Planning to Bring Your ESA Dog to Costco? Read This First.

If you’re wondering, are dogs allowed in Costco stores? the short answer is no—but there’s more to it.

Costco follows a strict no-pet policy across its U.S. locations, meaning that pets—including dogs, cats, and other animals—are not permitted inside their stores. This policy exists for several reasons, including:

• Health and safety regulations for food and general merchandise stores.
• Preventing allergies and contamination for customers.
• Ensuring a clean and comfortable shopping environment for all visitors.

However, there is one major exception to this rule: service dogs are allowed in Costco under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). But what about emotional support dogs? Do they qualify under this exception?

This is where the Costco service dog policy gets more specific. While service dogs are protected under the ADA, emotional support animals (ESAs) do not have the same legal status.

Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities, such as guiding the visually impaired or detecting medical emergencies. ESA dogs, on the other hand, provide emotional support but do not require specialized training.

Because of this distinction, Costco does not allow ESA dogs inside their stores. Even if you have official documentation for your ESA.

If you attempt to bring an ESA dog inside, a Costco employee may ask two questions:

• Is this dog required because of a disability?
• What task has the dog been trained to perform?

Since ESA dogs do not perform specific tasks for disabilities, they will not be allowed inside Costco stores.

However, there might be slight differences in how individual locations enforce the policy. Some stores may be more lenient when it comes to asking questions about a dog’s status, while others may strictly verify whether a dog is a service animal.

If you are unsure whether your local Costco allows dogs, it’s always best to call ahead and ask about their specific enforcement procedures.

• Employees may ask whether your dog is a service animal: Costco staff are allowed to ask whether your dog is trained to perform a specific task related to a disability. However, they cannot ask for certification or detailed medical information.
• If your dog is not a service animal, you will likely be denied entry: Since Costco does not allow pets, you won’t be able to bring an ESA dog inside.
• You may be asked to leave: If you enter with an ESA dog and it is later identified as a non-service animal, you will be asked to leave immediately.
• Legal Consequences: Misrepresenting an ESA dog as a service animal can lead to fines, misdemeanor charges, and possible Costco membership suspension.

• The dog is not under control: Costco staff may ask a customer to leave if their service dog is barking excessively, jumping on people, or running around the store.
• The service dog is acting aggressively: If a service dog displays aggressive behavior, such as growling, lunging, or snapping at customers, it may be denied entry for safety reasons.
• The dog is being destructive: A service dog that causes damage to store merchandise, urinates indoors, or disrupts other shoppers may be removed from Costco.
• The handler is unable to control the dog: Even though service animals are highly trained, if a handler cannot effectively manage their service dog’s behavior, Costco has the right to refuse access.

If you have a small service dog, you may wonder whether it’s acceptable to carry them or place them in a shopping cart while shopping at Costco. As a general rule, Costco does not allow service animals in carts due to food safety regulations. This policy aligns with ADA guidelines, which define service dogs as working animals—not pets—that must remain capable of performing specific tasks.

Placing a dog in a cart or carrier could hinder its ability to assist effectively and may violate health codes. However, some exceptions may apply:

• For very small service dogs performing medical alert, tactile stimulation, or psychiatric assistance tasks, handlers might carry them in arms or secure close to the body, such as in a chest harness.
• Larger service dogs must remain on the ground at all times.
• If a service animal is seen being held or kept close, it is typically due to a legitimate medical need, not for convenience or comfort.

If you prefer in-store shopping, consider ESA-friendly retailers that offer similar products, such as Sam’s Club, BJ’s Wholesale Club, and Tractor Supply Co. Additionally, pet-friendly stores like Petco, Home Depot, and Lowe’s provide household essentials and supplies. Always check a store’s pet policy before visiting to ensure a hassle-free experience.