For many pet owners, bringing their furry companions along on errands is a major part of life. So when it comes time to head to the home improvement store for supplies, you may be wondering: does Home Depot allow dogs?
In this complete guide, we‘ll explain Home Depot‘s pet policy, when you can bring your dog along, and what to do to keep your pup safe and happy during your Home Depot run.
What is Home Depot‘s Official Dog Policy?
According to Home Depot‘s official corporate policy, only certified service animals are allowed inside stores. This policy is in place to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which guarantees people with disabilities the right to bring service dogs into public places.
However, many individual Home Depot locations are more lenient with pets and will permit non-service dogs in their stores. This decision is left up to the discretion of each store‘s management.
So while the corporate policy only allows service dogs, your local Home Depot may be perfectly fine with you bringing Fido along. It‘s best to call ahead to your specific store and ask about their pet policy before visiting with your dog.
Does Home Depot Allow Service Dogs?
Yes, Home Depot does allow legitimate service dogs, as required by the ADA. Under the ADA, a service dog must be specifically trained to perform tasks that help a person with a disability.
Examples of tasks service dogs can perform include:
- Guiding people who are blind or have low vision
- Alerting people who are deaf or hard of hearing
- Pulling wheelchairs or retrieving items for people with mobility issues
- Reminding people to take medication
- Calming people with PTSD or anxiety disorders
Service dogs are allowed in any public place that serves the general public. So Home Depot must permit service dogs to accompany disabled handlers into their stores.
Employees may ask you if your dog is a service animal and what tasks they are trained to perform. But they cannot ask about your disability or require special ID for your dog.
What Do I Need To Do To Bring My Dog to Home Depot?
If your local Home Depot permits pet dogs, there are a few rules you must follow to ensure your pup‘s visit goes smoothly:
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Keep your dog leashed – For safety and control, dogs must be kept on a leash at all times in Home Depot. Retractable leashes are okay, but should be kept short in crowded store aisles.
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Watch your dog‘s behavior – Your dog must be well-behaved. Barking, jumping, urinating/defecating, and aggressive behavior could get your dog kicked out.
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Clean up any accidents – Bring cleaning supplies in case your dog has an indoor potty accident. You must clean up after your dog in the store.
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Carry small dogs – If your dog is small enough, carry them through the store rather than letting them walk. This prevents any accidents and keeps them close.
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Use a cart – Placing your leashed dog in your shopping cart is another smart option for safely transporting them through the store.
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Don‘t leave them unattended – Do not tie your dog up outside the store or leave them unattended at any time. Keep them with you.
Following these rules helps ensure your dog doesn‘t disturb staff or other customers. It also reduces the risk of your dog getting loose or injured in a busy store.
Should I Bring My Dog to Home Depot?
Bringing your leashed, well-mannered dog to Home Depot can be a fun adventure for both of you. Many Home Depot employees even keep dog treats behind the counter!
But before deciding to bring your pup along, make sure your dog has the right temperament to handle a Home Depot trip:
Is your dog well-trained? If your dog reliably listens to commands and walks calmly on a leash, they will do well at Home Depot. But if your dog is prone to misbehaving, it‘s best to leave them at home.
How is your dog around strangers? Home Depot is full of new sights, sounds, and people. Anxious or fearful dogs may become overwhelmed. Friendly, outgoing dogs thrive in this environment.
Is your dog reactive to other dogs? You may encounter other dogs during your shopping trip. If your dog is aggressive or overly excitable around other canines, skip the Home Depot trip.
Is your dog easily scared by noises? The beeping checkout counters, rattling cart wheels, and loud equipment could frighten noise-sensitive pups. Consider their personality carefully.
Is your dog a puppy? Puppies lose focus easily and may have potty accidents in the store. Adult dogs are better equipped to handle Home Depot.
If you determine your mature, socialized, well-trained dog can handle it, bring them along to Home Depot! But anxious, reactive, excitable, or young dogs may do better staying home.
Can I Bring Any Other Pets to Home Depot?
No, you cannot bring pets other than dogs and service animals into Home Depot.
The only exceptions are animals specifically allowed under the Fair Housing Act, such as assistance animals for home owners and renters with disabilities. Otherwise, exotic pets like snakes, rodents, birds, etc. are prohibited.
Home Depot‘s pet policy is focused only on permitting service dogs and, at some locations, pet dogs. All other animals must stay at home. Don‘t try to sneak your pet pig or hedgehog into the store!
Does Home Depot Sell Products for Dogs?
Along with being dog-friendly, Home Depot also sells a wide variety of pet products perfect for pampering your pooch!
In the pet care aisles, you can find many dog supplies, including:
- Dog houses, crates, and outdoor kennels
- Dog beds, pillows, blankets, and furniture covers
- Dog ramps and stairs to help pets access beds and couches
- Gates, pens, and exercise pens to confine dogs safely
- Dog bowls, feeders, waterers, and mats
- Dog toys, chews, bones, treat dispensing toys
- Training and cleanup supplies like pee pads, odor eliminators
- Dog apparel like boots, raincoats, and sweaters
- Dog first aid kits and grooming tools
- Dog collars, leashes, harnesses, tie outs, stake kits
Home Depot also sells supplies to help dogs access the outdoors, like:
- Dog doors
- Electronic and magnetic dog doors
- Dog fencing and underground wire
- Dog houses and igloos
Check out their selection in stores or browse online at homedepot.com to find everything your dog needs!
Conclusion
While Home Depot‘s official policy only allows service dogs, many locations welcome well-behaved pet dogs. It‘s best to call your local store and ask about bringing your leashed pup along during your next Home Depot trip.
To ensure a smooth shopping experience, keep your dog close, watch their behavior, clean up after them, and follow basic rules. Home Depot also sells a variety of products to pamper your pooch.
With the right preparation, bringing your canine companion along on your errands can be a fun adventure for both of you! But anxious, rambunctious, or young dogs may do better staying at home.
