Are dogs allowed in Costco? Is Costco dog friendly? 

Are dogs allowed in Costco? Do you always have to leave your dog at home when shopping? Not anymore! With the recent trend of dog-friendly stores, you can bring your furry friend with you wherever you go. 

This blog will answer all your questions about Costco’s official dog policy, whether your dog is allowed in the store, and what to do if your dog isn’t accepted. Finally, we’ll provide information on how to bring your dog to the store so that everyone can enjoy a fun-filled shopping trip together!

Are dogs allowed in Costco?

Yes, they accept dogs; however, under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), only service animals are allowed in Costco. 

However, all other animals – including service dogs – are welcome to join you in the store! Just ensure your dog is well-behaved and supervised at all times so that everyone can enjoy their visit.

When entering Costco with a dog, always bring proof of service animal ownership (a card from your veterinarian or disability organization). If your pet is not a service animal, please follow the regular store rules for dogs, and it will be best if you leave them at home.

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Official Costco dog policy

Can pet dogs be brought into Costco? The answer is a definite ‘No,’ However, you can bring your dog as long as it is a service animal-certified and meets Costco’s animal policy. 

The certification is a legal requirement in the United States under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). To be service animal-certified, your dog must meet the definition of a service animal set forth by the Department of Justice. 

Your dog must have been trained to do specific tasks that support your disabilities. For instance, a service dog can help people with disabilities with tasks like guiding them, retrieving objects, and providing emotional support. 

You’re good to go as long as your dog meets these requirements and is with you when you visit the store!

Is Costco dog friendly?

Costco is a great place to take your dog, provided it is a service dog. That said, Costco is relatively dog-friendly and allows dogs in the store. In addition, they offer a wide variety of dog-related products, so your pup can have a blast while you shop!

Types of Service Dogs Allowed At Costco

Your service dog can be small or big, old or young, cute or not so cute. In short, Costco accepts service dogs of any breed and size! That said, some breeds are better suited for certain tasks than others.

For example, a small dog might be better equipped to fetch objects, while a large service dog can help with more challenging tasks like guiding people.

Here are the types of service dogs that are typically allowed in Costco:

  1. Hearing dogs: These dogs are specially trained to listen for signs of hearing loss.
  2. Seizure response dogs: These dogs are trained to react quickly when someone has a seizure.
  3. Mobility assistance dog: This dog helps persons with physical limitations, like difficulty walking or climbing stairs.
  4. Psychiatric service dogs: These dogs help people with mental disabilities, like anxiety or depression.
  5. Autism support animals: These animals are specifically trained to support people with autism.
  6. Diabetic alert dogs: Do you have diabetes or prediabetes diagnosis? If so, you can bring your dog to Costco, and they are trained to help monitor your blood sugar levels.
  7. Seizure alert dogs: Do you know who suffers from seizures? If so, these dogs can help you alert emergency services in the event of a seizure.

How To Bring Your Dog To Costco

Are you planning on bringing your furry friend to the store? Here’s what you need to know: first and foremost, ensure your dog is service animal-certified and a service tag is attached to ensure easy access. It is sometimes necessary to bring a copy of your service animal certification certificate and proof of rabies vaccination (if your state requires it) to Costco employees.

Secondly, ensure your dog is on a leash, well-behaved and won’t be a nuisance to other customers.

 Finally, Once you’re in the store, keep an eye on your dog at all times and make sure they stay away from the food products.

Can Costco determine if your dog is a service dog?

It is a wonderful place to buy groceries, but it can be a little more complicated if you bring your dog. 

Can Costco determine if your dog is a service dog? That’s a question that needs to be answered on a case-by-case basis. However, if you’re unsure whether your dog qualifies as a service dog, it’s best to leave it at home! 

You will not only avoid potential complications but also save time.

Furthermore, they are required to ask you two questions to determine if your dog is a service animal. These questions are designed to help store employees differentiate between service dogs and other types of animals. 

The first question asks if your pooch is a service animal. The second asks what task your dog has been trained to perform.

Suppose the store employee decides that your dog is not certified as a service dog. In that case, he may ask you to leave the store with your pet in tow – but chances are they’ll let you stay if it’s determined that it is actually assisting with an impairment!

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Are therapy dogs considered service animals?

When it comes to service animals, Costco is a little lenient. As earlier said, the policy states that dogs must be to perform specific tasks or functions to be considered a service animal.” 

For example, dogs trained by a professional to help the hearing impaired or those with autism are usually allowed in. However, therapy dogs are not service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and are not allowed in public venues like Costco. 

So, if you’re looking to bring your furry friend to the store, check first with company’s policy. Alternatively, you can always check out the guidelines for service animals in public venues to better understand the rules.

Does Costco allow emotional support dogs?

Do you know the Costco policy on emotional support animals? Does your dog qualify as an emotional support animal? It can be tricky to find out, so it’s best to check with the individual store. 

In most cases, dogs are allowed with appropriate documentation – like a vet bill or proof of rabies vaccination. 

However, emotional support animals are not typically considered service animals as they lack the specialized training of service dogs. 

So they may or may not be allowed depending on the location and policy of Costco. So, whether you’re headed to Costco to stock up on groceries or looking for a new dog sitter, ask the store manager before you head out!

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What to do if your dog is not allowed in Costco

Since non-service dogs are not allowed in Costco, you can do any of these things.

  1. Leave your dog at home: If you can’t bring it with you, leave it home. Leaving your dog at home will save you lots of hassle.
  2. Take your dog to a pet-friendly store: If you can’t leave it at home, go to a pet-friendly store like Petco, where dogs are allowed. These stores usually have areas where dogs can run around and food and water dishes for them.
  3. Bring your dog on a leash: It is possible to bring your dog on a leash and leave it in a dog-designated area that isn’t inside the store. Most Costco store has areas where dogs can be left alone while the owner shops.

Does Costco operate different pet policies depending on the country?

No, Costco operates the same pet policy on only service dogs in all its stores worldwide (US, UK, Canada, and Australia)

This means that dogs are not typically allowed inside, but there may be exceptions depending on location and policy. Contact Costco’s customer service or visit their website for more information about store policies specific to your country or region.

Do Store Policy Varies from Store to Store?

We already know this company’s pet policy is restricted to service dogs, but what about the policy within a specific store? Well, it can vary depending on the store. 

For example, some stores may have leash-only policies while others allow dogs with proper proof of vaccinations; on a leash, it doesn’t make a mess and is non-aggressive. 

Always call the store to verify their policy, as it can change from visit to visit. It all depends on which policy the store manager feels is the best for their store at that time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Costco sell dog toys?

Yes, we can confirm that Costco does sell dog toys. Although dog toys are not typically a core part of the store’s inventory, some locations have a small selection. 

Contact the store to inquire about specific toy selections and policies – as they can differ depending on location! A product we found on their website, like Nylabone Variety Power Chew Toy, 3-count is a good option for dogs to play with and chew on. It is ideal for training purposes, and they sell it.

Does Costco allow pets inside?

Only service animals are typically allowed inside Costco, but this policy may vary depending on the store location. Always call ahead to verify policies specific to your local store before you visit. Generally, pets and dogs are not allowed inside the store.

Can I leave my dog outside of the store during our visit?

Yes, dogs are allowed outside of the store during your visit. However, please be aware that Costco does not dog-sit while visitors are away, and dogs must be supervised at all times. It will be best if you leave your four-feathered friend at home while you’re away to shop.

However, if your dog is on a leash and well-behaved, you may be able to bring them in with you. 

How do I know if my dog behaves well while we’re in Costco?

If your dog misbehaves, Costco may ask them to leave the store. Pets are not allowed in the food court or areas with large crowds. However, to know that your dog is behaving correctly, it will not bark unnecessarily, dig through the trash, or harass other customers.

Conclusion: Are dogs allowed in Costco?

Please, before taking your pup to a public establishment like Costco, ensure that they are well-behaved and that you know the policies specific to your local store, and if they have the right to be there.

We have also outlined the different types of service dogs that are allowed at Costco. If you have any questions or concerns about bringing your dog to Costco, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. We would love to help you out!

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