You know that feeling when you have a few errands to run but the thought of leaving your favorite, four-legged buddy at home is eating at your conscience? I mean sure, you’ve already taken her on a walk, taken her to the dog park, AND let her choose which tv channel to watch while you snooze on the sofa, but there are things that you need to get done today. If only you could take her along…
But wait! There’s good news: More and more stores are beginning to realize the importance of pets in their consumer’s lives and are allowing customers to bring their (well behaved, of course) pets with them shopping. Obviously, we all know that PetsMart, PetCo and other pet supply retailers allow pets in their stores, but there are some other super fabulous stores that you likely already frequent (and love) that also allow you to bring your pooch!
Here are 10 dog-friendly stores in San Antonio that won’t bat an eye if you walk in with your four-legged bestie to do some retail therapy!
1. Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack
Oh, yeah! You read it here first. Considered “Mecca” to those who love to shop, both Nordstrom and its off-price cousin, Nordstrom Rack, allow pets.
2. The Apple Store
Shopping for a new phone or been putting off getting that cracked iPhone screen fixed? Well, strap on Fido’s leash and head to your nearest Apple Store. Rumor has it that the folks at the Genius Bar really enjoy meeting new pups!
3. The Home Depot
Weekends are for home improvement, but they’re also for spending some quality time with your pets. Did you know that you can combine your weekend efforts and take your dog with you to pick up home improvement goods at Home Depot?
4. Lowe’s Home Improvement
Yup…just like Home Depot, Lowe’s allows well mannered pets in their stores. Just keep Rover from hiking a leg in the lumber department and you’ll be all good.
5. Michaels
Feeling crafty? You can treat your pooch to a visit to Michaels to create the crafts of your dreams.
6. Hobby Lobby
Ack! Home decor is 40% off at Hobby Lobby! Get there quick before all of the “Live, Laugh, Love” signs sell out! And, don’t worry about leaving your pooch at home–she can come along too. Leashed dogs are welcome in all Hobby Lobby stores.
7. Pottery Barn
Perhaps one of the most surprising stores on the list, but alas, true–Pottery Barn, the super stylish home decor store welcomes everything from purse pups to leashed giant breeds in their stores. You might want to exercise caution when allowing Rover to “test drive” a nice sofa at Pottery Barn, though.
9. Barnes & Noble
Itching for a new read? Grab your pup and head to Barnes & Noble to grab that book you’ve been looking forward to reading. While you’re there, grab an animal intelligence book and decide that you definitely have the smartest dog on the planet.
8. TJ Maxx/Marshalls/Home Goods
If you love a good bargain and, much like your pooch, also love to dig for treasures, then you’re certain to be a fan of TJ Maxx and its relative, Marshalls/Home Goods, but I’ll bet you didn’t know that they allow pets, too! (In fact, I once saw a lady with a cockatoo on her shoulder shopping in TJ Maxx–true story!)
10. Ross (Dress For Less)
Another bargain shopper’s paradise, Ross Dress For Less allows pooches in their retail locations.
Before You Head Out
A few things to consider before you take your dog with you to a store. Make sure that your dog is used to being on a leash (or in your purse or carrier) and that he or she is comfortable in new places. It’s also a good idea to practice going a few places, to make sure that she’s ok with going with you. Also, you might want to call ahead to make sure that the particular store you’re planning to visit does, in fact, allow dogs. Policies change and you’ll want to make sure that your pup is welcome before getting her hopes up.
Also, (and, hopefully it goes without saying, but…) make sure that you give your dog ample opportunities to, ahem, answer “nature’s call,” before you go in a store. Nothing ruins a fun shopping trip more than a “clean up on aisle 4” situation. And, while in the store, keep your dog close to you and be attentive to their mood. Even the friendliest, most laid-back dog can get weird when placed in new, unfamiliar surroundings.
With a little forethought and care, you can turn your shopping trip into a fun outing for both you and your beloved pup without having to chose your love for shopping over your love for your pets!
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Author: Jenny Jurica
Jenny is a married mother of two humans, one rescued Weimaraner, and four (yes, four) rescued cats. She is a native Texan who is a columnist/contributor for several publications and enjoys spending her free time curled up on the couch with a dog and a couple of cats. Much like the poet Sylvia Plath, Jenny often finds that she, “likes people too much or not at all,” but has never met an animal that she didn’t instantly adore (except for maybe the Komodo dragon at the zoo).
