Dog owners know how hard it is to find dog-friendly stores to take their furry friends to, and it’s not always clear what the policies are. Kohl’s is one of the largest department store chains in the US, with a huge variety of clothing and household decorations, but they do not allow our canine companions inside. Like many retailers, their official policy is that only trained service animals are permitted inside the store.
The main reason for the policy is to maintain a clean atmosphere for all store patrons, and animals like dogs could trigger allergic reactions in vulnerable customers. Now, that’s not to say some Kohl’s locations will turn you away at the door or kick you out if you happen to wander inside with your dog. Store managers have a lot of discretion and some few saints among them might allow well-behaved and leashed dogs inside. The official corporate policy isn’t quite so understanding, though, and they’ll most likely say no if you ask them outright.
Simply put, we don’t think it’s worth your time to try and take your dog to Kohl’s. We suggest browsing their online catalog with your dog at home if you want to somewhat emulate that department store experience.1 It’s not the same, but it’s better than driving there and finding out your dog can’t enter.
Kohl’s Service Animal Policy
Trained service animals are allowed in Kohl’s, just like many other retailers that normally don’t allow dogs inside. This is thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which defines a service animal as one trained to do tasks or work with disabled people.
The law also lays out specific rules about what Kohl’s can and can’t ask you about your service animal when you bring them into the store. There are exactly two questions that they can ask: Is the dog a service animal, and what tasks are they trained to do? Questions about the person’s disability are strictly forbidden.
The ADA also specifies that service animals don’t need any kind of special vest, tag, or another visual identifier to mark them. However, it’s still usually a good idea to have a service animal wear a vest so others know they’re not just a random dog.
What About Kohl’s Locations Inside Malls?
Malls are a popular place for Kohl’s, where you can visit many stores all in one convenient trip. Most outdoor, open-air malls are dog-friendly provided your pup is on a leash and on their best behavior, but that doesn’t extend to Kohl’s locations at that mall. If you want to shop at Kohl’s at a mall that’s otherwise dog-friendly, you might consider having a friend or family member keep your dog company outside.
Indoor malls tend to be stricter, even if policies vary by the specific location. If you’re unsure if your local mall welcomes dogs inside, feel free to call them and ask before trekking over there and wasting your valuable time. The worst they can say is no!
What Stores Welcome Dogs Inside?
It’s sad your dog won’t be able to go with you on your next trip to Kohl’s, but don’t worry, there are other stores that do allow your pup inside. Check some of them out below and keep them in mind when your dog looks like they need a good ol’ shopping spree.
Conclusion
Kohl’s might be a no-go for your favorite furry friend, but you could always browse their catalog online. If in-person shopping is what you crave, you’ll have to look for a dog-friendly store like those listed above.
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Featured Image Credit: hedgehog94, Shutterstock
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