Many people like to shop with their pets, and you likely have seen a few dogs in stores during your shopping excursions, which might cause you to wonder if you can take your dog to the local Whole Foods. Unfortunately, Whole Foods does not allow animals in its stores, but there are exceptions, so keep reading while we list a few reasons that you might see a dog at the store.
What Is the Whole Foods Policy on Dogs?
The Whole Foods grocery chain has a strict no-pet policy, so shoppers must leave their pets at home. Guidelines set up by the Food and Drug Administration and local laws regarding food safety require animals to be kept out of grocery stores except under special circumstances.
When Is a Dog Allowed in Whole Foods?
The only dogs allowed in Whole Foods are service animals per the Americans with Disabilities Act. These animals have special training that enables them to assist shoppers with disabilities, so they are allowed in many locations that other pets are not, including grocery stores.
Do I Need to Take Steps Before Entering a Whole Foods Store With My Service Dog?
Your service dog should be easy to identify; ensure that they are wearing their service vest or harness. It’s also a good idea to call ahead to let the store manager know that you intend to visit, so there is no confusion or hold-ups. This is also a good opportunity to let the manager know if you have any special requirements, like a motorized cart.
Can I Take My Emotional-Support Animal to Whole Foods?
Unfortunately, emotional support animals are not full-fledged service animals, so the ADA does not permit them access. It is unlikely that they will be allowed to accompany you into the store.
Why Do I See People With Dogs in Whole Foods?
Unfortunately, a few people don’t follow the rules and might sneak in their pet, especially a small dog that they are carrying or pushing in a stroller. Some people might also mistakenly believe that they can legally take an emotional-support animal into the store. The store managers might prefer to avoid confrontation or be unsure about the rules regarding service and support animals, so they allow the dog to remain in the store against policy.
Does the No-Pets Rule Apply to All Whole Foods Stores?
There are more than 500 Whole Food stores across the United States and several more in other countries, and all prohibit dogs unless they are registered service animals.
Summary
Dogs are not allowed in any Whole Foods locations in the United States unless they are service animals, which do not include emotional-support pets. If you have a service animal, we recommend calling ahead to let the on-duty manager know that you are coming into the store, to ensure that there are no hold-ups when you arrive. Your dog should also wear their proper vest and harness so other shoppers and employees know that the dog is not breaking any rules.
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Featured Image Credit: Kwangmoozaa, Shutterstock
What Is the Whole Foods Policy on Dogs?
2 Responses
Your site would do readers–and others–a far greater service if you were to outline clearly all of the reasons why pet dogs do *not* belong in grocery stores. Not only have I seen dogs vigorously shaking themselves inside grocery stores, I've also seen them sniffing wrapped sandwiches, licking food packages (e.g. rotisserie chickens), and standing on their hind legs trying to eat food off of hot bars and salad bars. Surely, it's constructive to point out concerns about food safety and sanitation.
The following statement near the start of this article is rather problematic: "[u]nfortunately, Whole Foods does not allow animals in its stores[.]" The only dogs that should be in grocery stores are actual service animals that do important work for their handlers. Otherwise, people shouldn't have to be told not to take their pet dogs into grocery stores. Not only is it a food safety issue to have pet dogs meandering along grocery store aisles, but it is also the case that other customers might have phobias or allergies.
Please be considerate and leave Fido at home when you grocery shop.