Are pets allowed in your favorite stores?

If you consider your pet to be a member of the family, it makes sense that you want to take it along with you on errands: dropping off library books, picking up the dry cleaning and hitting the stores. Before trying that last one, take note: Not all shopping establishments allow pets inside. KSL Classifieds has the rundown of pet-friendly stores in Utah.

Service dogs only

While many shops have a no pet policy, most will allow service dogs. Service animal rules apply for a reason. Those dogs have undergone rigorous behavior training so they won’t get nervous, distracted or overly excited. They won’t randomly bark or growl at another customer, nor will they jump on someone. Most importantly, when they hear their owner’s command, they follow through immediately.

Service dogs are allowed into stores because they are trained to help.

Even if your pet seems well behaved, remember, it’s still a pet. And no matter how well your Fido obeys you at home, it may not be the same in a store full of strangers. In fact, your pet may interfere with a service animal’s work. The rules are there for a reason.

Are pets allowed in Target?

According to the pet policy at Target, certified service animals are allowed but your pet is not. In fact, any store that carries food or has a food service (such as Starbucks) is most likely to turn away non-service animals. The policy follows regulations outlined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Basically, dog saliva near fresh produce and bagels is not considered healthy for the general public.

A pet in a purse is still not allowed in stores that carry food.

Are pets allowed in Walmart?

You can bring your service dog along to help you pick out midnight snacks and a riding lawnmower. A service animal, as defined by the American Disabilities Act, is one trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability. Pets, however, are not allowed. So even if your toy poodle fits snugly in your purse, you should leave it at home.

Are pets allowed in Costco?

The big box giant may be known for its generous customer service, but Costco’s pet policy is not so forgiving. No animals are allowed in the store unless they are legitimate service animals — again, because the store carries food. Though not required, if you do have a service dog, it’s a good idea to utilize a vest or harness so it’s clear that it qualifies. When you enter the store, the greeter/ID checker may ask if your dog is a service animal and what task it’s been trained to perform.

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If you bring your pet grocery shopping, it'll need to stay outside.

Are pets allowed in my local grocery store?

Utah grocery stores do not allow pets but will allow service animals. Most stores have their policy posted at the entrances. As much as you’d like to have your pet help you pick out peaches, please respect store policies so they can continue to allow the service animals that need to be there.

Are pets allowed in Home Depot?

If you’ve noticed more dogs in your local Home Depot on your Saturday sprinkler part runs, you’re not mistaken. The official store policy allows service dogs only, but employees tend to be fairly lax when enforcing the rule — providing your dog is well behaved and on a leash. So if you’re wondering, “Can I bring my dog to Home Depot?” Well, unofficially, it depends on the individual store’s management.

All pets are allowed at Lowe’s stores in the U.S., providing they are well behaved. However, your pet must be on a leash, be held in your arms or be in a pet cage while in the store. No wandering off to look at paint samples alone — you’ll need to keep your pet with you at all times.

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Pet stores and hardware stores often welcome all well-behaved pets.

Are dogs allowed at Petco and PetSmart?

As you’d expect, all pets are welcome at the pet retail giants. Feel free to bring your dog, lizard, cat or bunny. Just be sure they are socialized and won’t cause any problems. No one wants to sweep up knocked over bags of kibble after a dog chase. That’s only funny in the movies.

Learn before you go

While shopping with pets in Utah is allowed in many places, don’t assume that all establishments will be happy to host your pet. As sure as you are that your pet wouldn’t cause a problem, respect the store’s pet policy. When in doubt, call ahead and ask. Being informed will help you avoid an awkward or frustrating experience. You don’t want to put Fido through that.

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