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For many owners, dogs are a big part of their lives and their family unit. Many dog owners take their pets with them everywhere they go. However, that can occasionally lead to problems, as dogs aren’t welcome in every establishment. So, does Walgreens allow dogs? Generally, no—Walgreens has a no-dog policy banning dogs from entering their stores. However, certified service dogs are an exception and are welcome at any Walgreens location.
Does Walgreens Allow Emotional Support Dogs to Enter Its Stores?
No, you can’t enter a Walgreens with an emotional support dog or animal. There are several reasons for this, but the main one is that emotional support dogs aren’t trained or licensed and thus don’t fall under the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Unless your dog is a fully trained and licensed service animal, most Walgreens won’t allow you to enter.
Do Some Walgreens Allow Non-Service Dogs?
Surprisingly, you can go into some Walgreens stores with your pet dog, even if it isn’t a service dog. That’s because Walgreens gives its store managers the power to allow dogs inside their stores. In other words, call your local Walgreens first before going with your dog. It might be that their local policy is to let you and your dog enter as long as it’s well-behaved and on a leash.
Why Does Walgreens Allow Service Dogs but Not Other Dogs?
The main reason Walgreens allows service dogs to enter all of their stores no matter what is that the federal government and the ADA compel them to do so by law. According to the ADA, a service dog can enter any public place, including stores, restaurants, and other businesses that normally don’t allow dogs and other pets. That’s why service dogs can, for example, go on planes and trains and enter practically any public location their owner pleases, including Walgreens.
Which Stores Will Allow You to Enter With Your Dog?
These days, the terms “pet friendly” or “dog friendly” usually refer to stores, restaurants, and other public places where you can freely visit with your well-behaved pet (although it’s mainly for dogs and cats). Many stores started allowing dogs to enter because so many were dying in hot cars when their owners were forced to leave them there as they shopped. The stores that allow dogs to enter, whether they’re service dogs or not, include the following:
- Petco and PetSmart – Not surprisingly, two of the country’s biggest and best pet stores allow dogs inside. Petco even gives your dog a free treat when you arrive!
- Nordstrom – Nordstrom, the clothing store chain, allows well-behaved dogs at all locations.
- Bass Pro Shops – Not only does this major fishing and boating supply retailer allow dogs in every store, but they also encourage it! The chain also sponsors a popular event annually called “Dog Days!”
- LUSH – This cosmetic supply chain allows dogs in all its locations and has a strict “no testing on animals” policy on all of its products, making them “dog friendly.”
- Harbor Freight Tools – This tool supply store chain allows well-behaved, leashed dogs at all 1,300+ locations.
- Victoria’s Secret – The well-known lingerie chain allows dogs at all of its locations. However, many Victoria’s Secret stores are in malls, and some malls have a no-dogs policy, so be sure to check before heading to the store.
- Ross Dress for Less – This clothing chain allows you to visit with your dog in all of its stores. They also have a pet section where you can pick up something chic for your Chihuahua or posh for your Poodle.
- Michaels – Do you need art supplies to make DIY dog toys? You’ll be glad to know that all Michaels stores allow you to visit with your canine companion.
- JoAnn Fabrics – If you’re making a sweater for your pup, you can go with them to JoAnn Fabrics to pick the colors since the fabric and sewing chain allows dogs in all locations.
Stores That Allow Dogs in Some Locations
Although the following stores don’t allow dogs to enter all their locations, they do allow them to in some areas.
- CVS
- Rite Aid
- Lowes
- Home Depot
- Sephora
- Warby Parker
- L. Bean
- Bed Bath & Beyond
- Ann Taylor and LOFT
- Hobby Lobby
- Old Navy
- The Gap
- Cabela’s
- Barnes & Noble
- TJ Maxx
- Marshalls
- Macy’s
- Pottery Barn
- The Apple Store
You should note that the top three US pharmacy chains, CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid, only allow service dogs because of the ADA rules and regulations. Again, however, your local CVA, Walgreens, and Rite Aid might allow dogs if the store manager creates a dog-friendly policy for the individual store.
Which Stores Typically Prohibit Non-Service Dogs?
Health regulations across the United States are some of the most stringent in the world. For that reason, certain stores and businesses can’t allow dogs (even if they want to). Grocery stores and restaurants typically prohibit dogs and other animals. Many restaurants, however, will allow you to have your dog with you in their outdoor dining area, including Starbucks, Cracker Barrel, In-N-Out Burger, Olive Garden, Panera Bread, McDonald’s, and many others.
Safety Tips for Bringing Your Dog to a Store or Restaurant
Below are some vital safety tips to use when you visit a store or restaurant that’s dog-friendly.
- Walk your dog before going inside so they don’t have any accidents.
- Go early or late when restaurants are less busy.
- Bring a water bowl with you. Most places will gladly fill it or let you fill it yourself.
- Use a short leash.
- Bring dog treats so your pet won’t bother people.
- Never let your dog touch a restaurant table or sit in a chair. Many consider this rude and unhygienic, and it could cause the store to alter its pet-friendly policies.
- Be aware of the food on the floor you might not want your dog to eat.
- Don’t expect everyone to be happy to see your dog. Many will be, but more than a few people don’t believe dogs or any other pets should be allowed in stores or restaurants. If you run into someone who’s not happy to see your dog, consider moving to another table or moving away from them.
Final Thoughts
Service dogs are the only type of dog allowed in Walgreens, so if yours isn’t trained and licensed to provide a service, don’t expect to enter. However, some locations allow dogs based on the rules set by their store manager. For that reason, it’s best to call ahead.
Wherever you choose to go with your dog, we hope they can go inside with you. If not, experts recommend leaving your dog at home rather than in your car, especially on a hot day. When you consider that hundreds of dogs (and other pets) die in hot cars every year, leaving them at home is your best choice.
Featured Image Credit: Jennifer Shishmanian, Unsplash
