We always seem to have a home improvement project or another in the works, so we make lots of trips to the store – and always have fun bringing our dogs with us. Go to dog-friendly stores. We regularly shop at The Home Depot. If you’re wondering if dogs can get into a Home Depot, the quick answer is: probably.
Can dogs enter the barn?
It’s official policy that only service dogs are allowed into Home Depot stores – but it’s rare that we go to our local Home Depot store without seeing at least one dog. But that’s not the case in every location.
In fact, you will see a sign at the door:
However, dogs are a common sight at many Home Depot locations; In fact, you’ll sometimes find dogs featured on the company’s Instagram account:
So what is the deal?
The decision about whether or not to book a dog-friendly location is in the hands of the store manager, so you’ll find some US Home Depot stores that welcome dogs and perhaps some that don’t. (See below for Home Depot stores in Canada that have a different policy.)
It’s important to call ahead and ask if your store welcomes pet dogs. Test store locator for your location and give them a quick call.
Share your warehouse pictures on social media
If you identify a dog-friendly Home Depot store, don’t forget to share the photo on your favorite social media accounts and tag the photo with #dogsofhomedepot.
And remember to say where the photo was taken to let other dog lovers know which store locations might be the most dog-friendly!
Should you take your dog to the barn?
After you’ve identified a dog-friendly Home Depot store, you want to make sure it’s still available friendly dog–And that means 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 the store.
- Pack a cleaning kit. Along with the poop bag, pack some tissues and hand sanitizer. You never know.
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 the parking lot.
- Keep your dog nearby. For the safety of both your dog and other shoppers, keep your dog by your side when shopping. Not everyone likes dogs or wants to be around your dog (it’s hard to believe, right?!)
- Get any accident right away. If your dog is in an accident, pick it up immediately. Especially if you have a male dog that loves to mark, pay special attention. Increase your walking speed when passing those people or distract your dog with a treat.
Sunday calls for baby mice and projects
: _macthedog1 on IG pic.twitter.com/6DSWMLfVOb
– The Home Depot (@HomeDepot) July 31, 2022
Should You Take Your Dog to Home Depot?
After you’ve verified that your local Home Depot will allow chained dogs into the store, you have a decision to make: SHOULD you take your dog shopping with you?
Well, the answer depends on your dog.
Home improvement stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot is noisy, let’s face it. Between the beeping of a load engine and the rattling of wood, sound levels in home repair shops can leave confident dogs feeling flustered.
Do not bring your dog to the Home Depot unless you are sure your dog is ready. If this is your dog’s first visit to a dog-friendly store, start at a quieter store like Tuesday morning or Bass Pro Store and work your way to the big and noisy stores.
Can Service Dogs Come to the Home Repository?
Yes, a trained service dog needed to assist you is allowed into any store in the 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.
Are dogs allowed into The Home Depot Canada stores?
Home Depot Canada stores have a pet-free policy. According to Home Depot Canada’s official animal policy:
“Home Depot Canada follows a strict policy of no animals in the store. The safety of our customers and associates is our number one priority. Certified service animals are an exception to this policy and are welcome in our stores. “
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