Are Dogs Allowed In Home Depot? Your Complete Guide To Pet-Friendly Shopping!

While Home Depot's official stance is that only service dogs are allowed, many stores often do not question customers with dogs as long as they are well-behaved.

In fact, some of these stores even share pictures of dogs at Home Depot on their social media accounts, showing Home Depot’s pet-friendly atmosphere.

So, does Home Depot allow dogs? The answer is based on each store. Home Depot doesn't have a set rule about pets because it changes from one store to another.

Some people say they were told they couldn't bring their dogs, while others say their local Home Depot is fine with it.

To be sure, just call the store before you go. You can also take a quick look at the store's door, as there are usually signs that clearly state whether or not they allow dogs.

According to the American Disabilities Act (ADA), emotional support dogs aren't considered service dogs because they don't perform specific tasks for their owners. So, Home Depot doesn't have to let them into their stores.

Emotional support dogs are not the same as service dogs. This means your emotional support dog is like any regular pet dog. If the store allows dogs, they can come in; if not, they can't.

Now, let's talk about whether it's a good idea to bring your dog to Home Depot. Here are some reasons why you might want to leave your dog at home:

• They're not used to being around a lot of people. Home Depot has a lot of things going on: lots of people, noises, and other dogs. This can be overwhelming and make your dog scared of going out in public.
• They're not well-behaved. Only really well-trained dogs should go to places like Home Depot. If your dog can't ignore other people or animals or stay calm, it's best to keep them out of the store.

• They're not checked by a vet. If your dog isn't vaccinated or is still able to have puppies, they could be a risk to other dogs and themselves.
• They feel stressed in public. Some dogs just don't like being at Home Depot. Keep an eye out for signs of stress, like licking their lips, yawning, or big pupils.
• Home Depot can be dangerous for dogs. With people carrying heavy stuff around, dogs might get in the way or even get hurt accidentally.

Remember to do these things when bringing your dog to Home Depot. It not only makes it safe for your dog but also does not harm or bother other customers.

1. Always Use A Leash

It's essential to keep your dog on a leash when inside Home Depot.

This not only ensures their safety but also prevents them from barking or jumping on people, making the shopping experience more pleasant for everyone.

So, are leashed dogs allowed in Home Depot? This depends on whether the Home Depot in your area allows dogs or not. If so, then keeping your dog on a leash is highly recommended.

2. The Dog Must Well-Behave

Before bringing your dog to Home Depot, ensure they are well-trained. They should walk calmly by your side and respond to commands like "drop it" and "leave it."

Well-behaved dogs are more welcome and contribute to a peaceful shopping environment.

3. Your Dog Should Be Potty Trained

A crucial rule is that your dog should never relieve themselves inside the store. It's not only unsanitary but can also inconvenience other shoppers.

Make sure your dog has had a bathroom break before entering the store or you can put a diaper on them

4. They Shouldn’t Bother Other Customers

Your dog's behavior matters.

They should stay calm, not disrupt others, and avoid approaching people unless those people express an interest in petting them. This ensures that your dog doesn't become a nuisance to fellow shoppers.

5. Always Clean Up After Your Dog

Ensure your dog's paws are clean before going inside to avoid making a mess.

If an accident happens, such as muddy pawprints or shedding fur, be sure to clean it up promptly to not create extra work for the store's cleaning crew.

6. Only Bring Vaccinated Dogs Into The Store

While Home Depot may not have a strict vaccination policy, you should make sure that your dog is vaccinated.

Unvaccinated dogs could get sick or potentially spread diseases to other dogs in the store.

7. Leave Your Dog Home If They’re Sick

If your dog isn't feeling well, it's considerate to leave them at home.

Sick dogs can spread illness and are more likely to have accidents in the store. They also need rest, so a shopping trip might not be in their best interest at that time.

• Bring Plastic Bags: Just like you'd pack diapers for babies, make sure to bring doggy waste bags. They're essential for cleaning up any accidents.
• Take A Walk Outside: Before going into the store, take your dog for a short walk. This can help prevent accidents and calm your dog down before entering a crowded place.
• Pack Treats: Bring your dog's favorite treats. If your dog gets anxious in the store, a treat can help cheer them up.
• Be Ready To Leave Early: Even good dogs can sometimes get a bit uneasy in public. If your dog seems uncomfortable, don't hesitate to cut your trip short and take them back home.

If you're unsure about whether your local Home Depot allows dogs, it's a good idea to call and ask them first before bringing your dog along, or you can try these options that are dog-friendly stores:

• Bed Bath & Beyond
• The Apple Store
• Tractor Supply
• Bass Pro Shops
• Michaels
• L.L. Bean
• Petsmart
• Petco
• Lowes
• Nordstrom
• Pottery Barn
• TJ Maxx
• Barnes & Noble

In Canada, Home Depot has strict rules about dogs, only allowing service animals inside. This rule is in place to ensure the safety of customers and employees. They made this decision after a dog bit an employee in 2011, causing a part of her nose to be bitten off.

There have been reports of dog bites in stores in the U.S. as well. For instance, in Illinois, a young girl was bitten by a dog, and in Colorado, a woman's dog bit a man, leading to her arrest. However, in the United States, Home Depot stores haven't adopted such strict policies.

Some people believe Home Depot should reconsider their dog-friendly policies, as they can pose safety risks and create problems for others.

“There’s a big issue with only letting service dogs into a store. Basically, anyone can spend 20 dollars on a fluorescent dog vest and say their pooch is a service animal, no questions asked. There needs to be more stringent checking on the door, and almost a passport or permit approach to things.”

“You don’t just need to consider that dogs coming into Home Depot can be potentially dangerous. There’s also the question over allergies. Dog owners should be considerate of others. Please leave your puppy or dog at home when you go shopping unless it’s a legit service dog.”