Are Dogs Allowed In Walmart?(Update For 2023)
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Are dogs allowed in Walmart? If you love your dog to the point that you want to go every place with it, you may be asking this question.
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While big retailers like Macy’s, TJ Maxx, Nordstrom, and Lowes allow you to shop with your dog, it’s not the same case with Walmart.
Walmart does not allow dogs, however, there is a particular condition under which you may be allowed to shop with your canine companion!
In this post, I have explained in detail why dogs are not allowed in Walmart, the type of dogs that are permitted under Walmart’s pet policy, and more.
So let’s go!
What is Walmart’s Pet Policy?
If you check the Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA), it says that: “Businesses and state/local governments must do to make sure that they do not discriminate against a member of the public with a disability who uses a service animal.”
The Act continues that only service animals and psychiatric service animals should be allowed at places where dogs are prohibited. Due to this, Walmart strictly follows this policy.
If you don’t know what service animals are, service dogs according to the ADA are animals that are able to perform special tasks for their disabled owner.
Some of these disability-related tasks performed by a service animal(dog) are:
- If someone has PTSD, they might have a trained dog that licks their hand to let them know if a panic attack is about to happen.
- A service dog may push the wheelchair of its owner
- A service dog may let its owner know that a seizure is about to happen to them
- A service dog may fetch or retrieve items for its owner – etc.
Are Dogs Allowed In Walmart?
No, dogs are not allowed in Walmart unless it is a service dog or psychiatric service dog that has been trained to perform some special disability-related tasks for its owner.
This is what Walmart says about whether dogs are allowed there or not: “We welcome service animals as defined by the ADA in our stores, and we recognize the important role they play in many of our customers’ lives. We do not allow pets in our stores.”
So there you go. You can take your dog to Walmart if only it’s a service dog trained to assist you.
How Will Walmart Know Your Dog Is A Service Dog?
You might be curious about how Walmart can tell if your dog is a service dog, especially since these dogs come in all breeds and sizes. Will you face questions or requests for proof?
No need to worry. You won’t have to show any papers or documents. Also, your dog doesn’t have to wear a special vest to indicate it’s a service dog.
Any Walmart employee insisting on proof of your disability would actually be breaking the rules. So, no need to stress about it!
Nevertheless, here’s something you need to know. If you bring a dog to Walmart that isn’t genuinely a service dog and you say it is, you’re actually breaking the law and could get fined.
The fine amount depends on the state you’re in, so it’s essential to be truthful about it. It’s better to do things the right way.
What Type Of Service Dogs Are Allowed In Walmart?
There are many types of service dogs, so your dog may fall under one of the types. Below are some of the service dogs allowed in Walmart:
1. Medication Alert Assistance Dogs
These dogs are trained to assist people with complicated health conditions who might not always realize when a serious medical issue is about to occur.
Medication alert assistance dogs may alert people suffering from type 1 diabetes, Addison’s disease, PoTS, and severe allergies.
Below are some types of medical alert assistance dogs:
- Autism service dogs
- Seizure alert dogs
- Allergy detection dogs
- Psychiatric service dogs
- Diabetic alert dogs.
2. Common Service Dogs
These dogs are trained to be helpful companions, lending a hand by fetching things, carrying items, and guiding people around. The best breeds known for this are the Boxers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, etc.
Below are some types of common service dogs:
- Mobility assistance dogs
- Hearing dogs
- Guide dogs.
What Type Of Dogs Are Not Allowed In Walmart?
The type of dogs that are not allowed in Walmart are the emotional assistance or support dogs and therapy dogs. Even though emotional support and therapy dogs are like service dogs, the Americans with Disabilities Act didn’t consider them as such.
This means that you have to leave your emotional support dog or pet at home, or in your car when you’re shopping at Walmart.
Why Dogs Are Not Allowed In Walmart
If retailers like Lowe’s, Macy’s, and TJ Maxx allow dogs – why are dogs not allowed in Walmart? Here are a few reasons:
1. To Maintain a Tidy and Contamination-free Environment
Walmart has a policy against dogs coming in, mainly because sometimes they can make a bit of a mess. Of course, even if the poop is cleaned up, that lingering smell can be really tough to deal with.
Considering that Walmart sells food and all, you can understand why having dogs leave poop or urine around wouldn’t be the best situation.
2. FDA Regulations
Walmart has this rule about not letting dogs in because they’re sticking to the Food and Drug Administration’s Guide. That guide says places where food is sold or served, like grocery stores and restaurants, should only let in service animals and not regular pets.
3. To Keep Things From Getting Damaged
This is one more reason why dogs aren’t allowed in Walmart. It actually makes a lot of sense because there are so many delicate items that could easily be ruined or chewed up by a curious dog left alone.
Imagine this: a pup exploring the store and accidentally knocking things off shelves or breaking them. Picture a dog’s tail causing a tower of canned goods to come crashing down – not a great sight, right?
So, to avoid any unfortunate incidents and keep the shopping environment safe, most places like Walmart have a policy against dogs. It’s all about preventing unexpected messes and mishaps!
US Stores Where Dogs Are Allowed
While Walmart might not be dog-friendly, you don’t have to worry – there are plenty of other stores that warmly welcome your furry friend. Here are a few places where you and your pup can enjoy some shopping together:
- Petco
- Macy’s
- Lowe’s
- TJ Maxx
- Home Depot
- Barns & Noble
- Nordstrom
- Cabela’s
- PetSmart
- Apple.
The cool thing is that all types of dogs, even those who aren’t service dogs, are totally allowed in these stores. But rules can sometimes change depending on where you are (your city).
So, my suggestion is to give the store a quick call before you go shopping, just to make sure everything’s good to go for your pup. Better safe than sorry!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I take my dog to Walmart in a stroller?
No, you can’t take your dog to Walmart in a stroller except your dog is a service dog. Dogs in general are not allowed in Walmart, even when they’re in a stroller.
2. Can I take my leashed dog to Walmart?
Yes, you can take your leashed dog to Walmart. The store allows leashed dogs provided they’re service dogs.
3. Can I take my emotional support dog to Walmart?
No, Walmart does not allow emotional support and therapy dogs because they’re not service dogs according to the Americans with Disabilities Act.
4. Can Walmart ask me for proof that my dog is a service dog?
No. Walmart has no right to ask for proof of your disability or proof that your dog is a service dog. An insist for proof is a violation of the law.
5. Can I lie at Walmart that my dog is a service dog?
No. Lying that your dog is a service dog is a misdemeanor and could lead to a fine. The fine amount can differ based on the state you’re in.
In a state like Florida, this is a second-degree misdemeanor, and you could be fined up to $500. California is even higher; you can pay a fine of up to $1,000. You can even be jailed for up to six months.
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Manuelo is an entrepreneur and a personal finance nerd. He is the founder of Dollars And Freedom. An expert in side hustles, online gigs, and everything about making money. His works have been featured on major financial publications, like Business Insider, GoBankingRates, Investopedia, Entrepreneur, and more. When he’s not busy with his blog or writing for others, you’ll catch him hanging out with loved ones or reading books on stoicism and self-development.
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