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View 3 More +Dogs are our best friends and want to accompany us wherever we go, which can cause us to want to find new places to take them. One place that many pet owners are curious about is Best Buy. While pet dogs are generally not allowed there, this policy is not set in stone and can vary from store to store. Keep reading as we explain which dogs are always allowed in and how you can find out about your local store so you don’t have any problems when you visit.
What Is a Pet-Friendly Store?
It is important to understand the concept of pet-friendly stores. Many retail stores in the United States will allow pets inside as long as they are well-behaved and leashed. Stores may allow pets to help attract more customers, especially those who prefer not to leave their pets at home. As a result, many people feel that pet-friendly stores are more welcoming and accommodating, and they have become increasingly popular over the years, with many chains adopting pet-friendly policies.
Best Buy’s Pet Policy
According to the Best Buy website, pets are not allowed inside the store. The reason behind the policy is that allowing pets in the store can cause hygiene and safety concerns. There are many delicate and expensive electronic gadgets that a dog can easily destroy, and dogs can cause disruptions and distractions for other customers.
Another reason the store may not allow pets is that many people are allergic to them. A dog might also have an accident that could cause extra cleanup and create unsanitary conditions.
Exceptions to the Rule
Service Animals
The policy on the Best Buy website states that service animals are allowed in the store, as per the Americans with Disabilities Act.1 Service dogs have training that enables them to work or perform tasks for a person with a disability, and they are allowed in most public locations, including Best Buy. Your service dogs should be well-trained and under control at all times. They should have their harness and leash on so they are easy to identify. If possible, call ahead to let the store manager know that you are coming so there are no holdups at the door.
Pets
While the official Best Buy policy is clear, there are exceptions to the rule, and some stores will allow pets on the property, depending on the location and the manager’s discretion. These exceptions are especially true where there is a large amount of pedestrian traffic and where people commonly have dogs, like near a beach or college.
Managers may also allow dogs if many other retail outlets in the area allow them, causing many people to believe that dogs are allowed at all Best Buy stores. The best way to find out about your local store is to call and speak with the manager to see if you can bring your pet. While most won’t allow them, a surprising number do, so it is worth a shot.
Tips for Pet Owners
- If you can’t call ahead to speak with a manager, it is best to leave your pet at home when you go out, as many stores have a no-dog policy.
- If your pet dog is allowed in the store, make sure they are leashed and well-behaved at all times.
- Do not let your pet wander around the store or disturb other customers.
- Ensure that your pet is clean and free of any parasites or diseases.
- Carry a container or a bag to clean up after your pet in case of accidents.
- Respect the store policies and guidelines put in place by the staff.
- If you’re shopping with your pet, be ready to leave immediately if a store manager asks you to.
- Bring water, food, and anything else that your pet may need to be comfortable.
- Accidents can happen, so be prepared with a first-aid kit for your pet. It should include bandages, antiseptic, and pet medications.
- Keep your pet close to you, and don’t let them jump on or approach other people unless invited.
Conclusion
According to the policy on its website, pets are not allowed in Best Buy locations. However, many store managers allow pets anyway, so try calling ahead, especially if you live in an area with many other dog-friendly locations. Service animals are always welcome.
When in the store with your pet, we recommend taking several precautions, like keeping them close by so they don’t jump on other customers and carrying supplies with you to clean up after your pet if there’s an accident. By doing so, pet owners can enjoy a pleasant shopping experience while respecting the needs and preferences of other customers and the store’s staff.
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Featured Image Credit: Best Buy Store | Mike Mozart, Wikimedia Commons CC 2.0 Generic
