Dog Friendly Places

[BichonFowner]

We are doing some remodeling and go frequently to Lowe's & Home Depot. I wanted to bring my dog thinking it would be okay and thought certainly it would be a place perfect for a dog to go. Well, the honest person I am, called Lowe's to find out their policy on dogs. They said they only allow "service dogs". I thought okay, well I shouldn't take him. I was planning on holding him the entire time or put him in the cart, not have him walking around on a leash. When we went that evening, we were at the check-out. My husband said, "don't get mad, but look to your right". There was a man with his dog in his cart. I wanted to ask the cashier about their dog policy but didn't want to out the guy. Then my husband said on another day he saw a man with his dog walking his dog in the store on a leash. I asked him if the dog was a service dog and my husband wasn't sure. I asked if he had some sort of a vest (aren't they usually red?). He didn't notice one.

Then the other day, I was at the local grocery store and a lady in front of me had a very cute, small Yorkshire Terrier. I asked her if the store was okay with her bringing her dog as long as it was held, and she said, "I am ill and she is my companion dog". Now what is that? The dog didn't have any special clothing on or anything. Are they supposed to if they are a companion dog? Do people just say that to get their dogs into a store or is there such a thing? I've even seen very small dogs with appropriate attire that were termed service dogs. I always thought service dogs were for the sight impaired. What qualifies to be a service & companion dog? Also, the lady at the grocery store said that she is typically in bed all day and her dog is right there by her side the entire time. Is that fair to the dog?

[TTBALLMOM]

Sounds like an awful life for a dog, in bed all day with its owner. Hopefully if she is not able, she hires someone to come and exersise her dog. As far as other service dogs, there is a person who works in my company who is allowed to bring her pet to work (a very small breed - not sure which one though) because her pet is trained to react when its owner is about to have a seizure. It is medically certified through ADA (Americans with Disabities Act) and she is allowed to have that dog everywhere it goes. I don't believe it has any identifiying tags or vests etc. but I know that the owner holds a card with her to provide to places that normally don't allow dogs. That is not quite the same as a simple "companion dog". I'm not sure what kind of regulation there would be for places having to let people in with their companion dogs. Seems a bit questionable if you ask me. Although the lady you spoke about stated she was ill, so maybe its the same type of situation as the person who works for my company. Very interesting topic..

[BichonFowner]

Sounds like an awful life for a dog, in bed all day with its owner. Hopefully if she is not able, she hires someone to come and exersise her dog. As far as other service dogs, there is a person who works in my company who is allowed to bring her pet to work (a very small breed - not sure which one though) because her pet is trained to react when its owner is about to have a seizure. It is medically certified through ADA (Americans with Disabities Act) and she is allowed to have that dog everywhere it goes. I don't believe it has any identifiying tags or vests etc. but I know that the owner holds a card with her to provide to places that normally don't allow dogs. That is not quite the same as a simple "companion dog". I'm not sure what kind of regulation there would be for places having to let people in with their companion dogs. Seems a bit questionable if you ask me. Although the lady you spoke about stated she was ill, so maybe its the same type of situation as the person who works for my company. Very interesting topic..

She did say she normally has someone doing her shopping for her, but I guess that day, she had to do it herself. I can see if a dog can predict or react when the owner is going to have a seizure..what a great way to have that assistance around in the event it happens.

She physically appeared okay, but I am not a doctor so obviously there were underlying medical issues that were not evident to me. I just never heard of a "companion" dog before. My dog is my companion but I am not suffering from any ailment, therefore, I will have to keep him home during my running around.

Can anyone shed any light about a "companion" dog? I will research
too.
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I found this in Wikipedia:

Companion dog
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Companion dog usually describes a dog that does not work, providing only companionship as a pet, rather than usefulness by doing specific tasks. Many of the toy dog breeds are used only for the pleasure of their company, not as workers. Any dog can be a companion dog, and many working types such as retrievers are enjoyed primarily for their friendly nature as a family pet, as are mixed breed dogs.

[6dogmom]

I now home depot will let you take your dog in as long as its friendly and stays in the cart. Yeah home depot. Without them I wouldn't be able to build some of my most fantastic ideas.

[dobesgalore]

I have taken mine in both Lowes and Home Depot on a regular basis, because we are also remodling our house. Employees just smile, and I have seen a number of other dogs there on leashses as well. I have never had a problem with it. Those are two of the main places I have done socializing work with them.

[CerbiesMom]

i've never seen dogs at either. I want to go now! Do they let you in the actual store, or jsut in the outdoor part?

[dobetaztic]

here in england we have different assistance/companion dogs those that detect seizures, hearing dogs for the deaf, guide dogs, assitance dogs for the disabled that help with every day chores, P.A.T.D.O.G.S.:)

[dobesgalore]

i've never seen dogs at either. I want to go now! Do they let you in the actual store, or jsut in the outdoor part?

I go all through the stores with mine. Never had a problem.

[Furbilator]

Sorry, but it drives me nuts to see the double standard that stores have. If you take your small dog, you can get away with it. If I took my big dog I wouldn't be allowed through the door.:mad: Doesn't matter that my dog is probably as well behaved as any dog gets! It is a size issue....damn purse poodles. LOL:p

If the sign says no dogs then leave Fifi at home!

Also, all service dogs (regardless of their type of service) have to wear a service collar and leash or other visible designation. I have asked people who bring their dog into the grocery store if the dog has a service card. I also complain too. If the store lets one person get away with it then everyone's flea bitten mutt could be coming through the doors. What about their pet rat, pet snake, etc. Weird perhaps but why not?

I can appreciate the desire to take them everywhere with you, but sometimes it just isn't appropriate.

[BichonFowner]

Sorry, but it drives me nuts to see the double standard that stores have. If you take your small dog, you can get away with it. If I took my big dog I wouldn't be allowed through the door.:mad: Doesn't matter that my dog is probably as well behaved as any dog gets! It is a size issue....damn purse poodles. LOL:p

If the sign says no dogs then leave Fifi at home!

Also, all service dogs (regardless of their type of service) have to wear a service collar and leash or other visible designation. I have asked people who bring their dog into the grocery store if the dog has a service card. I also complain too. If the store lets one person get away with it then everyone's flea bitten mutt could be coming through the doors. What about their pet rat, pet snake, etc. Weird perhaps but why not?

I can appreciate the desire to take them everywhere with you, but sometimes it just isn't appropriate.

I agree, if it states no dogs, then everyone should abide by the rules. I thought it was Lowe's right before I walked in that clearly stated No Dogs in a circle symbol with the big red slash going through it. Maybe the policy is different from state to state(?). The small dog I saw that the owner said was a companion dog just had a purple color and leash.

[dobesgalore]

Well, Dobes are a good sized dog, and I havn't had a problem. I also saw a Lab, and a Jack Russle on different occasions. The Jacj was just a jumpin' on the end of the leash and people couldn't help but to smile about it. Until something is said, I will keep taking a Dobe with me. Dosn't mean they are actualy allowed to be there, just that nothing has been said. It may also make a difference when it comes to who happens to be working at that certain time. There will be some jerk employees/managers who may say something. Then another time they arn't working and someone else is who dosn't care.

[BichonFowner]

Well, Dobes are a good sized dog, and I havn't had a problem. I also saw a Lab, and a Jack Russle on different occasions. The Jacj was just a jumpin' on the end of the leash and people couldn't help but to smile about it. Until something is said, I will keep taking a Dobe with me. Dosn't mean they are actualy allowed to be there, just that nothing has been said. It may also make a difference when it comes to who happens to be working at that certain time. There will be some jerk employees/managers who may say something. Then another time they arn't working and someone else is who dosn't care.

If you've seen dogs frequently and take your dog without any issues, then it must be okay to bring your dog. As long as they are being obedient, no one can complain. As you said, it probably depends on who is working at the time. With my luck, I try to take my dog and I will be the one that gets told I can't have him there. I guess until they say something, continue to do it...why not.

[Furbilator]

There will be some jerk employees/managers who may say something. Then another time they arn't working and someone else is who dosn't care.


Why are they are a 'jerk' if the sign says NO DOGS ALLOWED and employees or managers follow the rules? Just because some employees or managers don't give a crap about following the rules and others do, does not make those who follow the rules jerks. Nor are those who insist that all people follow the rules jerks either.

I used to work in a pet store that allowed animals to come into the store (I have no problem with that because the store was designed with them in mind), however I have seen dogs do things like lift their leg over a bin of dog chews ("He's never done THAT before!" she cried.), defecate on the carpet, grab and chew on shampoo bottles, etc. As an employee I thought that most of the time the owners were clueless on how to control their animals and to the cost and hassle that allowing an animal into a store can cause. Not all dogs were/are like that, in fact most are pleasant and loveable, but it can and does happen and we must acknowledge that for most stores it is just not acceptable to bring your beloved fur-child into, regardless of who else may/may not be doing it.

It will only take one incident where a person is hurt before someone actually enforces those rules.

I love my dog, I enjoy meeting other dogs/dog owners, however many people do not like, and even fear dogs, they too should be allowed to shop in peace. Now if we could only get the children to stay at home.:eek: ....<duck and cover> Just kidding! ;)

[dobesgalore]

What I mean by "jerk" is the one who bends no rules, and never gives the benefit of the doubt, so to speak. As long as they are leashed and behaving, I see no problem, and in a store like that most don't seem to have problems with it either. They generaly smile, because dogs do tend to have that effect on most people. A dog bite can happen anywhere , regardless of whether a pet store or home improvement store. Its also the same idea as the "good cop, jerk cop" saying.(I used to be married to one, I know). You have the cops who will stop you and give you a ticket for something very small, such as a brake light out or a mile or two over the speed limit. Then you have the ones who just ask you to "slow it down", or "you need to fix that brake light". Then just let you go on your way. So, it is possible to be relaxed about some rules, as long as no harm is being done.

[Furbilator]

I get it....your definition of a jerk is someone who does not bend the rules to suit you or those like you.:rolleyes: I guess you would consider me a huge jerk because it is my job to enforce rules and bending them isn't an option even if I wanted to considering the industry that I am in, you would be glad about that - trust me!

Considering the litigous society we live in today, I would wonder at anyone or any business taking the risk of being sued.

Oh well, we are worlds apart in not just our location but in our view of this issue so no harm no foul, life goes on.

[dobesgalore]

I get it....your definition of a jerk is someone who does not bend the rules to suit you or those like you.:rolleyes: I guess you would consider me a huge jerk because it is my job to enforce rules and bending them isn't an option even if I wanted to considering the industry that I am in, you would be glad about that - trust me!

Considering the litigous society we live in today, I would wonder at anyone or any business taking the risk of being sued.

Oh well, we are worlds apart in not just our location but in our view of this issue so no harm no foul, life goes on.

I don't know what industry you are in, but if it is a home improvement store its not a "life depends on me" job. Yep, there are very serious occupations that can't bend any rules, I agree. But just to be safe, you may not want to take a dog into petsmart. Its public property and the dogs may be dangerous. C'mon! Look at the lighter side of life and enjoy!

[starry8740]

Well it seems people are very rude. Our lowes does not allow dogs for various reasons and I see people brining there dog in there. Its mostly "purse dogs". I don't think it is fair. I belive dog should stay at home where they are sopose to be not stuck in a car for hours and ect. My mom really gets ticked off when people bring there dogs in stores. That isn't the time/place for a dog. A dogs place is in the house or at a park. I even belive some people need to keep there kids at home. I seen dogs more behaved then kids. Like today we were at Bob evens and there was these two girls about 10 talking back and forth and they were touching our table and im like where is the mother? The mother looked like trash she didnt cared. I was getting really annoyed I wanted to say to the lil brat, go sit down at the table sit still and I dont wanna see you go past this hallway again. Then we were getting up to leave and the brat hit into me I turned around and gave her a dirty look. I try to be nice to everyone but they were just lil brats who didn't know how to behave. Have to face it, this world isnt fair.

As for your problem, If I were you I would bring the dog in next time and bring it on leash and if they say anything tell them like it is.

[octotroph]

I am new to the forum but not to Home Depot .... and I can tell you first hand that the Home Depot in Clearwater FL will not let you in the door with your pet. I haven't tried Lowes yet, but am guessing its the same.

[zorasdad]

I would bet the sign is for their protection from liability. I was in the lodging industry for many years and counties and towns do have differing ordinences one where pets can and cant go. there is a type of service dog called companion type. It is for emotionally ill people, they do have vests. I always wanted to fake that illness so I could take my dog to dinner with me!lol