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Pawsitively Welcoming: A Guide to Pet-Friendly Stores

By Angela B.
June 12, 2025
By Angela B.
June 12, 2025

Calling all pet parents! If you’re looking to shop ’til you drop without leaving your furry friend behind, you’re in luck. Here’s a list of top pet-friendly national chain stores across the United States where well-behaved, leashed pets are welcomed with open arms!

1. Pet Stores

Petco: Allows pets in-store for shopping or training sessions.

PetSmart: Welcomes pets to shop and offers grooming services.

2. Home Improvement Stores

Lowe’s: Many locations allow leashed pets inside, perfect for shopping with your furry companion.

The Home Depot: Most locations are pet-friendly, though it can vary by store.

3. Bookstores

Barnes & Noble: Some locations allow pets, making it a cozy spot to browse books with your dog.

4. Clothing & General Retail

Nordstrom: Pets are allowed in many locations, often offering water bowls for your pup while you shop.
Anthropologie: Several locations are dog-friendly, adding a stylish shopping experience.

Free People: Known for allowing pets in most of its stores.

5. Furniture & Home Goods Stores

IKEA: While pets aren’t typically allowed inside, many locations provide outdoor pet areas and encourage shopping with pets outdoors.

Pottery Barn: Select stores allow leashed dogs, especially in less crowded locations.

6. Coffee Shops

Starbucks: Pets are allowed in outdoor seating areas, and many offer a “Puppuccino” (a small cup of whipped cream) for dogs.

Peet’s Coffee:  Welcomes pets in outdoor seating areas.

7. Other Specialty Stores

Apple Stores: Many locations allow leashed pets, making it easy to shop for tech gear with your pet.

Bass Pro Shops: Pets are welcome in most locations, particularly in the outdoor adventure sections.

8. Beauty & Bath

LUSH Cosmetics: Dog-friendly in most locations, they promote ethical shopping that often includes your pet!

9. Department Stores

Macy’s: Many locations are dog-friendly, especially if they have outdoor or less congested sections.

Bloomingdale’s: Some locations allow pets, though it can vary by store.

10. Craft & Hobby Stores

Hobby Lobby: Leashed pets are allowed in most locations, making it a fun stop for crafters and their pets.

Michaels: Many stores are pet-friendly, though it’s best to check with individual locations.

11. Outdoor & Sporting Goods Stores

Cabela’s: This outdoor store chain is known for being very pet-friendly, with many locations even having special outdoor pet areas.

REI: Most locations welcome dogs, especially those with outdoor spaces.

12. Automobile Stores

Tractor Supply Co: Dogs are typically allowed in-store, particularly in rural or suburban areas.

AutoZone: While policies vary by store, many AutoZone locations are pet-friendly.

13. Mattress & Furniture Stores

Mattress Firm: Many locations allow pets inside, so you can shop for your new mattress with your dog.

Restoration Hardware: Often considered pet-friendly, especially in stores with outdoor or home-style layouts.

14. Outdoor & Garden Centers

Ace Hardware: Many Ace stores allow leashed dogs, especially in their garden sections.

15. Coffee & Donut Shops

Dunkin’ Donuts: Many locations allow dogs in outdoor seating areas and may offer dog-friendly treats.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: Pets are allowed in outdoor seating areas at many locations.

16. Grocery Stores (with limitations)

Whole Foods Market: While pets aren’t typically allowed inside, many locations have outdoor seating areas where pets are welcome.

17. Retail Chains

TJ Maxx, Marshalls, & HomeGoods: These sister stores are generally pet-friendly in most locations.

Ross Dress for Less: Some locations allow pets, but it’s best to confirm with individual stores.

18. Specialty Stores

Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores: Many locations allow leashed pets, particularly in less busy areas.

Always verify pet policies with your local store before visiting, as some locations have stricter guidelines depending on state and city regulations. Above all, model good etiquette by following our Paws In Public Etiquette Shopping Tips.

Puppies.com is committed to fostering a culture of responsible pet ownership and encourages all pet parents to make the most of their visits to these welcoming stores. By being respectful and considerate, we can ensure that our furry companions are embraced and appreciated in these shared spaces. Let’s work together to create a positive experience for everyone, both two-legged and four-legged!

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Angela B.

Angela Butterfield is a seasoned writer, lifestyle blogger, and lifelong dog lover who has raised everything from lovable mixed breeds to polished purebreds. At Puppies.com, she shares real-life tips on daily care, puppy prep, and life’s little dog-parent wins—from muddy paw season and training tips to road trips with your four-legged copilot and more. Angela focuses on helping pet parents feel confident, informed, and ready for their next adventure—because great dog care starts with everyday love and a little know-how.