Can You Bring Your Dog To Home Depot?
They do not call our dogs ‘man’s best friend’ for nothing; we love doing everything with them! Some people even take their dogs on weekly coffee dates to a pup-friendly cafe, while others bring them to the dog park every day. But what about bringing your dog to get the last-minute hauls for your home project? Can you bring your dog to Home Depot?
According to Home Depot’s pet policy, only service dogs are permitted in the store. This does not include emotional support dogs. However, some locations do allow pets in the store. It’s best to call the store in question and ask about their policy.
Below, we will take you through Home Depot’s policy so that you can decide whether it’s best to leave your pooch at home, or if they can come on your DIY shopping spree.
Why Does Everyone Bring Their Dogs Into Home Depot?
Customers have made the most of the opportunity to bring their four-legged companions along for their DIY shopping outings because Home Depot has earned the notoriety of being an informally dog-friendly store.
Shoppers with dogs have started to frequent Home Depot more frequently in recent years. However, that is not to say that all locations are dog friendly.
Each location makes its own rules regarding pets as opposed to service animals. All service animals are allowed; all pets are not.
What Is Home Depot’s Pet Policy?
Home Depot’s official pet policy is a touch hazy. There is no information on their pet policy on their webpage, and their calls and emails asking for it received no response.
After checking through different forums, it appears that the majority of the establishments in their area warmly welcome leashed dogs, whether they are service animals or not.
Places such as Seattle, Bellevue and Dallas do allow people to bring their pets with them. But, again, it is best to check and ask before going so that you don’t drag your dog to a store just for them to wait in the car.
And on that note, PLEASE do not leave any live animals or humans in a hot car.
Home Depot Pet Etiquette
We definitely do not want to mess up a good thing, and being allowed to take your dog shopping is definitely a good thing. So that we don’t ruin it for everyone else, there are a few etiquette tips you should follow to ensure you are allowed to bring your dogs with you for future trips.
Bring Your Puppy Treats
At Home Depot, there is a lot going on. This type of environment can stress your dog out, especially if it’s not used to it. When necessary, redirect your dog with training treats that you keep on you.
The staff will frequently offer to provide your dog with a goodie. Take them up on it. Don’t forget to say thank you! Pet treats are not store-provided, so the staff purchases the treats themselves to hand out.
Keep Your Dog On A Leash
Your dog should always be on the leash while in the store. We would have to say that even though it ought to go without saying.
Even if your dog is friendly, it should still be on a leash. This is for the safety of your dog as well as the safety of everyone around. In a store, not everyone is watching where they’re walking. Plus, there are very large supplies being moved around, and forklifts everywhere.
Take Your Dogs To Go Potty
Trips to Home Depot are not a quick in and out. You need to bring your dog to the bathroom before bringing it in the store to avoid any accidents.
It’s not a bad idea to bring some paper towels and doggy baggies with you just in case there is an accident.
What Stores Can Your Dogs Go In?
Below are several stores that your dog is allowed to go in. Again, make sure that you follow the proper etiquette to ensure that this privilege can continue on for a long time to come.
- Apple Store
- Barnes & Noble
- Bass Pro Shops
- Bed Bath & Beyond
- L.L. Bean
- Lowes
- Michaels
- Nordstrom
- Petco
- Petsmart
- Pottery Barn
- TJ Maxx
- Tractor Supply
Again, it’s best to call the location to double-check as some of these businesses have fallen under a franchise in which the rules have been changed.
Tips To Make Your Trip Into A Store With Your Dog Successful
If you’re fortunate enough to locate a Home Depot store that welcomes non-service animals, you should follow a few simple rules to ensure a positive visit.
When taking your dog to any store, follow the tips below:
- Don’t bring your dog if it’s aggressive. Leave your dog at home if they don’t get along with people or other pets. Dogs should behave themselves in Home Depot stores. It’s preferable to leave your dog in the car or at home if it could endanger other pets or people or be a nuisance.
- Keep your pooch on a leash. Bring a leash, as dogs are required to be on a leash inside any store locations that permit pets.
- Bring your dog bags. Of course, we hope your dog is well-behaved enough to not mistake Home Depot for a bathroom. But you should be prepared to clean up the mess fast if your dog decides to pee inside Home Depot.
Can Dogs Walk Around Home Depot?
Your dog can walk around Home Depot, as well as other stores. Actually, it is preferred that your animals stay out of the cart due to pet allergies.
Other shoppers who have an allergy to your animal may pick up a reaction if your dog was in the basket. Therefore, it’s best that they walk around.
However, if you have a tiny dog that you carry in your purse, they would be okay to ride in the basket as long as it doesn’t jump out.
If you decided to keep your dog in the basket regardless, please bring wipes to be able to clean the basket just as a common courtesy to others. Most stores have a cleaning station now in the entry way to the store.
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Heather is a passionate writer who loves anything DIY. Growing up, she learned everything from home repairs to design, and wants to share her tips with you. When she's not writing, she's usually hiking or searching for her next DIY project.
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