Is Home Depot Dog Friendly? [Official Pet Policy]

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Are dogs allowed in Home Depot?

Thinking about taking your dog with you on your next trip to the hardware store?

We totally get it. For those of us who love dogs, there’s nothing better than having our four-legged friends tag along wherever we go. But when it comes to Home Depot, you might be wondering if it’s a dog-friendly spot for your next project.

Home Depot is a big name in home improvement in both Canada and the US, and it’s a place many of us love to browse. So, the question is: Can your dog join you at Home Depot? Let’s find out.

Home Depot Pet Policy

In practice, yes dogs are allowed in Home Depot. But officially, maybe. Oddly, in the U.S. there is no blanket policy.

To answer the question of what is Home Depot’s Pet Policy, I first searched Google. I got unclear results with mixed answers. So, then I tried to find it on Home Depot’s website. Oddly enough, I could find the policy for the Canadian stores, but not the ones in the US. So, I decided to try to talk to someone at Home Depot to see if they could clear up the issue about whether dogs are allowed in Home Depot.

Are Dogs Allowed At Home Depot?

Here is a transcript of a chat I had with a Home Depot customer service agent:

Is Home Depot Dog Friendly?

It sounds like there is no official written pet policy for the public to view. Service dogs trained to perform a task are always allowed. Otherwise, it is up to the individual stores to decide whether or not to accept pets.

Home Depot generally allows pets; however, it is on a store-by-store basis.

In practice, I’ve seen pets, typically dogs, almost every time I visit Home Depot. Some are big dogs walking beside their owners. Other times it is small dogs riding in the cart.

Solid advice would be to call the store ahead of time and check, but realistically we aren’t very likely to do that. As long as your dog is well-behaved, most people haven’t experienced a problem.

Tips For Bringing Dogs To Home Depot

How to Prepare for Your Visit to Home Depot with Your Dog

Before visiting Home Depot with your dog, consider taking these steps to ensure a pleasant experience for you, your pet, and other customers:

• Confirm your local Home Depot dog policy: Call the store ahead of your visit to confirm their specific pet policy.
• Ensure your dog is well-behaved: Your dog should be comfortable around strangers and not exhibit aggressive behavior.
• Use a leash and a collar or harness: Keep your dog on a leash at all times and use a secure collar or harness to maintain control.
• Pack dog waste bags: Be prepared to clean up after your pet if they have an accident in the store.
• Bring a water bowl: Keep your dog hydrated during your shopping trip.

Home Depot And Service Dogs

Service dogs are always welcome at all Home Depots in the US and Canada

Service dogs are specifically trained to carry out tasks for individuals with disabilities and might wear gear indicating they’re on duty, though it’s not a requirement. Home Depot’s team cannot inquire about the nature of the support these dogs provide or demand certification. However, service dogs exhibiting disruptive behavior may be asked to exit.

It’s important to distinguish that emotional support dogs do not qualify as service dogs. Nonetheless, many Home Depot stores may permit them as pets.

Hidden Bonuses of Pet-friendly Home Depot

From Lumber to LaGuardia: Why a Trip to Home Depot is Key for Traveling and Flying With Your Dog

Visiting large stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s can be an excellent way to help desensitize and prepare your dog for the experiences they may encounter at an airport or on a plane.

At first, they seem wildly different than an airport. But when you look at it, these stores often are similar environments, such as large, open spaces, crowds of people, loud noises, and various distractions.

Practicing at stores also provides the advantage of being able to return home if your dog becomes too stressed or overwhelmed, allowing you to work on building up their tolerance over time.

In this short clip, Denver stays positively engaged even with a lot of noise. Little exercises can add up over time!

The first time we took Denver to Home Depot, we didn’t make it past the first aisle. Now, he can stay for a full shopping trip.

This incremental training can be crucial to ensure that when the day of your flight arrives, your dog is more likely to remain calm and well-behaved, making the flying experience a smoother experience for both of you.

No Pets Allowed? No Problem! Alternative Solutions If a Particular Home Depot Has a No Pet Policy

If the Lowes or Home Depot you are trying to visit does not allow pets, here are a couple of US nationwide alternatives that you can use for a bathroom break on a road trip or desensitization practice.

1. PetSmart: As a pet supply store, PetSmart welcomes pets in their locations across the country. This store provides an excellent opportunity for socialization and exposure to various pet-related products and stimuli.
2. Bass Pro Shops: Known for its outdoor and sporting goods, Bass Pro Shops typically allow well-behaved, leashed pets inside their locations. It’s a great spot to practice desensitization with your pet in a different retail environment.
3. Michaels: As a popular arts and crafts store, Michaels generally allows pets in their stores, provided they are well-behaved and leashed. This offers a unique environment for practicing desensitization and socialization with your dog.
4. TJ Maxx: This popular discount homegoods store has a number of locations in strip malls. They allow you to bring your leashed dog with into the stores. It can be helpful to practice being in crowded places in this store.

Dogs At Home Depot FAQs:

Final Thoughts: Can I Take My Dog To Home Depot?

At Home Depot, the official rule is that only service dogs are allowed. However, they’ve embraced the presence of all dogs with a unique hashtag for their furry shoppers. While the acceptance of non-service dogs can differ from one store to another, there’s a good chance you can bring your dog along for your next home improvement adventure.

Keep in mind, Home Depot expects all dogs to be well-behaved, regardless of their service status. It’s crucial to ensure your dog is ready for such a visit. If it’s your dog’s first time joining you on a shopping trip, consider some preparation and practice in quieter environments first.

If you are trying to prepare your dog for a big trip, Home Depot might be a great place to practice and get desensitized.

Learn More About Dog Friendly USA Stores:

Is REI Dog Friendly?
Is TJ Maxx Dog Friendly?
Is Lowes Dog Friendly?