Spin-off: Are Pets Allowed in Stores?

[ronandannette]

The more I think about the dogs in the shopping cart the more skeeved out I am. Admittedly, I am not the super-observant type, but I can't remember ever seeing pets in stores or shopping malls. Is it even allowed? I guess I'm not sure exactly what "rule" it might violate, but I can't imagine too many places would really want animals sitting directly in their shopping carts.

 

[lizzi6692]

I'm pretty sure business owners are allowed to ask anyone to take their pets outside(assuming it's not a service dog). I think it's basically the owners/managers discretion except for maybe places where food is sold there could be some health code. The only places I know that typically allow pets as a rule is pet stores and they usually require the animal to either be carried or leash trained.

 

[powellrj]

I am seeing it more and more. We have a Yorkie and that seems to be the dog I see out in shopping carts most often. I don't know if I am more aware of them because we have one or there are just lots of people bringing their dogs into stores. These aren't pet stores, its places like Target and Kohls.

 

[ronandannette]

I am seeing it more and more. We have a Yorkie and that seems to be the dog I see out in shopping carts most often. I don't know if I am more aware of them because we have one or there are just lots of people bringing their dogs into stores. These aren't pet stores, its places like Target and Kohls.

And they allow them in the carts? While I'm aware that there could be a lot of equally yucky non-animal related stuff happening in the carts at any given time (thinking of little kids in diapers for example), somehow this just disturbs me. Is it mainly only dogs? How about cats? Ever seen a cat? My DNiece showed me a picture today of a lady in her neighbourhood that routinely walks her caged bird around in a stroller. That may be slightly off-beat but as long as it's her stroller, no harm done.

 

[kimblebee]

I honestly have never seen a person with a pet out shopping with them. Other than a service dog, that is. I'm going to get slammed but I find it totally obnoxious that you feel you have to bring your pet everywhere with you. Granted, I am not a pet person, never have been never will be but even if I was, pets belong at home NOT at Target.

 

[ORMom2Four]

Store managers are turning a blind eye to it, not wanting to confront anyone and have them threaten lawsuit.

Back in the day, the only service animal was a seeing eye dog. I am not sure at what point "therapy dog" came into existence for people who can't function enough to even go shopping without their dog by their side.

(btw, I love dogs! Just not in grocery stores, restaurants or even hardware stores.....)

 

[sunshinehighway]

Some stores allow dogs. You can actually Google it and find lots of pet friendly ones. Tractor supply is one I can think of off the top of my head. They even have treats at the register they give the dogs.

I have a feeling a lot of stores just don't want to get involved with any type of issues related to service animals. I've seen little dogs in stores where they definitely are not allowed unless they are a service animal.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Yesterday we saw a service dog on training. It was actually a puppy and in the very early stages of training.

We also someone bringing in a run of the mill small dog. While I cannot for sure way it wasn't a working dog, I wish the law would change and these animals be vested.

But it was a fancy mall, so maybe designed dogs are allowed?

 

[OhMari]

Home Depot allows dogs into their stores.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

We have an outdoor mall where dogs are allowed in the stores.

I work at a plant nursery and people bring their dogs all the time. Yesterday someone had 2 poodles on the top part of their cart while they shopped.

Some people bring them in purses. Others have them just on the leash while they shop.

 

[Art 1]

The more I think about the dogs in the shopping cart the more skeeved out I am. Admittedly, I am not the super-observant type, but I can't remember ever seeing pets in stores or shopping malls. Is it even allowed? I guess I'm not sure exactly what "rule" it might violate, but I can't imagine too many places would really want animals sitting directly in their shopping carts.

I saw a few lap dogs in the airport the other night on leashes. A family member said there were a few yapping away on a flight she was just on, a 9 hr flight. I guess people feel so special or have such a need for attention is why we now see this sort of thing. They were not service dogs.

 

[disney212]

I saw a few lap dogs in the airport the other night on leashes. A family member said there were a few yapping away on a flight she was just on, a 9 hr flight. I guess people feel so special or have such a need for attention is why we now see this sort of thing. They were not service dogs.

I have taken a small dog on a flight, not a service dog but my active duty husband's dog. This was the only way to get her to our new duty station, we didn't do it for attention. Not everyone seeks attention, when folks asked about her I told them. I paid for her ticket so obviously she was permitted. I take my current pup to home depot where dogs are welcome. I do not take her where non-service dogs are not permitted.

 

[goofy!]

The more I think about the dogs in the shopping cart the more skeeved out I am. Admittedly, I am not the super-observant type, but I can't remember ever seeing pets in stores or shopping malls. Is it even allowed? I guess I'm not sure exactly what "rule" it might violate, but I can't imagine too many places would really want animals sitting directly in their shopping carts.

It really depends on where you live.

I live in a VERY pet friendly area. While health regulations still do not allow any pets except service animals in grocery stores or restaurants, they are pretty much allowed everywhere else. It is very common to see dogs in stores, malls, etc.

Even at most of the restaurants, dogs are allowed on the patios. Restaurants even keep bowls of water on the patios for the dogs. They advertise that they are pet friendly as it is a feature people want around here.

Our Home Depot and Lowes have doggie treats at the checkout counters as do many other stores and businesses. Although, I think Home Depot and Lowes have a nationwide policy of being pet friendly.

I have even seen them in banks, in clothing stores, just about everywhere you go. If you don't like dogs, our city is not for you

But then, we were also the first town in the nation to make the ridiculous regulation that you don't "own" your dog, but you are the "guardian" of the dog.

 

[aprilgail2]

I honestly have never seen a person with a pet out shopping with them. Other than a service dog, that is. I'm going to get slammed but I find it totally obnoxious that you feel you have to bring your pet everywhere with you. Granted, I am not a pet person, never have been never will be but even if I was, pets belong at home NOT at Target.

Totally agree- your pets don't have to come everyplace you go- in fact they don't ever have to go into a store at all.

I saw a few lap dogs in the airport the other night on leashes. A family member said there were a few yapping away on a flight she was just on, a 9 hr flight. I guess people feel so special or have such a need for attention is why we now see this sort of thing. They were not service dogs.

I can't even imagine being locked in a plane with a dog barking for 9 hours, I would rip someones head off!

 

[bigbabyblues]

I've never seen dogs in any stores around here.

 

[Tozzie]

You need to research a little more before you make blanket statements that are false. Most if not all airlines allow pets below a certain weight to travel in the cabin for a fee. That is how I got my puppy I picked her up and bought her home on the plane.

 

[Luvchefmic]

I never saw one in a grocery store here If I did I probably would raise an eyebrow and then think " Glad you didn't leave it in a locked car " This is a very good reason to wipe down the cart seat always ( dogs or kids + my food = )

 

[Art 1]

You need to research a little more before you make blanket statements that are false. Most if not all airlines allow pets below a certain weight to travel in the cabin for a fee. That is how I got my puppy I picked her up and bought her home on the plane.

If you are referring to me, I know that. It's too bad though that dogs are allowed in the cabin. I wouldn't want to sit by or hear someone's dog. You can also have a dog shipped down below, many people do it that way.

 

[indimom]

I've only seen animals in petsmart and tractor supply. I've seen many locked in cars in parking lots though.

 

[AlohaKeke]

Yep, I just saw a dog in Bloomingales and a dog in Nordstrom, both on leashes, not in handbags. I was very surprised that department stores allowed them.