I enjoy nothing more than shopping at the thrift stores in the area. Goodwill — with nearly 3,300 dealerships and retail stores in the United States — has been selling used items since 1901. But does Goodwill allow dogs to shop with you?
Unfortunately, dogs are NOT allowed to shop at Goodwill stores with the exception of service dogs.
If you’re planning a goodwill shopping trip, please leave your dog at home and buy a surprise gift to take home–or shop online goodwill store instead of!
Are service dogs allowed in good faith?
Although Goodwill stores are not dog-friendly, trained service dogs are still allowed into the store under the protection of a security guard. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
These protections only apply to service dogs that are needed to help you perform certain functions. The ADA notes, “The work or task the dog has been trained to perform 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.“
While you are not required to wear a special tag, vest, or harness for your service dog, Goodwill employees have the right to ask you two questions:
- whether a service animal is needed because the person has a disability
- the type of work or task for which service animals are trained to perform
Remember: If your dog is not a trained service dog, DO NOT misrepresent your dog as a service dog, or you will be breaking the law. Depending on where you live, misrepresent your dog as a service dog can be fined up to $1000.
The ADA also notes that service dogs must be under your control, or you may be asked to leave a store or public place. “The service animal must be under the control of its handler. According to the ADA, service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless the individual’s disability prevents the use of these devices or the devices interfere with the safe, efficient performance of their duties. fruit of a support animal. In that case, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signals, or other effective means of control.”
Where can I shop with my dog?
We have a list Over 100 dog-friendly stores You can shop with your dog in your home city!
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