Thinking of Bringing Your Dog to Sam’s Club? Read This First

Quick Take

• Most dog owners assume "no pets inside" means no dogs on the property at all, but Sam's Club's generally has an exception worth knowing before you leave your pup at home. Dogs allowed outside →
• There's a federal legal distinction that decides whether your dog gets past Sam's Club's entrance, and a surprising number of owners guess wrong about where their pet falls. See who qualifies →
• Even a fully trained service dog can be removed from Sam's Club, and the behavior threshold that triggers it is narrower than most handlers expect. Behavior removal rules →
• Bringing your dog "just for the ride" while you shop sounds harmless, but one common habit puts them in serious danger before you even grab a cart. Leaving dogs outside risks →

There are an estimated 87 million pet dogs in the United States, and the pet industry is rapidly growing to accommodate the bond we have with our furry friends. More places are becoming dog-friendly as well. You might wonder if dogs are allowed in Sam’s Club, and if so, what the rules are. In this article, we’ll discuss six rules to know before bringing your dog to Sam’s Club.

#1: Only Service Dogs Can Enter the Store

Sam’s official policy is “to welcome into our Clubs any animal that is individually trained to assist a person with a disability.” This means only service dogs can go into the building. Service dogs are trained to help people with disabilities and are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Under the ADA, dogs whose purpose is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals. So pets and emotional support animals cannot enter Sam’s Club.

#2: Dogs Are Allowed in Outdoor Areas at Sam’s Club

Dogs are generally allowed in outdoor areas at Sam’s Club, such as the parking lot and outdoor seating areas. They aren’t allowed into the building because Sam’s Club sells food, and it’s not sanitary to let animals into the building. The meat aisle would be far too tempting for most dogs, anyway!

If you can’t or don’t want to leave your dog at home while you shop, consider making a curbside order so that you can stay in the car with them while you pick up your groceries. Please don’t leave your dog in the car while you shop. Dogs can quickly overheat in cars, even when temperatures are moderate.

#3: They Must Remain on a Leash

Your dog should be on a leash and entirely in your control while at Sam’s Club. Service dogs must also be leashed unless it interferes with the animal’s ability to perform its tasks. In this case, the dog must be under the individual’s control through signals, voice, or other means.

The dogs shouldn’t be begging for others’ food on the patio or tripping other customers. They definitely shouldn’t be wandering around outside. Before visiting Sam’s Club, make sure your dog has good leash manners. Teach them to sit or lie down out of the way, such as tucked under your chair, so that they aren’t bothering others.

#4: You Must Clean Up After Your Dog

If your dog urinates or poops outside Sam’s Club, you’ll be expected to clean it up. Be sure to bring poop bags, just like you would on your daily walks. Also, be courteous about where you allow your dog to go. Don’t let them pee on the patio where others are eating, but instead, walk them away from the area to go in the grass. Use garbage cans that aren’t near seating areas, especially those away from where others are eating.

#5: You Can Be Asked to Leave if Your Dog Misbehaves

Even service dogs can be asked to leave Sam’s Club if they misbehave. This includes excessive barking, bothering other customers or employees, making a mess, or eliminating where they shouldn’t. Please make sure your dog is on their best behavior at all times. Mistakes happen, but poorly trained dogs should stay home when you visit the store.

#6: Always Be Courteous to Employees and Other Customers

In addition to the rules mentioned above, you can show kindness and consideration to others outside of the store by:

• Keeping up with your dog’s veterinary care. They should be spayed or neutered and fully vaccinated before being brought into public spaces.
• Keeping your dog’s feelings in mind. Many pups would rather stay home than go to Sam’s Club with you. It can be a very stressful experience being around so many other people in an unfamiliar environment.