Are Dogs Allowed in Petco?

Bringing your dog with you on errands can be a ton of fun, but knowing where your dog can go is important to avoid bumps in the road. Wondering whether dogs or service dogs are allowed in Petco? We’ve put together all of the important info you need to decide whether to bring your pup along.

What is the Petco Dog Policy?

Petco’s dog policy states that dogs are welcome to accompany their owners in the store as long as they’re well-behaved and on a leash. Dogs visiting Petco should be licensed and vaccinated before entering any public place, and Petco asks that dog owners visiting with their pup companions do the same.

Tips for Taking Your Dog to Petco

Taking your dog on a trip to Petco to get their favorite food or pick out a new toy can be a fun activity and bonding experience for you and your four-legged friend. Training your dog to behave in public places is essential for taking them out and about with you. Whether you’re headed to Petco or another dog-friendly store, make sure you’re ready to venture out in public with your pet.

Keep Your Dog Leashed

Keeping your dog or service dog leashed while walking through Petco (and really any time you’re in a store or in public) is the best way to ensure your dog’s safety and avoid them taking off for any number of reasons.

Heading out in public can mean a lot of unpredictable circumstances or distractions. Your dog can easily become excited by other people or dogs, or overwhelmed by crowds or loud noises. Keeping them on a leash when you’re out and about means you know your buddy will stick by your side.

Make Sure Your Dog is Well-Behaved

Making sure your dog is well-behaved is key to being able to take them out in public. If their behavior is sporadic or unpredictable, taking them out in public can become that much more of a challenge for you and a stressor for them. Public access training can be hugely helpful with this, and give your dog the commands and skills to navigate public places without issues.

Bring a Clean-Up kit

You never know when a dog is going to have to go, and some dogs get nervous in new surroundings like big stores. As a result, they might go when they don’t mean to. Bringing a cleanup kit to be able to quickly pick up and clean if your dog decides to go in the store will save you from having to ask a store employee for cleaning items should an accident happen. A simple cleanup kit should include waste bags, paper towels, and cleaning spray.

Go Deeper

Online Dog Training Courses from a Certified Trainer

Pettable Academy is the best option for confidently training your dog or puppy to become the best version of itself. Our two video-based programs are designed to cater directly to your dog's needs.

Are Service Dogs Allowed in Petco?

Service dogs are allowed in Petco as long as they’re leashed and maintain the same behavior expected of any dog or pet entering the store. In fact, Petco welcomes all service animals who are domesticated, trained, and properly vaccinated. Pets who can’t be leashed must be otherwise restrained, like in a carrier or tank. Petco also reserves the right to ask pets that pose a safety threat to other customers or animals to leave the store and invites their owners to shop while their companion stays at home.

Are Emotional Support Animals Allowed in Petco?

Emotional support animals (ESAs) are allowed in Petco along with service dogs and other assistance animals. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case for all stores, and a major difference between laws for emotional support animals and service dogs is that ESAs do not have the same public access. Like any pet or service animal, emotional support animals should also be well-behaved in public places and kept on a leash or otherwise restrained. 

Can Petco Ask for Proof of a Service Dog?

Under laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), store associates including those at stores like Petco may not ask for proof of a service dog. They also may not ask an individual about the specifics of their disability, and you don’t have to demonstrate any service dog tasks as proof that your companion supports you and your disability. 

List of Dog-Friendly Stores

While not everywhere allows pets to join their owners, many dog-friendly stores invite pups to shop alongside their parents. Service dogs, on the other hand, are legally permitted to go anywhere the public may, including stores. Here’s a list of dog-friendly stores that allow furry friends no matter what:

• PetSmart
• Tractor Supply Co.
• Home Depot
• Lowe’s
• Harbor Freight
• Barnes & Noble
• Nordstrom
• Bass Pro Shops
• Cabela's
• L.L. Bean
• T.J. Maxx and Marshalls
• Michael’s 
• Hobby Lobby
• Bed, Bath & Beyond

Online Psychiatric Service Dog Training with Pettable

Does your dog provide you with essential support wherever you go? Certifying them as a psychiatric service dog protects your right to bring them with you. 

Pettable’s online psychiatric service dog training utilizes expert knowledge in an accessible format. Our self-paced lessons can be completed at any time from your own home, and will provide you and your dog with the steps necessary to be service dog certified in no time.