Walgreens store

Walgreens doesn’t allow pets in their stores as a corporate rule. This is due to health and safety measures since Walgreens sells medicine and food. However, service animals are allowed in all stores as long as they’re certified. Continue reading to learn more about Walgreens’ dog policy.

Why Walgreens Doesn’t Allow Pets

Walgreens isn’t the only pharmacy that won’t let Fido through the door. Any establishment selling food, drinks, or medicine most likely prohibits pets, but the laws vary at the federal, state, and local level. Typical exceptions to the law include restaurants with outside seating or outdoor farmer’s markets.

Of course, service dogs are the exception to this rule. However, the service dog must be certified as such. Emotional support animals are not allowed inside Walgreens stores.

If you’ve got to make a pharmacy run with your pet, we recommend going through the drive-thru or ordering curbside pick-up. Otherwise, it’s best to wait until a time your dog isn’t with you.

Here Are Some Pet-Friendly Places to Take Your Dog

Even in chain stores with a dog-friendly policy at the corporate level, some individual stores may reject your canine because of laws independent of the company such as local regulations. Taking your dog in public is also a relatively new concept, so not everyone knows some places allow them yet. In general, here are seven typically safe places to take your pet. Always check with your specific location first though if you have any doubts or if it isn’t publicly posted.

Walgreens Building Nashville
Walgreens Building Nashville (Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons CC SA 4.0 International)

Homegoods

It’s not unusual to see small dogs coasting in carts through this one-stop home décor shop. As long as your dog is well-behaved and stays in the cart, most locations don’t have a problem with your dog in the store. They even have a pet section where you can both shop.

Public Parks

Most outdoor parks allow dogs, but some might have restrictions depending on the area. For example, dogs usually aren’t allowed on ball fields and are required to be on a leash at all times unless they’re in a designated dog park.

Outdoor Farmer’s Market

Your dog isn’t allowed in any grocery stores due to health and safety laws, but they’re usually welcome at open-spaced, outdoor farmer’s markets as long as they’re leashed and well-behaved. You might even pick up some fresh produce for your dog that they’ll love, such as broccoli or carrots.

Pet Stores

This probably goes without saying, but you can take your dog to the pet store for a special outing. They even usually have clean-up stations for pee and poop in case your dog gets a little too excited about being out of the house.

Plant Nurseries

Let your dog stop and sniff the roses at a local plant nursery. They’re typically very receptive to canine friends and might even have a dog or two of their own on the property.

Hardware Stores

Most hardware stores will at least allow your dog on a leash or in a cart in the garden center. Some stores may or may not allow them inside though, even if their corporate policy says otherwise. For example, Lowe’s claims to be dog-friendly, but that’s no guarantee a local manager won’t turn your pup away. Home Depot is service-dog only, but that hasn’t stopped some customers from bringing Fido along and they weren’t always asked to leave. It’s best to call your local hardware store before you visit.

Bass Pro Shops

You can go hunting for outdoor gear with your pup in this store! Occasionally some Bass Pro Shops stores even host Dog Days to encourage customers to bring their pups!

Conclusion

According to the corporate policy and most local laws, only service dogs are allowed in Walgreens. If you’re with your dog and need to run by Walgreens, go through the drive-thru or place an online pick-up order. Otherwise, plan to visit when your dog is at home. Thankfully, more businesses are becoming dog-friendly so there are alternative places to take your pup for an outing.


Featured Image Credit: Walgreens store, Wikimedia Commons CC SA 3.0 Unported