Can I Take My Emotional Support Dog to Walmart?

• Walmart allows only ADA-compliant service dogs inside its stores.
• Emotional support animals, therapy dogs, and companion pets are not permitted.
• Non-service dogs are not allowed, even if leashed, in carriers, or in strollers.
• Stores like Petco, PetSmart, and Lowe’s may welcome emotional support animals.
• Service dogs must be task-trained and behave appropriately in public spaces.

Walmart’s pet policy follows the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This means service dogs specifically trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities are allowed in all Walmart stores.

No, emotional support dogs are not allowed in Walmart because they are not recognized as service animals under ADA guidelines. While these animals offer significant mental health benefits, Walmart’s policy clearly differentiates between service dogs and emotional support animals to maintain consistency.

Yes, psychiatric service dogs are allowed in Walmart, as they are considered service animals under the ADA. These dogs are trained to assist individuals with psychiatric disabilities by performing tasks such as interrupting panic attacks, providing grounding during flashbacks, or retrieving medications.

The only dogs permitted in Walmart are service dogs that meet ADA criteria:

• Trained to assist individuals with disabilities by performing specific tasks.
• Protected under the ADA, allowing them to accompany their owner wherever necessary.

Examples of services performed by eligible dogs include:

• Guiding individuals with visual impairments.
• Retrieving items or assisting individuals with mobility challenges.
• Alerting and supporting individuals during medical emergencies, like seizures.
• Providing psychiatric assistance, such as deep pressure therapy or interrupting episodes of severe anxiety or PTSD.

Service dogs are distinct from emotional support dogs and therapy animals due to their rigorous training and ability to behave appropriately in public spaces. If you’re wondering, Are dogs allowed in Walmart?, the answer is clear: only well-trained service dogs that meet ADA standards.

• The dog displays aggressive behavior, such as growling, biting, or barking excessively.
• The handler fails to maintain control of the dog, either physically or verbally.
• The service dog causes significant disruption, such as interfering with other customers or damaging merchandise.

If Walmart denies entry to a service dog, it must be based on legitimate reasons related to behavior or safety, not on the animal’s breed or appearance.

Although emotional support dogs are not allowed inside Walmart stores, you can still shop conveniently without compromising your needs. Walmart offers several options to ensure ESA owners can access essential items:

• Curbside Pickup: Order groceries, household items, or pet supplies online and pick them up without stepping into the store.
• Delivery Services: Take advantage of Walmart’s home delivery service, which brings your essentials straight to your doorstep.

These alternatives allow you to shop stress-free while adhering to Walmart’s pet policy.

• Home Depot: Mostly pet-friendly, though policies are location-dependent.
• Petco: Known for its inclusive environment, Petco is perfect for shopping with pets.
• PetSmart: Another great option for shopping with your ESA.
• Lowe’s: Welcomes dogs in most locations; confirm before visiting.
• Ace Hardware: Many branches accommodate leashed dogs.
• Michaels: ESA policies vary, but small dogs are often welcome.
• Tractor Supply Co.: Many locations permit ESAs; check ahead to confirm.
• Bass Pro Shops: Some stores allow dogs, but policies may vary.
• Michaels: Open to host pets while they have some basic rules and restrictions that need to be followed.
• Everlane: They allow dogs at all of their locations.