Most dog owners want to spend as much time as possible with their dogs, so it makes sense that they would want to take their dog with them when they go shopping. But only some stores, in Atlanta and elsewhere, allow dogs inside them. To learn about which stores in Atlanta allow dogs to enter, continue reading as Atlanta dog sitting company Critter Sitters lists the stores in Atlanta that you can that you can take your dog into, how to make the most of your shopping trip together, and how Critter Sitters can be there to take care of your pet when you have to go to a store that doesn’t allow your dog to accompany you.
Dog-Friendly Stores in Atlanta
While most dog owners would take their dogs with them to the store if they could, they’re only able to if the store permits it. Many nation-wide chains have public policies about whether they allow dogs to enter the store. Target, for example, is famously not a dog-friendly chain, nor is Walmart, Costco, and IKEA. Most large grocery store chains do not allow dogs to enter, either. National chains that have dog-friendly policies include Lowe’s, Home Depot, Ace Hardware, PepBoys, Macy’s, The Gap, Old Navy, the Apple Store, TJ Maxx, PetSmart, and Petco. Note that even if the store’s policy allows dogs, individual locations may not. And if the store is located in a mall or shopping center that doesn’t allow dogs, their policy will supersede that of the store’s.
If you’re in doubt about whether your favorite retail chain has a dog-friendly policy at the location near you, it’s never a bad idea to call and ask. If you’re wondering if an independent or boutique store near you allows dogs, don’t hesitate to call them and ask them, too.
Also, most restaurants allow dogs to sit with their owners on outdoor patios. Shake Shack, Starbucks, Outback Steakhouse, Olive Garden, Applebee’s, and Panera allow dogs to sit with their owners on outdoor patios as long as they are leashed and well-behaved. If you’re unsure about a certain restaurant’s dog policy, call ahead before you visit.
Of course, service dogs are exceptions to the rule. Even if a store does not allow dogs to enter, they will allow service dogs to enter, as long as they are accompanied by the owner that needs them and the dog is clearly identified as a service dog.
Tips for Bringing Your Dog to a Store with You
Bringing your dog with you to a store should be a pleasant experience for you, your dog, other shoppers, and the store’s staff. You can make the most of your shopping trip with your dog by making a few considerations.
Firstly, make sure you keep your dog on a leash while you’re in a store together. Short leashes are preferable to long leashes since they allow you to keep more control over your dog and their movements near other people and merchandise. Only bring your dog with you to a store if they’re in good health — be careful when bringing a senior dog, a special needs dog, and multiple dogs with you to any retail space.
Only bring your dog with you to a store if they have been properly socialized to spend time around strangers, other dogs, and lots of stimuli. If your dog has never gone shopping with you before, you might want to take your dog to a PetSmart or Petco with you to see how they react before you go to any other stores. And be sure to be considerate of other people and the store itself — if your dog destroys any property or makes a mess, be prepared to take responsibility for it.
Before you bring your dog with you to a store, make sure they’re comfortable. Taking them for a walk before you go to a store is always a good idea. Bring water or treats along with you, as well as any toys that make them feel comfortable and safe. If your dog is small and you plan on keeping your dog in your cart, bring a small towel or pad with you so they can both have a comfortable place to sit and avoid getting dirt and fur in the cart.
What To Do If You Can’t Bring Your Dog With You to a Store in Atlanta
Even though you’d like to bring your dog everywhere with you, there will be times when you’ll have to leave them at home. One way to make sure that your dog is taken care of when you can’t be with them is to use the services of a professional dog sitting company. Professional dog walkers can come to your home to walk your dog, feed your dog, play with your dog, give your dog its medications, and give it any other care that it needs. If you use the services of a dog-sitting company, you can leave your dog at home without worrying that they’re comfortable and cared for properly.
Dog Walking Company Serving the Atlanta Area
If you have to go to a store that doesn’t allow your dog to come with you, know that you can use Critter Sitters’ pet sitting services to make sure your dog is fed, walked, and given attention. Our Atlanta pet sitting company is available to take care of dogs and other pets when their owners have to leave for shopping trips, long work hours, vacations, and more. Get in touch with us to discuss our pet sitting services today by calling (404) 793-6178.
