It's no secret that dog owners want to bring their dogs everywhere. Coffee shops, restaurants, hikes – we'd probably bring our dog to the dentist if we could! Bringing your dog with you to new environments isn't just fun for you; it's actually great for your dog, too. New places allow your dog to get used to new people, smells, and experiences, which provides them with excellent mental stimulation and training experience.
There are many dog-friendly stores that you probably aren't even thinking of as a "typical" place to bring your favorite furry companion, so we created a list of must-go places for your next day out with your pup!
Pet Supply Stores
This one is probably obvious, but it's still worth noting! If you have a dog, you're likely visiting pet stores. Why not bring your dog to enjoy all the fun smells and toys a pet store offers?
Stores like PetSmart or Petco offer great stimulation for dogs. There will also likely be other dogs in the store when you go, which means your dog could meet a new friend! Letting your dog pick out their own treats and toys is a joyful experience, so you should let your pup tag along on your next errand run.
Outdoor Retailers
Outdoor retailers like REI or Bass Pro Shops are notoriously dog-friendly because outdoorsy people love dogs! Bringing your dog to these stores could be the perfect opportunity to gear up for your next outdoor adventure while also socializing it.
Home Improvement Stores
Not many people realize that stores like Home Depot and Lowe's are super dog-friendly. These large stores with concrete floors and wide aisles are also great for training and desensitizing your dog to unfamiliar sounds and surfaces. We've also heard of people who live in cold places using these stores to walk their dogs in the winter because they're so large. That way you can get your dog's daily exercise in without actually being out in the cold for an hour.
Bookstores
Some independent bookstores and Barnes & Noble locations welcome your dog with open arms. This is excellent news for our book-obsessed pet parents because there's nothing better than spending the day perusing bookshelves and spending too much money on new books.
Bookstores can also be a great place to practice "settling" with your dog since they're typically quieter and less busy than any other stores we've mentioned. That way, you get to catch up on your reading, and your dog gets to learn.
Tractor Supply
When you think of Tractor Supply, you're probably thinking of outdoor equipment like tools or garden supplies. But did you know Tractor Supply is an excellent place to get dog products for cheap? Tractor Supply carries dog food, treats, bones, toys, beds, and more. Not only that, but their stores are incredibly dog-friendly! It's a great place to stock up on your must-have dog items in bulk while taking your dog on a fun day out.
Home Decor Stores
We're all obsessed with stores like TJ Maxx and Home Goods. We spend hours walking up and down the aisles, looking at every product we definitely don't need but desperately want. Why not bring your dog while spending hours in these home decor stores? It'll be a fun trip to take together and will definitely be more fun for your dog than just hanging out at home alone. Plus, these stores typically have very cute dog accessories.
Clothing Stores
You may not realize that some Nordstrom clothing stores actually welcome dogs to shop with you! This probably isn't what you automatically think of when you think of "dog-friendly" places, but if you can, why not? Any new place is excellent practice for your dog, and having an extra set of eyes when trying on that new work dress doesn't hurt either.
Craft Stores
Craft stores like Michael's or JoAnn are great places to bring your dog, and some stores even have treats to give out at the checkout counter. A perfect Friday night would be taking your dog to pick up some new arts and crafts and then spending the night crafting with your furry best friend by your side. Bonus points if your project involves your dog — maybe try drawing their portrait or painting a new water bowl for them!
Shop 'til You Drop
Shopping with your dog is a great way to exercise, provide them with mental stimulation, strengthen your bond, and take your training outside of the house. Life is always better when our dogs are with us, and we love that these stores are so welcoming to dogs and dog owners alike!
Remember that dog-friendly policies vary by location and may depend on the individual store's rules and local regulations. It's always a good idea to call or check the store's website or social media for their dog-friendly policy before visiting with your pets.
