Americans love their dogs, that’s for sure. A recent study by Forbes Advisor shares that dog owners spend an average of $730 per year on their pets. So it makes sense that with dog ownership so popular (86.9 million homes currently own a pet), retailers of all types would want to welcome dogs to shop with their owners. And these days, many, many stores do allow pets. However, if you love shopping at Goodwill for bargains, don’t plan to take your dog.
Though Goodwill doesn’t list an official policy on their corporate site, generally dogs are not allowed in Godowill stores. However, no need to fret. These similar stores welcome your pet.
1. T.J. Maxx
Even if dogs are welcome, you shouldn’t bring your pet if they aren’t under your control.
©skrotov/iStock via Getty Images
This retailer offers deals on everything from home items to clothes to accessories, much like Goodwill stores. The difference is that T.J. Maxx stores welcome your pet in most cases. Pet animals are allowed at the discretion of the store management, and local ordinances also come into play. Additionally, pet dogs must be under the owner’s control, i.e. on a leash. And management reserves the right to ask an owner to remove their pet if the animal is creating disturbances.
2. Marshalls
Service dogs are welcome anywhere the general public can go, including retail stores.
©Glynnis Jones/Shutterstock.com
Like T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, another discount-pricing retailer, lets dogs join in for shopping fun. Since Marshalls is owned by the same company as T.J. Maxx, they have the same policies regarding store discretion when it comes to pets. Keep in mind both retailers must welcome service animals under the ADA (American Disabilities Act). A service animal is defined as any dog that is trained to perform a task directly related to its handler’s disability.
3. Ross Dress for Less
You can find bargains while shopping alongside your pet at Ross Dress for Less.
©iStock.com/JackF
Head to Ross Dress for Less stores for huge bargains on fashions, home items, and lifestyle accessories. And feel free to bring your pup along with you. Ross welcomes pets to shop with their owners. Like other stores in this category, service animals are always allowed to enter. Each Ross store reserves the right to ask an owner and their dog to leave if the animal is disruptive.
Summary of Stores Similar to Goodwill that Allow Dogs:
| Store | Number of Locations |
| T.J. Maxx | Over 1,200 stores |
| Marshalls | Over 1,000 stores |
| Ross Dress for Less | Over 1,700 stores |
The photo featured at the top of this post is © Erickson Stock/Shutterstock.com
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