Pet Friendly Stores Where Dogs Are Allowed

Did you know that Nordstrom is a pet friendly store? What about Duluth Trading Company, True Value or LL Bean? Believe it or not, you can bring your dog with you when you shop at these retailers and many, many more.

How do I know this? One, I’ve brought my own dogs, Oscar and Sadie, with me when shopping at many of these retailers. And, two, I’ve been shopping in these stores when someone else showed up with a dog. No one kicked them out.

Of course, I always bring my dogs with me to pet-oriented stores like PetSmart and Petco. That’s a given. 

However, you may be surprised to learn how many American retailers are pet friendly. Most are specifically dog friendly. 

Where you can bring your dog to shop

Before I get into the specific list of stores that welcome dogs, here’s something to consider: outdoor shopping malls tend to be the most pet friendly places. 

For example, while visiting my younger daughter at college, we went to an outdoor shopping mall near campus. I noticed that on nearly every store door, there was an outline of a dog and the message “Dogs Welcome.” 

This was at national chains Bath and Body Works, Banana Republic and Brooks Brothers. Later, I discovered that the mall actually includes a list of dog-friendly stores on its website. So, good to know if you want to plan ahead to visit an outdoor mall and bring your pup.

List of pet friendly stores nationwide

I’ve put together an alphabetical list of retailers that are friendly to your dog. Keep in mind that some of these stores are part of a franchise. So a franchise owner in one location may not be as pet friendly as a franchise owner elsewhere.

That’s why I always suggest asking first or confirming that your dog is welcome in the store. Finally, if you shop somewhere and you notice dog treats at the checkout counter, that’s a clear sign that this is a pet friendly store.

Ace Hardware

Leashed dogs are welcome at Ace Hardware locations. 

Apple Store

I’m told that freestanding Apple Store locations outside of malls welcome leashed dogs.

Barnes & Noble

This bookstore chain leaves the pet-welcoming policy up to individual Barnes & Noble locations, stating the following:

“Contact your local store for more details regarding their policy on Non-Service Animals at their location.” 

Bass Pro Shops

Bass Pro Shops stores are dog-friendly year-round. However, during the holidays, they usually kick things up a notch.

That is, once they set up their Santa’s Wonderland area, they’ll usually offer a day and time to take photos with Santa with your dog. The rest of the year, you can bring your dog with you to shop for pet-friendly products at Bass Pro Shops.

Cabela’s

Cabela’s is a hunting, camping and outdoor gear store. So it makes sense that Cabela’s welcomes dogs, too.

Duluth Trading Company

You know how I found out that Duluth Trading Company is a pet-friendly store? I was waiting outside with my dogs while my husband returned something inside their store in Pittsburgh.

Then, an employee came outside to let me know that the dogs and I were welcome to come in and shop, too. So, we did.

There is a small area in the store with pet products. I snapped the picture below of Oscar trying out one of Duluth’s pet car seat covers.

Half Price Books

Half Price Books is a pet friendly store. As a reminder, Half Price Books is the nation’s largest new and used bookstore chain, with more than 120 stores in 17 states. It’s even got an unofficial dog mascot.

The Home Depot

Is The Home Depot a pet friendly store? You bet it is but with a caveat.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been shopping in Home Depot and passed a pup walking up an aisle. Or, I’ve seen a pup in a shopping cart.

Pro tip: put cardboard down in the shopping cart so the dog’s feet don’t slip through and so the pet feels more secure. Or, if your dog is small enough, get a shopping cart seat cover, made for babies, and use it with your dog.

So, the caveat? It’s a store-by-store decision as to whether dogs are allowed or not. In other words it’s up to the store manager. That’s why some Home Depot locations allow service dogs only whereas others allow pets.

Joann Stores

You’ll find the pet-friendly policy at Joann Stores spelled out on its website:

JOANN knows that pets make us happy and inspire creativity. That’s why you should feel free to bring your furry friend to shop with you!

L.L. Bean

Technically, only service dogs are supposed to be in an L.L. Bean store. However, when we visited the main store in Freeport, Maine, they welcomed our two dogs to shop with us.

Lowe’s

I could not find a page on the Lowes website that specifically says it is a pet-friendly store. However, recently, I received a press release about a “Dogs of Lowes Pet Party” in store. when I checked out the Lowe’s Facebook page, I found the post below. It includes the Lowe’s hashtag for welcoming dogs: #dogsoflowes

This pet party was to promote the new Maytag washer and dryer that is designed to remove pet hair from clothing.

So, I took my dogs Oscar and Sadie to the store, where they were welcomed with belly rubs and treats.

Then, on the way out, I took a picture of the Lowe’s door that confirms it does, in fact, welcome dogs every day of the year.

Macy’s

I’m told that Macy’s locations let dogs in on a case-by-case basis. So, your best bet?

Reach out to your local Macy’s before heading out with your pup. You want to ensure ahead of time that the store will be welcoming. 

Marshall’s/TJ Maxx/HomeGoods

Since the same company owns TJ Maxx, Marshall’s and HomeGoods, I’ve grouped these three stores together here. And to let you know that most locations are pet friendly. 

However, it is up to the manager’s discretion as to whether or not your dog can shop with you. So check ahead of time. 

Michaels

If you were wondering if Michaels was a pet-friendly place to shop, this picture from the Michaels Facebook page tells you all you need to know. 

Here is a link to the Michaels store locator page. That way you and your pup can find a store near you where you can shop together. 

Nordstrom

A few years back, I attended a holiday shopping party at Nordstrom–one of the benefits of being in the Nordy Club. (More about the Nordy Club in my article about shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.)

Anyway, while in the store, I met a few festively dressed pups that were there to shop with their humans. I was so surprised to learn that Nordstrom is a pet friendly store.

And this wasn’t a one-off thing either, with dogs in the store. Recently, I was in my local Nordstrom location to pick up my husband’s alterations, and I passed a well-behaved Australian Shepherd in the men’s department.

Orvis

Not only does Orvis offer a lifetime warranty on some of its fishing products, but also it welcomes your dog to shop inside its stores, too.

In fact, this is what the Orvis store website says:

“All of our Orvis retail stores are dog-friendly, all the time. We look forward to welcoming you, and your dog, at your local Orvis retail store!”

Pottery Barn

I had to do a double take when I learned that certain Pottery Barn store locations welcome dogs and cats. From my reading, it appears that if your pet can fit inside a purse, then you can bring them with you when you shop.

However, if you want to be certain, reach out to the Pottery Barn store near you to ask first. Here is a link to store locations nationwide. 

Sierra Trading Post aka Sierra

This store, once called Sierra Trading Post, just goes by Sierra now. It is part of the Marshall’s family.

As far as whether or not dogs are allowed in Sierra, it is up to the local store manager.

Tractor Supply Company

I found the following statement on the Tractor Supply Company Facebook page:

“Did you know that we welcome all leashed and friendly animals?!”

That post went on to show not only a cow in the store but also a horse, pig and chicken there. 

So, yeah, you can definitely bring your dog with you when you shop at Tractor Supply Company. Also, this is one of the pet friendly stores that is likely to have treats at the checkout counter.

True Value Hardware

I’ve lived in three towns with True Value Hardware locations. And all three of these stores always welcomed me inside with my dogs. First, my original dog Buffy. And then, after Buffy died, Oscar and Sadie.

In fact, it’s gotten to the point where the dogs knew what happened when we got to the checkout counter. They would, inevitably, sit and then get a treat. Good, dogs!

Stores that do not welcome pets

You may be wondering if dogs are allowed in Target or Costco? Well, yes and no. 

Both retailers welcome dogs that are legit service dogs, as is required by law. On the other hand, both retailers say that regular pets are not allowed in the stores.

So be a good shopper and leave your pets and pups at home. They have no place in your Target run or Costco haul.

Finally, if you don’t believe me, here is a link to Costco’s service animal policy page.

Final thoughts on pet friendly stores

Have you been to a national chain with your dog that doesn’t appear on this pet friendly list? If so, please reach out and let me know. I’d be happy to check out the store and consider adding it to this article.

I’ve started a new blog about Southern Maine. I’ve put together this list of stores in Maine that welcome dogs.