Are Dogs Allowed In Costco?

‍Costco is a popular store for shoppers, and many customers would like to bring their dogs along with them. But are dogs allowed in Costco?

No, Costco does not allow dogs and is not considered a pet-friendly store. They will not allow any pets or emotional support animals inside the store. However, you can bring service dogs inside the stores because of the current ADA laws. But dogs must be on a leash.

It's important to know the rules before bringing your four-legged friend along on your next trip. This article will answer the question of whether or not Costco allows dogs in its stores. We'll look at some of the policies that apply when it comes to bringing animals into the store, as well as what you can do if you want to bring your dog with you.

‍Are Dogs Allowed In Costco? Is Costco Dog Friendly?

Pets and dogs are not allowed in Costco. Only service dogs and approved service animals can go inside a Costco store location because they sell food and drink items. This does not include emotional support dogs.

However, they must always be well-behaved and on a leash or in a pet carrier. Customers should also be aware that some items may not be available for purchase if accompanied by a dog due to health and safety concerns.

Additionally, customers should use caution when entering the store with their dogs, as slippery floors or other hazards could harm the animal. Dogs should never be left unattended in the store and customers should always clean up after their pets if necessary.

Costco staff may ask customers to leave if their dog is posing a nuisance or causing disruption to other shoppers. Typically, this is not a problem because a service dog is well-behaved.

Why Can’t You Bring a Dog Inside Costco?

Bringing a service dog into Costco is generally allowed and because of the ADA rules, there are no size and breed restrictions either. All service dogs must be on a leash and under control at all times while walking through the store.

Stores Are Busy With Little Space For Animals

The decision to not allow dogs into Costco stores can be seen as prudent, given the size and layout of its stores. Shopping carts and shoppers take up much of the space in the aisles, leaving little room for dogs to navigate around them comfortably.

The high volume of customers that visit Costco could create chaotic and potentially dangerous situations if many dogs and pets were inside the store.

Despite stores allowing service animals on their premises, it is important to remember that these are specially trained animals with specific tasks they are trained to complete.

Even if the store were to designate certain areas where dogs would be allowed, there is no assurance that all owners would comply with such restrictions or keep their pets under control.

Costco Sells Food & Drink Products

State and local laws in the United States don’t allow animals inside. Dog owners should respect this law because the law doesn’t allow animals in areas where food is prepared and packaged.

The Americans with Disabilities Act does override these health and safety laws for service animals only. Grocery stores can allow service animals and they are allowed to ask for proof to try and recognize fake service dogs to uphold the laws in place.

The service animal policy is the same and Costco employees can ask the dog owner two questions to confirm that their dog is not just a pet. This includes:

• Is your dog a service animal?
• What tasks does your dog perform?

If the dog owner cannot answer these questions, it could mean they have a fake service dog. Knowing the answer to these questions is part of the service dog handler's responsibilities.

Are There Any Safety Concerns To Bring A Dog Into Costco?

When bringing a service dog into Costco, there are some safety considerations to bear in mind. Ensure that your pet is comfortable with crowds and loud noises.

It's also important to ensure that your dog is properly restrained and leashed at all times while inside the store, as there can be a lot of foot traffic in busy locations.

Additionally, be mindful to clean up any messes your pet may make while visiting the store, as this will help keep other customers safe and comfortable.

It’s also not allowed to bring more than one dog into Costco. Typically, a person will only have one service animal, so trying to bring two into the store would violate the policies.

Alternatives For Shopping With Dogs

Bringing your pup to the store can be a fun and rewarding experience. Unfortunately no, pets are not allowed in Costco stores. This is due to health and safety concerns as well as sanitation issues.

Ask A Friend

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to shop with your pet while taking advantage of Costco’s great deals. One option is to have a friend watch your pet at home while you go shopping.

Whether you have a friend come over to your house or you drop them off briefly while you shop, this is a simple solution to avoid the hassle of leaving your dog in the car during your Costco visit.

Get Groceries Delivered

If that’s not possible, many stores offer curbside pickup for groceries and other items so you can keep your pet in the car while you pick up your order. You can also look into delivery services that will bring items from Costco directly to your door.

That way, you can stay safe with your pet nearby. Costco members do not receive any special treatment either. All Costco members accompanied by a service animal are allowed to do their shopping. The store reserves the right to ask the person to leave if their dog displays any negative behavior.

Are Therapy Dogs Considered Service Animals At Costco?

Therapy dogs are not considered service animals at Costco or any other store. Service animals are trained to do specific tasks to help their disabled owner in a time of need.

Therapy dogs often provide emotional support, but they are not recognized as service animals by law. This means they cannot accompany their owners in public spaces like Costco. Insurance policies and government laws also don’t recognize therapy dogs this way.