All dog owners know about dog parks and local friendly cafes where their dogs will be welcome. But many people don’t realize that dogs are welcome in some bigger brand name stores. Dogs have been welcome in these big name brand stores for years and you probably never noticed.
One way that your dog may be allowed in more places than normal is if you get them certified. Utilizing this type of certification still has its limits on where you can take your dog. Having your dog certified as a service dog, does allow for more options. There are two types of certifications that dogs can have.
The first type of certification is a trained therapeutic service dog. In this certification the dog is trained in a variety of ways to assist a human. Many dogs start this process when they are born and most of them are bred to do this type of job.
The other type of certification is an emotional support animal. This type of certification for dogs does not require any type of training. Your dog can get certified as your emotional support through the American Disabilities Act (ADA).
While certified service animals have a few more skills than emotional support animals, both have important jobs. Both types of certifications have essential jobs that support their humans. Let’s say your dog doesn’t have either certification, there are still some awesome places to take your dog!
Barnes and Noble
Because of their animal welfare policy, the bookstore Barnes and Noble encourages bringing your dog in too! Dogs need to stay on their leash and stay quiet while reading, but are welcome in.
Shake Shack
You wouldn’t initially think of your dog when you think of Shake Shack. The company’s official stated that while dogs are not welcome inside their restaurants, they are welcome to eat! Offering a dog friendly menu, dogs are welcome to eat on the Shake Shack patios.
Baseball Stadiums
Yep! You may not realize it but nearly all Major League Baseball parks all have canine friendly game night! While most MLB stadiums prohibit bringing pets unless they are certified service dogs, on specific nights of the week all dogs are welcome.
Home Depot
Service Animals are always welcome in Home Depot. Because each store is managed by different people, each store has a different policy but most of the time, as long as dogs are on a leash, they are welcome.
Vineyards
Many vineyards are family friendly and also welcome animals! Because there may already be animals living at the vineyard, you do need to check with owners before bringing your dog.
Apple Stores
Dogs are allowed in the computer stores all over the country. It’s a surprising location for animals to be welcome, but the company is very dog friendly. While you’re there, make sure to pay attention to your dog’s behavior. Many of Apple’s stores have lots of hard surfaces, making it very loud and some dogs may not have a great time.
Nordstrom
As long as your dog is on a leash, Nordstrom welcomes dogs with arms wide open! That means you can wander the isles and try on all the clothes with your fur baby!
Michael’s
Maybe you and your dog are into knitting, painting or other arts and crafts? Good news, the art and craft store Michaels is welcome to our furry friends. This pet friendly store will not turn you away, so bring your dog to help you pick out your next yarn!
Half-Price Books
This chain book store is well known in the book community for being very dog friendly. While each store has a different policy, mostly all allow dogs on a leash to go shopping with their owners. Their policy on their website says that each store deals with welcoming dogs on their own accord.
LUSH
Lush is a very animal friendly company. All of their products do not include anything from animals and are not tested on animals. They care for animals past creating a vegan brand, they also are welcoming them into their stores. Bring your dog in to check out the cruelty-free products!
If you’re getting bored of going to the same places with your dog, try something new. You might also be surprised what restaurants and bars welcome dogs in your neighborhood. There are plenty of bars, local shops and restaurants that enjoy offering dog’s treats, leaving out water bowls. If you’re lucky, you might even find a restaurant with a dog menu.
