Is Home Depot Pet-Friendly? Home Depot Pet Policy Explained (Updated for 2022)

Whether you’re a devoted dog owner or you’re simply looking for a way to keep your furry friend entertained, you might be wondering: are dogs allowed in Home Depot?

It can be a lot of fun to bring your dog to Home Depot stores especially since there are so many things to look at and interact with, and Home Depot has nice wide aisles and a vast array of fine treats to select from!

However, knowing the pet policy of the stores that you will be visiting is absolutely crucial. You always want to make sure that you are being a responsible pet owner and make sure that you know the policy of the Home Depot stores around you and whether they are dog-friendly.

Let’s cut to the chase: The Home Depot Pet Policy states that there are no pets or dogs allowed in Home Depot stores, but it typically depends on whether your local store or Home Depot manager chooses to enforce the policy. You may find that your local Home Depot allows leashed dogs inside.

Home Depot policy with regards to dogs– and pets, in general, officially states that only service dogs can come inside the store. However, people around the country report that their local Home Depot is dog-friendly–or at least the manager of their store is tolerant of well-behaved dogs!

Hopefully, that has answered your question of: are dogs allowed in Home Depot? However, if you want to learn more, keep reading! We have lots of info and intel that can help you decide whether your local Home Depot is dog-friendly or allows pet dogs inside.

Are Dogs Allowed in Home Depot? Official & Unofficial Dog Policy of Home Depot

Many large chains and retail establishments have started to ease their policies on allowing dogs inside the premises and become increasingly dog-friendly. Most people see their dogs as family members and want to include them in all aspects of their lives. A trip to the hardware store is no exception.

While some may see this as a step in the right direction, others see it as a slippery slope. If people are allowed to bring their dogs into stores, where will it end? And what safety concerns are presented by having more dog-friendly stores?

Some Home Depot Locations Allow Dogs

Only service animals or service dogs are permitted in the store, according to Home Depot policy, but many of its branches take a more lenient approach and are dog-friendly to everyone, with relatively few personnel verifying the credentials of the dogs who enter the store.

So, when we say that there’s a difference between the Home Depot’s official policy and their unofficial pet policy, that’s what we mean. While Home Depot has said that only service dogs are allowed in their store, many branches around the country have proven to allow dog owners to bring their dog shopping in a Home Depot store, so long as they are well-behaved and leashed.

Many stores don’t make much of a distinction between large and small dogs, the policy seems to be oblivious between the difference.

If you go in store, you might find that you find a manager that happens to love dogs and may permit your small dog or big dog as long as they are not disruptive to other customers, haven’t been kicked out of other Home Depots, and are very friendly.

Home Depot Stores vs. Grocery Stores

At the end of the day, it is up to the individual store to decide whether or not to allow dogs inside. Some stores may have a no-dogs policy for hygiene reasons, while others may be more lenient. What is important is that people are aware of the policy before they enter the store with their dog.

This is true whether you are at Bass Pro Shops, Pottery Barn, or Home Depot. Every store has its own pets policy, but the common theme is that working animals are generally allowed according to corporate policy while most stores don’t allow your furry best friend (pet).

So, the next time you are getting ready to head out to Home Depot or on a long trip, you may want to consider a dog sitter instead of bringing them along!

Are Leashed Dogs Allowed in Home Depot?

Are Therapy Dogs Or Emotional Support Dogs Considered Service Dogs?

Service animals do not include therapy dogs. Since they are not trained for any particular job, therapy dogs are not covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

This is because a service dog is defined as “working dogs who have been taught to carry out duties that help persons with disabilities. Depending on the country and the dog’s purpose, service animals may also be referred to as assistance dogs, assist dogs, or helper dogs.”

What is the ADA and What Role Does it Play?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines service animals as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.

These tasks can include, but are not limited to, guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed medications, or calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack.

So, Home Depot is legally obligated to permit service dogs. It’s also important to remember that it’s against company policy for any employee to request documentation proving a dog is a service animal, therefore this rule isn’t usually followed.

Furthermore, businesses are not required to allow service animals into areas where they would pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others, such as a food court.

Businesses are also not required to allow service animals into areas where they would be out of place, such as a swim area in a hotel or a food preparation area in a restaurant. This could cause a hygiene issue or health hazards for guests.

In addition, the ADA does not require businesses to make any special accommodations for service animals, such as providing food or water.

Tips for Bringing Your Dog to a Dog-Friendly Home Depot

First and foremost, it’s important to make sure your dog is well-behaved before bringing them into Home Depot. Service dogs won’t have a problem in that regard since they are trained to behave well in any situation.

Always Use a Leash

This also means keeping them on a leash at all times and making sure they don’t bark or jump on people for their own safety as well as the safety of other people inside.

It’s best to attach the leash to a vest that serves as an identification that they are a service animal so that you won’t have any further problems when it comes to store security.

Choose Shopping Areas Strategically

Once you’re inside Home Depot, there are a few things to keep in mind. For example, it’s important to avoid the hardware and gardening sections, as these areas can be dangerous for dogs. Instead, stick to the pet-friendly areas of the store.

Clean Up After Your Dog

Also, bring along a disposable bag and tissues to pick and clean up any waste if ever your dog has an accident. It’s only proper that you pick up after your dog.

Listen to Store Staff

Although service animals are permitted inside the establishment, you should be informed of which areas are open to them and which are off-limits. For instance, specific portions of some establishments, like the food court or the supermarket aisle, may not be accessible to dogs.

You’ll need to find another place to eat if you want to eat while you shop because generally speaking, they are not permitted in the food court or other areas where food is served.

Be Kind and Courteous

Always be mindful of other people when you bring your dogs inside Home Depot– and other stores in general that allows dogs because there are health and safety concerns that come with having animals in a public space. What if someone is allergic to dogs? What if a dog urinates or defecates in the store?

These are all valid concerns that need to be considered. It’s important that you respect other people’s personal space because they might not be comfortable around dogs.

Tips for Bringing Your Service Dog to Home Depot

If you do want to venture to Home Depot and have a dog that will be allowed into the store, then there are a few tips that you may want to keep in mind. Here are a few tips for those that want to bring their dog to Home Depot successfully.

Call Ahead

The first tip is to always call ahead. This is a large store and not all locations are going to be animal-friendly. You want to make sure that the specific store you plan on visiting will allow your dog inside before making the trip.

Plan Your Route

Once you get to the store, take a minute to scope out the layout. You’ll want to avoid any areas of the store that may be too loud or chaotic for your dog. This may include the garden center or hardware department. If possible, try to stick to the outer perimeter of the store where it’s typically more quiet.

Bring a Leash

Even if your dog is well-behaved, it’s always a good idea to bring a leash. You never know when your dog may get startled or see something that interests them. Having a leash will help you keep better control of your dog and prevent any accidents.

Bring Water and Treats

You’ll also want to make sure you bring along some water and treats for your dog. Home Depot can be a big place and your dog will likely get thirsty during the trip. And, of course, some treats can help keep your dog happy and motivated to stay by your side.

Be Prepared for Restrooms

Finally, you’ll want to be prepared for restroom breaks. Home Depot doesn’t have public restrooms, so you’ll need to bring along some waste bags to clean up after your dog. It’s also a good idea to have a small towel or wipes handy in case your dog gets dirty during the trip.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your trip to Home Depot with your service dog is successful. Just remember to always call ahead and be prepared for anything. With a little planning, you and your dog can enjoy a trip to the store together.

In Conclusion

Overall, bringing your service dog to Home Depot can be enjoyable and informative, not to mention a safer experience for both you and your furry companion. It is just important that you follow the rules and stay prepared to put in a little extra effort to follow the rules.