercise your dog before visiting so your pup can behave properly on a leash. Give your dog plenty of time to potty outside and carry poop bags with you in case of emergency. Lastly, bring treats to reward good behavior so your pup isn’t interfering with other shoppers.

Pawsitive Shopping Experiences

REI’s formal corporate policy states that only service dogs are permitted in stores. However, it appears that many store managers decide whether or not to enforce this policy regarding welcoming pets. If your local REI allows furry shoppers, make sure your pup is respectful to fellow shoppers and doesn’t cause any damage in the store. Finally, if your REI enforces the no-pets policy, check out one of these pet-friendly stores with your pooch instead.