Do you need to run to the store to pick up a few home improvement items – and are you wondering, “is dogs allowed at Lowe’s?” We are happy to say that, in most cases, dogs are allowed at Lowe’s.
While it’s official company policy to limit service dogs to service dogs, dogs are welcome at most Lowe stores. Regulators have discretion and local regulations may be in effect. So, as we suggest (repeatedly), always call first!
Your dog will need to be on a leash or leash when shopping at Lowe’s.
Take your dog low
The key to having a good time shopping with your dog – and making sure dog friendly shop REMAIN is dog-friendly – taking a few extra steps before and during your shopping tour:
Before your trip
- Pack a leash no longer than 6 feet. This will help keep your dog from getting tangled up on display and minimize tripping risks for other shoppers. You’ll want your dog to be by your side throughout the shopping process.
- Leave a retractable leash at home. Retractable leashes can actually pose a tripping hazard in stores (not to mention the potential for tipping over who knows).
- Quick call to your local store. If you haven’t been to this particular Lowe’s location lately, Quick call to the store to confirm that your dog can accompany you while shopping just to be safe.
- Pack a cleaning kit. Along with the poop bag, pack some tissues and hand sanitizer. You never know.
- Pack a small blanket or throw for the stroller if your dog will be traveling in the car. If you have a small dog that will be riding in your cart, PLEASE pack the throw to give him a rest. This will prevent his feet from going through the bottom of the cart’s mesh. I was at a store once and heard dogs in two aisles wailing in pain. I went over to help; His foot has completely fallen to the bottom of the cart and his owner is having trouble getting his foot back through the cart. (The story ends well – but this is definitely a cautionary tale!) Here’s an example of a stroller with a blanket for the dog’s safety:
Visiting the Lowes in Mountain Home Arkansas. Need paint for the pier. I’m sure Boo will want to help put it on. #DogsofLowes pic.twitter.com/cEuIX8B6Wc
– Roxanne Helton (@RoxyHelton) April 12, 2022
During your trip
- Stop the potty before entering the store. Even if your dog pees before he leaves the house, take a few minutes to visit the trees in Lowe’s parking lot. With all the dogs visiting Lowe’s on a given day, your dog will be inspired to add to the scent collection at the trees – and there’s much better there than at the store.
- Keep your dog close. For the safety of both your dog and other shoppers, keep your dog by your side when shopping. People in hardware stores are pushing heavy loads and don’t always have good visibility — or expect dogs to be in the aisle.
- Get any accident right away. If your dog is in an accident, pick it up immediately. Especially if you have a marking male dog, take special care when walking near large support posts in the store that may have been marked by other doggie shoppers. Increase your walking speed when passing those people or distract your dog with a treat.
- Hold the leash tight. You’ve probably been inside a Lowe’s when one of the pallet jacks ran through the store, with its loud beeping sound. That sound can scare an otherwise calm dog, so brace yourself! (I brought snacks and sat at the end of the aisle with Barli as a forklift worked, turning the training experience into a mini picnic.)
Share your #DogsofLowes photo on social media
You’ll find many photos of dogs in Lowe’s stores on social media using the hashtag #DogsofLowes. In fact, Lowe’s even shares photos of the dogs in their store!
Our favorite #DogsOnTwitter? #DogsOfLowes, of course. pic.twitter.com/7btrz6SbjP
– Lowe’s (@Lowes) August 23, 2022
Take a picture of your dog while at Lowe’s!
Should you take your dog to Lowe’s?
Okay, we’ve determined that most Lowe’s stores will allow dog walking – but SHOULD you take your dog to Lowe’s?
Well, the answer depends on your dog.
Appliances stores are huge and noisy, even if you visit during off-peak hours, which I always do when I bring Barli to the store.
If your dog is extremely shy and fearful, home repair shops are not for him. You’ll want to start with more training to build your dog’s confidence, and as you start getting into dog-friendly stores, go to quieter locations like Tuesday morning stores. Work to home improvement stores like Lowe’s.
If your dog shows any form of aggression — with people or other dogs — then dog-friendly stores are not for your dog.
And if you have a lot of shopping or need to buy a lot of wood that requires both of your hands to be free, let the dog play at another time when you can turn your attention to your dog and you can enjoy the store. together.
Can service dogs come to Lowe’s house?
Yes, a trained service dog required to assist you is allowed into any Lowe store under Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):
Service animals are defined as dogs that are specifically trained to do work or perform duties for people with disabilities. Examples of such work or duties include instructing the blind, warning the deaf, towing a wheelchair, warning and protecting a person having a seizure, reminding a mentally ill person take medication as prescribed, calm a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack, or perform other tasks. Service animals are working animals, not pets. The job or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Please note that this includes trained service dogs ONLY; It does not include emotional support dogs.
If your dog is not a trained service dog, do not try to misrepresent your dog as a service dog. Depending on where you live, misrepresent your dog as a service dog may be fined up to $1000.
In Canada, Lowe .’s accessibility policy says, “Helpers and guide dogs or other service animals are welcome to accompany customers with disabilities while shopping in our stores. Wherever service animals are prohibited by law, we will provide personal assistance during store visits. “
Frequently asked questions
What if my dog pees on Lowe’s house?
OK, we all know poop happens and sometimes we least expect it. If, despite your best efforts and taking your dog out to the potty BEFORE you enter the store, your dog has an accident, it’s your job to clean up the mess. Make sure you bring a poop bag. I always carry hand sanitizer and some tissues in my dog walk bag when I go to the store so I can wipe and sanitize the store floor, if needed.
Can I bring my dog into Lowe’s?
Yes, if you have a small dog, you can bring your dog to Lowe stores if the store is dog-friendly. As mentioned above, it is up to the managers to decide the pet policy of each store, so call ahead before you visit so you can shop comfortably with your dog without worry. need to worry. And even if you do carry your dog into Lowe’s, make sure you bring a fixed length leash in case you need to put your dog on the floor or in the cart.
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