Are Dogs Allowed in Costco?
It’s always a shame to leave your pup at home when you need to make a grocery run. It’s even worse if you plan to peruse the isles of large retailers like Costco, where you can wander for hours without realizing it.
As a result, you might be wondering, “Are dogs allowed in Costco?” Known for its accommodating services, affordable prices, and membership perks, let’s break down everything you need to know about dogs in Costco.
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Related: Is There a Costco Guest Pass?
Are Dogs Allowed in Costco?
Like many grocery stores, dogs are not allowed inside unless they are a qualified service animal. Pets, like dogs, can cause risk for potential food contamination or issues for customers with allergies. For hygienic reasons, pets are often not allowed in stores that carry perishable products. If you have a well-behaved service animal, you can bring your pup to Costco — if not, you’ll have to leave him out of the trip.
You May Be Asked Two Questions Upon Entering
According to Costco’s resources, they will ask you two questions when you enter the store:
- Is that a service animal? (It’s best to have a certificate in hand).
- What task or function is it trained to perform?
These routine questions confirm that your dog is a certified service animal and that it’s safe to let the pet into Costco stores. They do not want to be unsupportive of any disabilities but need to cover the bases for all customers.
Costco Does Reserve the Right to Refuse Service
While most service animals have extensive training and specialized harnesses or leashes to keep them well-behaved, not all animals that are service animals will be allowed in.
Owners must be able to keep service animals controlled and well-mannered. Costco, just like any other store, is allowed to refuse service to any ADA service animal if the handler cannot control their dog.
Is This True for All Costco’s?
While the overall policy states that no animal, besides a service animal, is allowed in the warehouse, customers report that this is actually a pretty lax rule. In fact, there are some Costco’s that are lenient to those who want to bring in their dogs inside.
We can’t say for certain, but it’s true that some stores allow leashed, well-behaved, and trained animals to join Costco members when shopping. For further confirmation, you can call your local store to find out if dogs are allowed in the warehouse.
Are Therapy Dogs Considered Service Animals?
Under Title II and Title III of ADA, therapy dogs are not considered service animals. Therapy dogs are considered animals that provide comfort or emotional support, but no other services.
This means therapy and emotional support dogs do not exercise the same legal rights that service animals can. Therefore, therapy dogs may not be allowed to enter your local Costco depending on their specific store manager’s policies.
Costco’s Pet Products
This doesn’t mean Costco isn’t pet-friendly! Costco offers a lot of goodies to help your animal friends stay safe, full, and entertained. Not only do they have great, affordable, and nutritious dog food to stock up on, but they also have a rotating supply of amazing dog toys — for both heavy chewers and cuddlers.
Along with these products, Costco also has pet insurance at affordable rates through Figo. Costco members that have the basic Gold or Business membership can save 15% on insurance, while Executive Members can save even more. This ensures more affordable bills for things like surgeries, hospitalizations, chronic conditions, prescriptions, and more.
Read More: 9 Best Costco Dog Toys Available Right Now – Costco97.com
What do you think of Costco cracking down on non-service animals in the store? Do you think only service animals should be allowed in grocery stores, or would you like to bring in your pets? Let us know your opinion in the comments!
I appreciate this post to clarify policies on dogs inside the warehouse which sells food and “serves” food (as samples).
I have severe allergies to pet dander -both physically and psychosomatic where my eyes and sinus would swell. The sad fact is I often see “pets” being placed inside the shopping carts where I put my food items…
Real Service animals are on a leash and on the floor/ground, not carried by the shopper in their arms or be carried in the shopping cart, or in a baby carriage. The personnel who “checks” customers in at the entrance say they could not ask any questions, which indicates lack of training.
I would like to see warehouses put signs at entrance if they “choose” to be sympathetic towards allowing pets in, so I will know not to shop there. We should have the right to know so we can avoid having to suffer unnecessarily.
Sorry you have to deal with that. I haven’t seen any pets in carts yet, but have seen plenty of obviously non-service animals walking or being carried in the store.