20 Pet Friendly Stores In The USA

Source : instagram

Over the years, the population of pet owners, especially ones with dogs, has increased. Naturally, this has also increased the need for pet-friendly stores because pet owners no longer want to give business to stores where their furry best friends aren't welcome.

They want to shop comfortably in a relaxed and welcoming environment and not worry about whether their pups are allowed in stores before leaving the house. Thankfully, stores have also embraced this culture, and there are now more pet-friendly stores around than 20 years ago. 


1. Petco

We have to start this listicle with a pet shop. Petco, like most other pet stores, welcomes all pets as long as they are domesticated, legal to own, and fully vaccinated.

This policy applies to nationwide stores. They are not just pet friendly but are committed to helping pets lead rewarding lives, and they do so by offering an enjoyable retail experience for pets. You can tell they are committed from the moment you walk into the store.

They have friendly employees who are trained to handle pets. They have designed the stores in a way that minimizes stress for pets. Some Petco locations have separate areas for cats and dogs to minimize anxiety-inducing interactions.

2. Petsmart

Another nationwide pet store that allows pets is Petsmart. At Petsmart, you can shop for food, treats, toys, bedding, and other necessities for your furry friend while in tow with them. They also offer grooming, veterinary services, and training classes at some locations.

Your furry friend will have a positive experience at Petsmart because the store and its policies are designed for pets. There are designated play areas for your pets and friendly staff who will give them attention and treats. 

If it is your first time taking your dog to Petsmart, keep the visit short, as they might find the experience overwhelming. Let your pet be familiar with the environment slowly.

3. Home Depot

Unlike the pet stores above that are specifically designed for pets, Home Depot was not. However, the hardware store does allow pets in some locations if your dogs are service dogs or well-behaved. 

The definition of well-behaved may vary from store to store, so be ready to be turned away at the entrance as well. It is best if you call and check with your local Home Depot to confirm their pet policies. 

If they do allow dogs, you and your dog might be in for an enjoyable experience. The stores have wide aisles, perfect for letting your leashed dog accompany you as you cross off items from your shopping list.

4. Lowe's

Source : instagram

Like Home Depot, Lowe’s allows pets in stores if you follow their regulations. They allow service animals and well-behaved dogs that are leashed, harnessed, or carried.

They will not allow your dog to run around the store freely, and you will be asked to leave if they threaten customers or damage anything.

You will also have to clean up any mess they make while shopping. Ensure that you have let them clear their bladder and bowels before bringing them to the store with you. 

5. Tractor Supply Co.

Even though Tractor Supply Co. is not a pet store and sells farm supplies, they are a very dog-friendly store. In fact, it is considered one of the friendliest non-pet retail stores for pets in America. All of their stores nationwide allow dogs inside the store as they are well-behaved and leashed.

This means you can bring your furry friends and let them pick the treats and toys they want. Tractor Supply has a wide variety of dog products and supplies. Some stores even set up clinics on the weekends to help with pet services. This is perfect for grabbing all your items and popping in for their services.

6. Bass Pro Shops

Another dog-friendly shop is Bass Pro Shops. They allow friendly dogs on leashes in their stores and have strict policies against aggressive dogs. They have not singled out any breed types but dangerous or destructive dogs will be asked to leave, regardless of breed.

Even though your furry companion is allowed in stores, they might not be allowed to enter certain parts of the store like the cafe. They might only be allowed in dog-friendly areas like inside the store, parking lot, entrance, or exit. Confirm with your local store before stopping by. 

7. Nordstrom

After taking customer feedback, Nordstrom introduced a pet-friendly policy in 2023, and per their policy, pet owners can bring their furry friends with them while they shop at any of their department or specialty stores.

This policy was introduced to provide a comfortable shopping experience for their customers. However, certain conditions apply. Firstly, the store can refuse entry to aggressive and disruptive dogs.

Secondly, all dogs must be leashed and kept away from other customers. Lastly, dogs must be attended to at all times, and owners are required to clean up after their pets.

8. Sephora

Source : instagram

Many Sephoras are located in department stores or malls. These buildings do not allow pets. Therefore, Sephora has no choice but to follow the rules. 

However, there are some Sephoras that are located outside these buildings. These Sephoras do allow pets inside their stores, according to their customers. And, of course, dogs need to be on a leash and well-behaved.

It is worth noting that Sephora does not have an official pet-friendly policy, so you might need to confirm with your local Sephora before bringing your dogs on your makeup run.

9. Michaels

Thanks to Michaels’ pet-friendly policy, you do not have to leave your dog home alone if you need emergency arts and crafts supplies. The craft store prides itself on having a pet-friendly image because they have worked hard to build that reputation over the years.

Dogs of all sizes and breeds are allowed in the store as long as they are on a leash, well-behaved, and do not threaten the safety of other shoppers. Also, ensure, you carry a tissue or paper towel of some sort and a potty bag with you so that you can clean up if your dog makes a mess.

10. Bloomingdale’s

Another one of the many pet-friendly shops around is Bloomingdale’s.

Even though it is an upscale department store with a chich decor and luxe vibe, they allow your furry companions in the store as long as they are leashed and well-behaved. However, if your local store is inside a shopping mall, you might need to call and confirm before bringing your pup. 

If you plan on eating at the store’s on-site restaurant, Le Train Blue, after shopping, you might have to leave your pup at home. They do not allow them inside the restaurant.

11. Anthropologie

People love to shop at Anthropologie. Not only do they have some of the trendiest clothing items and chic home decor, but they also allow shoppers to bring in their loyal friends. This is applicable in all stores nationwide, and like all pet stores, they have to be on a leash and well-behaved. 

They also have a wide range of items for pets under their pet store section. Shoppers no longer have to wonder what to get for their pets. They can ask their pet dogs to choose what they like, which makes everything easier. 

12. TJ Maxx

Source : instagram

The TJX company operates many branded stores such as Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Sierra, Homesense, and Winners.

Not all of the branded stores allow pets inside. Their pet policy depends on local regulations and the store manager’s decisions. However, they are widely known to have pet-friendly locations. 

Most store locations do allow leashed and well-behaved dogs. However, they have not openly discussed their store pet policies so it is a good idea to call ahead and double-check before heading out with your pet.

13. Banana Republic

Banana Republic is notably dog-friendly. Some stores will even reward your doggo with treats for their good behavior in stores. Having said that, not all stores are dog friendly, and dogs allowed inside the store must be on a leash at all times.

And if your dog disturbs other customers or they complain about your furry friend, you might be asked to leave the store. Therefore, it is best to understand their pet policy fully before taking them shopping with you.

14. Old Navy

Old Navy, owned by the same company as Gap and Banana Republic, has an informal pet-friendly policy. It is without a doubt that your dogs will not be allowed inside an Old Navy if it is located inside a mall unless the mall has a pro-pet policy. 

However, outside malls, Old Navy does allow pets in some stores, but only if the store manager is convinced your dog will not threaten the safety of their customers. Old Navy will always put the safety of their customers before your dog, so make sure your furry friend is well-behaved.

15. Barnes & Noble

Barnes & Noble is a great place to relax with a good book and your pup. There are no official rules that say they are absolutely pet-friendly. On their website, they only mentioned that service dogs are always welcome. 

However, some customers affirm that their pets were allowed inside the store. This might be because their pets were well-behaved, and the store manager was open to it, but they were probably not allowed in their in-store coffee shops. 

So the next time you want to spend your day reading books at this bookstore with your dog, you might have to first call up and ask the store how they feel about it. 

16. Pottery Barn

Source : instagram

Most Pottern Barns are inside a mall, so they are bound by the rules of the buildings they are in. However, some stores outside shopping stips and malls are pet-friendly, even though they do not have a public pet policy.

Shoppers have shared experiences where they were allowed to shop inside the store without any problems. 

But like all pet-friendly stores, conditions apply. Only well-behaved and trained dogs might be allowed inside. Aggressive dogs that disrupt the shopping experience will be asked to leave the premises.

17. Apple Store

Apple Stores located inside a mall have a strict no-pet policy, but standalone stores do allow you to shop with your pets. These stores do not mind the presence of leashed dogs or cats in backpacks. However, this does not mean that all Apple stores allow pets.

Some Apple locations prefer you leave your dog at home, especially around the holidays when it gets hectic. Dogs get easily overwhelmed by crowds and may start misbehaving and disrupting the peace of other customers.

You might also end up carrying your leashed dog, which is difficult when they are heavy. Always double-check before you bring your dog with you. 

18. Macy's

Macy's does not have a universal pet policy for all their stores, so each store sets its own rules. This means that while some locations welcome well-behaved, leashed dogs, others do not allow them. 

Even if a Macy’s in your area is dog-friendly, it is important to note that there might be certain rules you have to follow, like not taking dogs to the food court or controlling their behavior towards other dogs in stores.

The best way to confirm a Macy's pet policy is to contact the store directly.

19. Ross Dress for Less

The best part about shopping at Ross Dress for Less is not only will you find everything from clothing to home decor at 20–60% off retail prices, but they also have an entire section for your pet, which you can shop from with your pet.

Dogs are allowed at many locations, but because they do not have an official pet policy, it is better to call your local store first to ask if they allow dogs before you head out the door with the leash in hand.

20. Hobby Lobby

It is easy to get lost in the aisles of never-ending arts and crafts items and lose track of time while shopping at Hobby Lobby.

Even when you leave your dog alone at home for a quick supply run at the store, you will end up spending way more time than you wanted, so it is best to bring your dog with you.

Hobby Lobby does not have an official company-wide pet policy, so each store can have individual pet policies. Many stores allow pets, but it is advisable to call and check first. 

Recent posts