The answer to this question is: it depends. Generally, most Walmart stores do not allow dogs apart from those used for service for customers with disabilities. However, some individual stores may make exceptions and allow customers to bring their dogs into the store. Customers should always check with their local Walmart store before bringing a pet into the store to make sure it is allowed.
Are Dogs Allowed in Walmart?
No, Walmart does not allow dogs in their store. Walmart does, however, allow trained service dogs that are necessary for their disabled customers to shop in the store. These dogs must remain on a leash or in a carrier at all times and their owners must provide proof of the dog’s necessary service.
Walmart’s Pet Policy
Walmart’s pet policy states that “Pet owners are required to keep their animal restrained at all times while in Walmart stores, including the parking lot, and cannot permit their animals to roam freely. Pets must always be leashed or crated and are only allowed in outside walking areas of the store and the outdoor garden centers. Customers may bring service animals into stores as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act to shop with them. Other than service animals, pets are not allowed inside Walmart stores.” The policy is intended to ensure the safety of customers, store employees, and other store visitors, as well as the pet.
What Kinds Of Dogs Are Allowed In Walmart?
Walmart does not have an official policy regarding which types of dogs are allowed in stores. However, Walmart stores generally allow customers to bring well-behaved, service dogs, and leashed dogs into stores as long as they are in control of the dog at all times. All dogs should be vaccinated, properly groomed, and generally clean. Walmart reserves the right to refuse entrance to any animal, regardless of breed, that appears to be ill, dangerous, disruptive, or out of control.
Service Animals vs. Emotional Support Animals vs. Therapy Dogs
Service animals are animals that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. These animals are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and are allowed to accompany their owners into public accommodations, such as restaurants and hospitals.
Emotional support animals (ESAs) are animals that provide comfort and support to their owners. These animals are not trained to perform any specific tasks, but their mere presence (for example, cuddling and calming) can help alleviate symptoms of mental or emotional disability. Despite their emotional benefits, ESAs are not considered service animals under the ADA and are not allowed in public accommodations.
Therapy dogs are dogs that are specially trained to provide physical and psychological therapy to people with disabilities. They may go to nursing homes, hospitals, schools, or people’s homes to provide companionship, affection, and comfort. Therapy dogs are not considered service animals under the ADA, but may be allowed in some public accommodations.
Walmart’s Pet Policy for Service Animals
Walmart’s pet policy for service animals is in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). All Walmart locations, nationwide, are required to accept service animals that assist people with disabilities on their premises. Service animals are defined as a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Service animals must remain on a leash or harness, under the control of the owner at all times. The pet policy does not apply to emotional support animals, only service animals. Walmart also does not allow pet owners to leave their animals unattended or tie them up outside of the store.
Types Of Service Dogs Allowed In Walmart
- Autism Service Dogs: Autism service dogs are trained to assist children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Autism service dogs can help people with autism stay in large, crowded stores such as Walmart by staying close, calming them down when overwhelmed, and preventing people from entering restricted areas within the store. They are also trained to help the person with autism to stay connected with their parents or guardians.
- Hearing Dogs: Hearing dogs are used to alert their handler to specific sounds. These dogs are trained to alert their handler to a variety of sounds like the doorbell, the sound of the alarm clock, or a sound from another room. They may also act as a reminder for their handler to take their medication. Hearing dogs are allowed in Walmart to assist their handler and redirect their attention away from potential distractions.
- Guide Dogs: Guide dogs are used to help their handler with everyday tasks. These dogs are trained to help their handler safely navigate physical obstacles, such as stairs, curbs, or uneven terrain. Guide dogs may also help their handler to find objects within Walmart, as well as locate exits.
- Mobility Dogs: Mobility dogs are used to assist people who have limited mobility. These dogs are trained to move objects, open doors, help their handler onto furniture, or pull wheelchairs. Mobility dogs help their handler to be more independent and are allowed in Walmart to assist with tasks.
- Psychiatric Service Dogs: Psychiatric service dogs are used to assist people with mental illnesses such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. These dogs are trained to provide comfort during an anxiety attack or calm and redirect their handler when having an episode. Psychiatric service dogs can provide a sense of security and companionship, helping their handler feel safer in large stores like Walmart.
Walmart’s Pet Policy for Emotional Support Animals
Walmart does not allow emotional support animals in stores. Only service animals are permitted inside Walmart stores. Walmart also does not permit pets in its shopping carts. As such, customers will need to leave their emotional support animals at home when shopping in a Walmart store. Walmart does, however, offer pet-friendly items such as pet food, treats, and apparel. Customers are encouraged to shop online for pet products if an in-store visit is not possible.
Walmart’s Pet Policy for Therapy Dogs
Walmart does not have an official pet policy for therapy dogs. Some Walmart stores may allow therapy dogs, while others may not. It is recommended to contact the individual store for more information and to ask for permission before bringing a therapy dog into the store.
Walmart’s Pet Policy for Pets
Walmart does not allow pets in stores, except for service animals, which are always welcome.
Rules for Bringing Dogs to Walmart
- All dogs must be kept on a leash while in Walmart.
- Dogs must be housebroken and well-behaved.
- Owners must clean up after their dogs’ waste, and the mess must be disposed of responsibly.
- Dog owners must be aware of the needs of their dogs. If necessary, a water dish and waste bags should be brought from home.
- Dogs should never be left unattended all dogs must be accompanied by their owners at all times.
- Puppies under three months of age are not allowed in Walmart stores.
- Dog owners are responsible for any damage caused by their pets.
- Aggressive dogs are not permitted in Walmart stores.
- Dogs should never be allowed on furniture in any part of the Walmart store.
- Dog owners are encouraged (but not required) to visit the store’s “pet-friendly” area if one is available.
Why Doesn’t Walmart Allow Dogs?
Walmart does not allow dogs in its stores because a large number of shoppers may be allergic to, or frightened of, animals. In addition, potential risks stemming from unruly animals can put both customers and employees in danger. For these reasons, Walmart stores forbid shoppers from bringing animals into their stores.
What Stores Allow Pets
Here is a list of stores that allow pets:
- Pottery Barn
- Home Depot
- Kohl’s
- The Container Store
- L.L. Bean
- Anthropologie
- Lowe’s
- PetSmart
- REI
- Nordstrom
FAQs
Q. Can I bring my dog in a bag to Walmart?
A. No, all pets are not allowed inside Walmart locations.
Q. Are dogs allowed in Home Depot?
A. Yes, it is permissible to bring your leashed and well-mannered dog to Home Depot.
Q. Are dogs allowed in Walmart Delaware?
A. No, Walmart Delaware does not allow dogs in their stores except for service dogs.
Q. Can I leave my dog in the car?
A. No, it is not safe to leave a dog in a car. The temperature inside vehicles can quickly rise to dangerous levels, and a car window provides inadequate ventilation.
Q. Can I take my dog to Walmart in a stroller?
A. No, pets are not allowed inside Walmart stores.
Q. Are leashed dogs allowed in Walmart?
A. No, leashed dogs are not allowed in Walmart stores except for service dogs on a leash.
Q. Are dogs allowed in Target?
A. No, Target does not allow dogs in stores.
Q. Can you bring small dogs into Walmart?
A. No, Walmart does not allow pets inside their stores.
Q. Are dogs allowed in Costco?
A. No, in most cases Costco does not allow pets, with the exception of service animals.
Q. Are dogs allowed in Lowes?
A. Yes, all US Lowe’s stores permit the presence of service animals and pets.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it does appear that Walmart does not allow customers to bring their dogs with them as they shop, except for trained service dogs. The store may restrict overly aggressive animals and guard dogs, however, as the company wishes to provide a pleasant and safe shopping experience for all customers. As long as the customer follows guidelines and pet safety protocols, they should have no issue bringing their service dogs with them for their next trip to Walmart.