46 Popular, Dog-Friendly Stores That Allow Pups to Shop With You

Dog-friendly stores have grown in popularity over the last five years with the uptick in pet adoptions. The COVID-19 pandemic changed “normal” for everyone — including dogs — and many owners have sought to pursue lifestyles that allow their pups to take a more active role in everything they do… including shop.

Looking for the stores in which Max, Bella, or Teddy can enjoy a shopping day too? Keep reading to discover the 46 different regional and national retail chains that allow your pups to shop with you.

What Are Dog-Friendly Stores?

Dog-friendly stores are different from stores that allow service animals. The term dog-friendly refers to a store that equips itself and its patrons to encounter dogs during their shopping trip. Some may even have treats for the four-legged friends that shop through!

Conversely, the ADA’s law requires stores to allow service animals to accompany the patron wherever they need to go. The law for retail, government buildings, other businesses, and nonprofits supersedes a “no pets” policy.

Caveats About Dog-Friendly Stores in the United States

While many retail stores don’t outwardly state “no pets” a few types of stores do refuse entry to four-legged friends.

Most, if not all major grocery store chains across the United States, do not allow dogs. Nor do many restaurants. Why? Because the dogs’ proximity to food can cause a litany of health code violations or sanitary risks. 

Also, consider the branches of a store. The stores listed below allow dogs at most of their locations with an important caveat: shopping mall locations. When a store sits within a shopping mall, it becomes the mall’s decision, not the store’s, to allow dogs. For example, even though Bath & Body welcomes your pups to its standalone locations, they may not be welcome in a branch located in a mall.

Brian Anderson, the Operation Manager for Supplement Warehouse, talked to A-Z Animals about his company’s 15 brick-and-mortar stores’ pet policy. For them, it’s all about providing a great experience to their customers, whether they’re on two legs or four.

“We are a very pet-friendly company, and if the town/city allows it, we keep our doors open for customers wanting to bring their pets into our stores. One of our stores is in the main downtown area and because of the heavy foot traffic, they even have sample nutritional treats behind the counter for people who bring in their pets.”

46 Dog-Friendly Stores

Note that some stores may change their policies at any time.

Pet Stores

1. Petsmart: Dogs are allowed in all stores as long as they are secured (either by leash, harness, or in a carrier) and vaccinated with the core vaccinations (Rabies and DHPP). 
2. Petco. Similar to Petsmart, pet parents remain encouraged to bring their dog(s) to shop with them. However, dogs must be leashed and controlled. 

Apparel Stores

3. Orvis. The fly-fishing, hunting, and sporting goods apparel and accessory store welcomes dogs at all its locations. Dogs should be secure on a leash and well-behaved. 
4. L.L.Bean. Online, L.L. Bean states that it only welcomes service dogs. However, many customers in the last five years have visited branches with their dogs with no problems. Most L.L.Bean stores remain dog-friendly, but not pet-friendly. Dogs that visit the store should be at their owners’ side at all times on a leash and are expected to be on their best behavior. The flagship store has a cafe, so employees may turn you and your pup away for sanitation reasons.
5. Nordstrom / Nordstrom Rack. With so many stores in so many different locations, Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack don’t have an overarching policy. Instead, corporate leaves it up to the store’s discretion. 
6. Macy’s. Running from the pet store to find the perfect cocktail dress? Luckily, every Macy’s location is pet-friendly. Macy’s representatives do ask that all pups that visit remain leashed (or secured in a carrier) and well-behaved.
7. Gap. As long as your pup is on a leash, it’s welcome in Gap’s many stores! That’s perfect because now you can find and try on matching seasonal sweaters.
8. Warby Parker. The optical store has a 20/20 vision for a brighter, more dog-filled world because each location happily welcomes dogs. They even make sure to clean glasses of “dog art” should your pup get too close to a display.
9. Abercrombie & Fitch. The apparel retailer with strong ties to animal welfare policies for the creation of its product does allow dogs in its stores.  
10. Anne Taylor / LOFT. Well-behaved and leashed dogs are readily accepted to shop at both stores, but management reserves the right to use their best judgment. If a dog is too rowdy, disruptive, or messy, they may ask you to leave.
11. Lululemon. With no officially stated policy on pets, you can probably bring your dog to a Lululemon store to the delight of the employees on duty.
12. Foot Locker. Because many Foot Locker locations are located in larger shopping malls, the majority may not allow dogs. However, the free-standing stores, and shopping malls that welcome dogs, allow your four-legged friend to help you pick the best pair of kicks.
13. Free People. Like many others on the list, Free People doesn’t share an official stance. Still, this might be a situation in which asking permission, rather than forgiveness, works out. Call ahead to make sure your dog can join you before you shop!
14. Victoria’s Secret. Surprisingly, Victoria’s Secret allows for leashed, well-behaved dogs to shop with their owners at every location (save any exceptions from shopping malls). Owners may want to use caution, though —  the store can get pretty busy during peak seasons, so smaller dogs in a carrier might induce the least amount of shopping stress.
15. Ross. Many Ross Dress for Less locations welcome your dog to shop with you in their pet sections. However, depending on region and location, local and state laws may prohibit your pet’s entrance. Be sure to call ahead. 

Home & Home Improvement Stores

16. Tractor Supply Co. As long as your pet is leashed and not disruptive to other customers’ (or animals’) shopping experience, they are more than welcome to shop with you.
17. Rural King. While the website doesn’t have an official statement on its in-store pet policy, employees make it known that pets are welcome as long as they are well-behaved and on a leash.
18. Bed, Bath & Beyond. The majority of locations happily accept four-legged customers that travel with their two-legged friends. It even tried to pilot a “canine cart” initiative in one of its New York City stores in the early 2010s.
19. Home Depot. The jury remains divided on Home Depot. Officially, Home Depot only allows service animals to accompany their customers. Some branches welcome dogs with open arms, and some branches stick to the corporate rule. If you’re planning to bring your pup along for a home improvement project run, make sure to call ahead of time.
20. Ace Hardware. Like AutoZone, mentioned later in this list, well-behaved and leashed dogs are welcome at Ace Hardware — based on the store manager’s discretion. Call ahead to ensure their presence won’t be disruptive. 
21. HomeGoods. While you should call to confirm, most stores allow dogs. It’s up to the discretion of the store manager — and most enjoy seeing furry faces enjoy the pet section!
22. Pottery Barn. If you need a second set of eyes (or paws) on your new couch, Pottery Barn allows dogs into their stores as long as they are leashed and well-behaved. 
23. Lowe’s. According to the website’s hard-to-find dog policy, customers can bring their well-behaved, secured dogs to shop with them. 
24. At Home. Give it up for the pups, which is the only species of pet allowed in At Home stores. Owners need to control their pets while shopping — and dogs should not sit in shopping carts or baskets.
25. Harbor Freight Tools. Only some locations of Harbor Freight Tools allow dogs inside their stores, as it’s a matter of discretion to the store manager. 
26. Restoration Hardware. Despite no official pet policy online, Restoration Hardware allows dogs at most locations. Customer Service live chat suggests checking with your local gallery beforehand, but well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome.
27. West Elm. No official policy exists online, but many customers — even a reporter or two — have tested it out and only been met with excitement over their dog at West Elm stores.
28. Crate and Barrel. This pet-friendly department store welcomes dogs. However, owners may want to think twice about bringing their pets because of the many different, breakable products on the floor displays.

Hobby Stores

29. Bass Pro Shops. Widely considered one of the most pet-friendly retail stores, Bass Pro Shops allows dogs in the store on nearly every occasion. The only exception is any space that prohibits the presence of pets by local, state, or federal law. 
30. Michaels. Michaels welcomes dogs into its many craft store locations — they’ll even sanitize the cart for the next customer, who may have a pet allergy! Dogs should be leashed and well-behaved while shopping.
31. Hobby Lobby. Despite no official policy, nearly all Hobby Lobby stores welcome pets — they even have a pet section at which your dog can pick their favorite toys.
32. Gander Outdoors / Camping World. For the adventurous family with a pup or two in tow, head over to Gander Outdoors to pick out the best pet and camping supplies with your dog. Each store allows dogs, even in their carts.
33. Cabela’s. Because it’s owned by the same company, Cabela’s follows Bass Pro Shop’s pet policy: dogs are allowed in nearly every location as long as they’re leashed and well-behaved. 
34. Academy Sports + Outdoors. Pet policy is up to the discretion of the store manager. Presently, most locations welcome dogs.
35. JOANN Fabric and Crafts. Like Hobby Lobby and Michaels, JOANN Fabrics and Crafts eagerly welcome your leashed, well-behaved dog(s) into their stores — as long as it’s not in a shopping mall.
36. Appalachian Outfitters. Customers can shop for the outdoor gear they — and their dog — need at Appalachian Outfitters together. The store even hosts events specifically for dogs, like outdoor hikes at local trailheads!

Speciality Stores

37. Barnes and Noble. According to the online pet policy, Barnes & Noble allows local stores to make the final call on dog friendliness. Most stores are currently dog-friendly but call ahead to make sure — especially if your local branch has a cafe.
38. Apple. Another business with no official policy online but pet-passionate employees in store, most Apple stores will welcome your well-behaved and leashed pets.
39. Bath & Body Works. The standalone stores of Bath & Body Works welcome your dog to shop with you! However, there’s no brand-wide policy, so it makes sense to check with your local store to ensure your pup can come in.
40. LUSH Cosmetics. Outside of mall locations, LUSH Cosmetics stores welcome dogs to enjoy the delicious scents of its cruelty-free cosmetic products.
41. Half Priced Books. Customer service from Half Priced Books assures that most, if not all locations, are dog-friendly! However, they recommend calling your local branch ahead of time, just to be certain — or at least, to give them a heads up.
42. The Container Store. Every branch of the Container Store welcomes dogs! They are not, however, allowed to sit in carts or baskets. 
43. Sephora. While most, if not all, Sephora locations allow pups, a representative from the retailer informed A-Z Animals that customers should call ahead for an official stance on their branch’s pet policy.
44. Hallmark. No official policy exists, but many non-mall locations will allow your dog to accompany you while you search for the perfect card.
45. AutoZone. AutoZone remains pet-friendly in most locations. It’s important to call ahead in case a branch’s general manager has changed and updated the policy since your last visit.
46. Harley Davidson. No official policy exists, meaning each franchised Harley Davidson branch can make its own rules about pet friendliness. Shoppers cite that many branches remain dog-friendly, but dog customers have made the shopping experience harder to enjoy.

Considerations Owners Should Take

Just because a shop is dog-friendly doesn’t mean it was created with the specific intention of hosting a ton of furry customers. Consider some factors about bringing your dog so everyone in the situation — you, your dog, and the business — can have a great experience.

Your Dog’s Temperament.

Is your dog aggressive to humans or other dogs when they’re stressed? Do they frighten easily? Are they so excited to meet new people that they’ll pee a little? All of these traits make dogs unique and wonderful to their owners but aren’t as endearing to strangers. If your pup has the proclivity to get stressed easily, snap at others, or make a mess out of excitement or anxiety, consider leaving them at home. It means a less stressful shopping experience for you, your fellow customers, and the store. For your best friend, it means a lazy day at home in a comfortable environment.

Cleanliness.

Make sure your dog potties before entering the store — specifically the clothing and home retailers. It’s not only respectful to the store and other customers; your dog will thank you if they tend to get anxious or excited in new situations.

Also keep an eye on paws, slobber, and hair. Muddy paws, stringy saliva, and excessive coat shedding might be normal in your home, but they probably don’t make it into the retail store’s picture of cleanliness. Ensure you pick up after your pup for any type of mess they make and leave the store better than when you entered.

Jeff Moriarty of Moriarty’s Gem Art in Indiana shared with A-Z Animals that while their business is pet-friendly, they need to consider other customers, too.

“The last thing we wanted was for a customer not to browse our store because they didn’t want to leave their pet outside. So we gladly allow it! While we have never had an issue with anyone, we would ask a customer to take their pet outside if they were not leashed or were barking uncontrollably. We still have to take into consideration the other customers and our staff.”

Control.

It may go without saying, but bringing an uncontrollable dog into a public retail space is a bad idea. They may not show signs of aggression, but things can quickly turn into a bull-in-a-china-shop situation the moment you accidentally drop its leash or they become scared. Usually, smaller dogs that fit into handbags or pet-specific carrier backpacks, or senior dogs with very high patience thresholds, remain easier to secure and control.

Make Errands a Two-Species Job 

Dog owners like to share their lives with their favorite furry friends. Bringing Max to the corner store or on errands is a great way to socialize your dog, provide a change of scenery, and even get some well-deserved pets and treats from strangers. 

However, for whatever store you want to bring your pet into, you should check your local branch’s pet policy to ensure you don’t break any rules. Also, take the store and other customers into consideration when choosing to bring your pup around others to ensure every party in the situation has a good time.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Christine Bird/Shutterstock.com