As I write this post, the temperature in Antarctica is currently warmer than it is here in Milwaukee.
OK, that’s not entirely fair because technically, it *is* summer in the Southern Hemisphere — which explains the obscene heat tormenting the fine folks in Australia right now. But with wind chills plummeting to 50-below-zero thanks to a polar vortex that dislodged from Santa’s neck of the woods and settled over the midwest, I would be more comfortable in Alaska, Siberia or even in certain places on the planet Mars than I would be if I stepped outside my front door over the next 30 hours or so.
Fortunately, I have an arsenal of Milwaukee heated gear to get me through this nightmare: two jackets, two vests, a hoodie and gloves; along with my insulated overalls (I really wish I’d have picked up the base layer and balaclava) to keep me warm when I need to venture out in to the frozen hell that is my universe right now.
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Unfortunately, my dog isn’t quite as lucky. He’s got boots and a good thick coat, but none of that is enough to keep him safe on days like we’re about to have. And even when the temperatures and wind chills aren’t at life-threatening levels, it’s still not enough sometimes to make a good, brisk walk tolerable or even possible.
And fortunately, again, there is a solution.
Home Depot is one of several stores in my area with a dog-friendly policy. I emailed their media relations department a little while back asking for more information, and they explained that while it’s ultimately at the discretion of each store, well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome in their stores.
That’s great news for me — and Hollywood — especially during the winter time when walking along salt-laden sidewalks make daily exercise nearly impossible and cold, harsh conditions can make it dangerous to the safety of both of us.
Stuart wrote last week about how much he enjoys visiting his local Home Depot, and I couldn’t agree more about my own local store. Thanks to the dilapidated hoarder’s nest I’m currently taking through probate, I visit my store several times a week (Store 4902 in West Allis, Wis.), or several times a day if I’m working on a project, and 90 percent of the time, I’ve got my little buddy in tow.
He loves every second of it. The floors are clean, the aisles are wide, there are plenty of smells and the staff genuinely seems to enjoy having furry friends in the store, especially mine, as evidenced by the amount of puppy love he gets during each visit (especially from JoAnn at the front desk, who I think he likes more than he likes me).
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Just the other day, hours before a storm was expected to dump roughly a foot of snow on the area, we ran to the store so I could pick up some new furnace filters to prepare for the eventual arctic blast. We took the “long way” around the store — walking in, going up and down each and every aisle and back to the car — which comes out to almost exactly one mile.
We weren’t alone, either. During our 30-minute stroll, I counted six other dogs getting their steps in while their owners picked up supplies.
Home Depot isn’t the only pet-friendly store, either. Lowe’s has long welcomed dogs into its stores, again if they’re well-behaved, friendly and on a leash, and Farm & Fleet recently changed its policy, too, allowing dogs in its stores, which made it a lot easier to get my dog new boots last weekend.
It’s worth mentioning, of course, that these stores are still retailers doing business, and not doggy daycares or dog parks. My closest Home Depot location draws a significant amount of commercial traffic, so I know to stay away during the early morning and lunch hours, as well as early evenings when I know the store is going to be exceptionally busy. And while I’m fortunate that my pooch doesn’t “go” indoors (though, right now, I wouldn’t be against it), I always make sure to keep a baggie or two and a handful of napkins in my pocket, just in case.
So while he and I are hunkered down for at least another 24 hours, I’m relatively sure our first stop, once temperatures return to tolerable levels, will be Home Depot. And I’m reasonably sure he’ll enjoy it even more than I do.
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Rob Lore
One of the reasons I tend to go to Lowes over Home Depot is that my Local HD does not allow dogs… I have been asked to leave and when I inquired why I was told it is up to the discretion of each store manager.
Andrew Wagner
That is true, Rob. From what I was told by the company it is on a store-by-store basis but overall, the company is dog-friendly.
Bob
Yeah leave your damn dogs at home where they belong there’s no dog food at Home Depot. Your dog stinks. Not everybody likes your dog. People have allergies.
Mary
Bob I get what you are saying about allergies. I’m allergic to perfume and there is no law that says people can’t bathe in it. Unfortunately that happens often. I just deal with it.
Jay
I work at home depot I AM allergic to dogs but seeing them come in, and getting to pet them is the best part of the job. It’s like free therapy after having to deal with rude customers through out the day. You Bob sound like a joy to be around, got a problem with dogs don’t go to places that are dog friendly because I know for a fact for me and my coworkers seeing people’s dogs can take us from irritated to a good mood instantly and we enjoy seeing every single dog that comes in our store. Allergies meds are made for a reason.
To those of you who bring your dogs with you to HD keep it up. We love it and it brightens our days.
Uli
Good, your dog gets some shopping time! In Germany you can take your dog lots of places. Grocery stores, restaurants, department stores,… Of course you can’t generalize, because there are some that do not allow dogs, but they’ll have extra signs out front on their entrance.
RKA
One of the many things I loved about Germany! The culture over here is quite different as witnessed by some of the comments in this thread. Even some public parks will have signs prohibiting dogs.
Adam
Most HD’s & Lowe’s around me don’t mind. While my dog doesn’t have an orange apron, nor would it fit, she does wear her Duluth Trading hunter orange jacket. Pockets for her to carry the #2 bags.
PETE
Love seeing dogs at HD or lowes. There is a small industrial supply store that mainly sells bolts i go to occasionally. One of the employees brings his two dogs in everyday- love some dogo greetings.
AngryDrumGuy
Our local HD and Lowe’s are also great about this, however the HD is a much better store on many levels, so we’re there more often.
After a while, our dog has recognized people in the orange aprons are friendly, so there’s excitement and adventure in every visit.
John Lobert
I will never understand why people need to take their dogs into business establishments. In my area, they are allowed in home centers, grocery stores (of all places), and just about anywhere else. Everyone in the store, including the checkout clerk, makes a big fuss over the animals as though they’ve never seen one cuter and more lovable. Whatever. But do they allow pet alligators or pythons? No! This is speciesism at its worst, and I intend to support politicians who will put an end to it. I have a 600 pound grizzly bear, and no matter where I go, the store manager says, “No,” even though it’s a mammal just like a dog. But back to dogs in stores, I’m positive that I should have been born sooner—much sooner.
mario
great reply! I’m a contractor, and one reason I liked HD is that it only allowed service animals..most contractors I know love HD because it is more contractor friendly than Lowes…we are in there to get in and out and get to our jobs, not walk around with dogs while we try to load our products! go to pet smart if you are that much an animal lover!
Andrew
What a douche. Yes, the dogs are so much in your way on a leash that you can’t pick up your things. I can’t understand people’s mentality that it has to be there way or the high way. And you wonder what’s wrong with society today.
This Is Not An Alias
You have to admire the courage of someone who calls another a “douche” just because he disagrees with him. Class. Pure class.
John Lobert
Smooth calling me a douche. Makes you sound like you have a really bad hand.
“It is an easy thing to call names; any fool is equal to that … and the weapon of vituperation is generally used by those who lack brains for argument or are upon the wrong side.” Martha Finley
Marco Lima
I have owned a dog all my life, he doesn’t go to home Depot with me. Everytime I go-to home Depot now someone had there dog either them. The only dogs that don’t get in my way and are well behaved are service dogs. I don’t want to be approached by someone else’s dog. The most annoying was one time I walked in the store and in front of me an older man had his dog on s leash and the worker greeting people gets up to pet the dog. I was blocked between all 3 at the entrance from walking in. I had to ask then to move please and as I go by the dog brushes up against me with some nice slob….
Leave them at home people and don’t be a slave to your dog.
Lucky when my children are with me they haven’t had to experience it but they do get frightened by other dogs sometimes if they go up to then.
Kevin Wayne
You sound grumpy, enjoying time spent with your pet dog doesn’t make you their slave. If your dog is well behaved and you pick up after it I don’t see the harm in bringing it into stores. I am sorry that you had to walk around a group of people that were enjoying themselves that sounds awful, shame on them.
Ashley
I work at a construction nonprofit and Home Depot assists with about 20 veteran home re-builds with us a year—I often take my dog into the store and on site with me when I’m dropping off snacks/running by to thank employees volunteering their time! Would love to know where you found this dog sized apron. The crew would get a kick out of it if we showed up on site with one!
Also, to the grumpy Gus with kids posting about how awful it is having dogs in a warehouse without food: I witnessed a mother cleaning a repulsive amount of baby poop off of a Target shopping cart after her toddler had a blowout diaper…and I purchase groceries there…so maybe chill out a tiny bit.
Robert Masek
My dog comes to work with me, and to most of my vendors, she is very good and has had two accidents in our hundreds of trips. Both of which I cleaned up and apologized with a 5 dollar dunkins gift card to the closest employee.
She is well behaved, but the employees at these stores have a job to do which does not include cleaning up after your pup. Other customers also did not sign up for hanging out with my dog. If you do bring a pet make sure they are actually well behaved, and be prepared to clean up after them.
I do have a list of stores we go to and she is welcomed.
Orielys,
Fastenal
Grainger
Harbor freight
HD and Lowes
tractor Supply
and industrial supplier, welding gas, plumbing electric supply house etc.
Hardware Stores
and out side seating at some restaurant’s
I don’t bring her anywhere where food is served or handled, or there is a high likelihood of somehow causing health problems.
At work, I made her an office and have taught her “go to your office” as go lay down
Dogs are great friends. My wife and I may never be able to have kids, so we spoil this dog as much as two double income no kids can do.
jayne defanco
I like animals, in the wild. Not at retail. Why you got to take your dog to a store. Why don’t you take it for a walk instead.
Andrew Wagner
As noted in the piece, when the temperatures are in the -20s with wind chills hovering near -50, standing outside for five minutes — let alone walking for an hour — isn’t just uncomfortable but also life-threatening. Which is why I’m quite thankful for stores with such a policy.
Robert Masek
I do both. We go walk 3 miles a day and try to hit the dog park. we play catch every day in the shop.
My yearly spend to local suppliers fluctuates from 250k-500k a year. I choose vendors who let me come in with my dog and they know “let rob bring his dog and get sales.” I spend lots of time at these stores. I treat employee’s with respect, don’t take advantage of them, and keep track of my pup. I see low level employees brought to tears by jerk customers who must hate everything and leave a wake of miserable people from daily interactions.
I took a lower paying job so I could bring her to work with me. She is my best friend and my day is better when she is around. Given my druthers and many employees at stores we have visited, they would rather deal with her than some two-legged creatures who choose to treat people with disrespect and lack of kindness or empathy.
Jeff
Welcome to reality sadly. Of course, there is good people in the world, no one is claiming otherwise. However, there is also those who don’t care about anyone unless they have something to gain from this. This isn’t anything new and has ALWAYS occurred. Doesn’t matter what year, era and no the internet itself isn’t solely responsible either.
Chances are, because you spend significant money that management tolerates your dog. Yet, the mere second there is ANY legal ramifications, management/owners, corporation won’t defend you. More than likely, they’ll do anything and I mean anything to save themselves.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t hate animals nor people for that matter. Yeah I am cynical, yet I also don’t want to see anyone’s dog put down either. Even I am not that nihilistic to enjoy animals, babies or people in general be killed.
Nunna Ubizness
In the wild? We still talking about dogs or have we switched to deer and raccoon? In addition to the obvious safety issue the author brought out, some people have dogs instead of children and they mean as much to them as children
Kevin Wayne
Well said, my dog is my bff.
ktash
Love the home depot apron! Being able to take your dog for a walk indoors when there’s salt on the sidewalks is great. Or during polar vortexes. I’ve never seen a dog in any of our big box stores, so don’t think it’s happening here. I know of a local doctor and therapist who both have dogs in their offices. As long as a dog is well-behaved I don’t see why they shouldn’t be allowed in some stores, though not a bulldog in a china shop :D.
Pete Rocksfield
To preface, I agree with the exception of service animals, animals shouldn’t be brought into grocery stores. However, baring that, I don’t care about other locations.
Frankly, the concept of morality policing or world policing expends energy I could be using for more productive activities. Granted in general people are far too sensitive and anything seems to be deemed offensive these days.
If well behaved, leashed dogs in a home center is such a concern to you, consider yourself very lucky. I’d say the same to those that were seemingly deeply offended by Bosch’s new line of power tools.
John Lobert: America always always had it’s issue with moral panic. Elvis, the Beatles, Ray Charles, Johnny Cash, rock and roll music in general all were considered taboo at one point.
Now some individuals are upset that Bosch is trying to appeal to a younger demographic with their new line of power tools, one of which is named “The Freak”.
What genuinely needs to concern more Americans in particular is a disturbing trend of said Americans being against freedom and how they want to be controlled. Can’t think a certain way, let alone associate with others arbitrarily deemed “bad”, even if they haven’t committed any crimes or have harmed anyone.
Corey
There’s a difference between being upset and thinking it’s stupid.
PETE
Love fellow freedom loving americans that believe in the non-aggression principle.
Ben
My dog loves trips to our local Home Depot and has learned the best spots to get treats in the store. Same thing with our local ACE hardware as well.
Andrew Wagner
My dog and I used to love going to the old Ace Hardware in Downtown Milwaukee. Old, dirty, dusty and just a cool place. He loved sitting at the front door with the greeter while I shopped.
TJ
I live in Madison and, with one exception (Dorn Hardware), all of the old hardware stores, lumber yards and tool/specialty shops are gone. It’s sad. Those were far more interesting than the big box stores of today.
Andrew Wagner
Madison? Hope you’re enjoying feeling your own fingers again!
I lived there for awhile years ago and loved Dorn Hardware. In fact, whenever I go back for a meeting at the paper, I make sure to stop in for a browse.
OhioHead
You need to reach out to Carhartt to test out their Duck Chore coat for dogs or I suggest to MKE or DW that come out with a heated dog jacket based off 12volt batteries (I would like royalty credits please for this suggestion ;)).
Andrew Wagner
I’ve made that suggestion to Milwaukee many times! In fact, I’m thinking of taking apart an old jacket with a broken zipper to see if I can rewire one of the dog’s coats!
Jared
I suspect there’d be concern over putting heated clothing on an animal that can’t speak up when it gets too hot or take it off themselves. Might not be a genuine problem, but tool makers might worry about the bad press if something went wrong.
Might argue that your dog will make noise if it becomes uncomfortable – but you never know if someone might put it on a dog and then be distracted by an errand and not be there to help.
Andrew Wagner
I’ve considered that and, in reality, my suggestion was based more in jest than sincerity. That said, on chilly days out in the shop — and especially these last few days here in my poorly-sealed house — I’ve laid out the broken jacket on the ground or his bed. In fact, when he sees it on the floor he goes over to see if the heat is on. If not… wanders elsewhere. Strange, fascinating creatures they are.
salman saleem
One can take their pets wherever they like but as long as they can keep it on a leash and not allow it to invade other people’s private “bubble”. I for one hate it when a dog starts coming towards me and i have to seriously yell at the owner to keep his dog away from me.
Kevin Wayne
If you yelled at my dog who was excited to meet you I would assume there was something wrong with you.
salman saleem
Uh how do i edit my post ?
Stuart
You can’t. If you make a correction, as long as no one “replies” to that second comment and creates a dependency, I can often merge the corrections into the original comment.
Joe framer
While I have a dog, I absolutely hate people bringing an animal into a store. More then once I watched a dog take a piss on the floor and the occasional dog ( fight / bark athon)… especially the little dogs…
…. utterly uncalled for. Leave the animal at home and let people spending hard earned money on tools enjoy their day, without the added nonsense.
Erik
Well maybe you should realize that it’s the owner of the dog that is the problem not the animals that are the problem here my dog has never pissed on the floor nor fight or bark. I take my DOG EVERYWHERE I GO, as I have taken time to train my dog and am proud of well behaved she is .As I feel the need to break the cycle of people just like you who are so quick to stereotype dogs especially Pitbulls.You ask anyone who knows me business owners landlords customers who would tell all my dog’s that I have had are well behaved.As I love tools and animals,but can’t stand arrogant people who are narrow minded.so I hope to run in to you someday so you could better see how properly trained dogs can bring joy to people.also people Enjoy coming up to me and my family and take pictures and share experiences and similar stuff about there animals.so have a great day and enjoy life as you wish and let others enjoy there life
Marco Lima
Sure but a well behaved dog is usually accompanied by a well behaved owner. Many well behaved owners dog don’t have well behaved animals… I have run into barking dogs, pee, hair, etc. I haven’t gotten that from humans.
Stuart
In my experience, a well-behaved dog under the control of a responsible person creates far less “nonsense” than ill-mannered people, or worse – those who think they’re better than everyone else, or that their time is more important.
I have seen plenty of parents who let their kids run wild around a store. My kids can explore, sure, with me right next to them, and I keep them out of the way of other shoppers.
Andy
Well said.
glenn
Dogs are less annoying than people so it doesn’t bother me.
Cary
That’s exactly what was going to post.
Bill Clay
Many dogs are better behaved and cause less problems then some people do.
aaron
I agree. I am so tired of people feeling like they need to take their dogs everywhere. Dogs, well behaved or otherwise, don’t HAVE to come to Home Depot with you. Leave them at home. And they have no place in a restaurant or grocery store, both places which I’ve seen dogs in. Even the well behaved dog that was laying under the table at the restaurant got up and gave a big shake, throwing dirt and hair into the air all around our food. It’s gross and unecessary. I don’t let me kid come over to your table and sneeze on your food, kindly keep your animals to yourselves. At home.
Stuart
A dog-friendly home center is not the same as grocer or restaurant that serves or sells food.
mattd
Just don’t take it into any Canadian stores, as this happened https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/dog-bites-off-part-of-home-depot-greeter-s-nose-1.1052768 associates getting bitten by dogs is not unique to this store either. My local store has seen multiple dog bites over the years I have been going there.
I am glad that your dog is happy. but IMO if they have a sign on there door not to bring in animals (which every homedepot has) then you should be respectful of this. I have seen dogs deficate on the floors of stores that the dogs never should have been brought into as there is signage on the door, but people ignore it because “their dog” is special.
Although some employees are happy about your dog at there work I GUARANTEE that others are NOT happy about it, but they are held captive by their employment and the fact that if they say anything their management (who allows you to bring him in) will shut them down. Please be respectful to these employees and observe the signs on their doors. You are in some cases creating a hostile work environment for some people that have no choice other than quitting their job.
Andrew Wagner
Each of the retailers referenced in this story — at least in my area — have signs on the doors saying “well-behaved pets on a leash are welcome” or something to that effect.
Don Julio
Everyone will tell you their dog or multiple dogs are well behaved, even the dogs off leash and the dogs that pee on the floor or on displays.
Barking yap dogs are well behaved. Growling mastiffs are well behaved. Fake service dogs are well behaved. None of this can be questioned, lest their owners take offense.
Brian A
Personally I am tired of how people need to take their dog everywhere. It keeps getting worse and worse over time. Not to mention the idiots that have their dog on their lap while driving.
Worst thing I saw recently was some older lady with some stupid small dog on her chest in one of those baby carriers that mothers use to carry infants in.
Eventually maybe its a bubble that will burst.
The What?
This is something that has gotten out of hand and has turned into a trend. I’m not sure how this started but it’s a lawsuit waiting to happen. It doesn’t matter what breed of dog you have because their instinct is to protect their master and if they sense some stranger or another dog in the plumbing or flooring aisle as being a threat and they get aggressive and a fight happens or someone gets bit then hd is likely going to get sued for a lot of money. Home depot is not a pets mart or dog park and even though I own 2 dogs, I would never bring them to HD because I’m full aware of what can happen if my Dobermans get aggressive or display protective behavior. You’re going to have a really bad day. And people should have enough respect for establishments not to bring their dogs to them because they have no idea how their dog may or may not react to the situation of being in an environment where they’re surrounded by strangers and other dogs. Dogs aren’t people and they don’t behave like people and if they get suspicious of a stranger and react to their natural instincts, then it can get ugly real quick. And your a fool if you think that you’re dog can’t behave in such a manner. There’s a very good reason why public establishments do not allow pets unless you are blind and you have a dog trained to help you. Lowe’s doesn’t allow pets and neither do any other public establishments. All it takes is for one person to get bit or a fight to happen then hd is gonna be up shits creek.
JoeM
Oh your DOG is NAMED Hollywood! Okay, Andrew, I’m sorry, but until twenty seconds ago, I didn’t understand what the movie making industry had to do with your Dog at Home Depot…
Yappy Dogs should not be allowed outside people’s homes. Don’t care how trendy they are, I don’t care if they’re “Your Baby”… If they Yap, Expect a Slap.
Large dogs, Service Dogs, and Military-Class dogs? MORE than welcome in large stores. In fact, you see the Apron on Hollywood? Imagine one with pockets on the sides. Perfect for tags, small items, or treats. Little kid sees your dog in-store, and asks to give them a cuddle? Treats in the pocket for being a good dog to the kid!
Larger dogs are easier to train to be Lovey-Dovey… Look at Hollywood! With that in-store in a place that people like myself visit from time to time? Your dog very well could save someone with a disability from major distress!
Andrew Wagner
Indeed, Joe, that’s his name. They gave it to him at the shelter and while I wanted to change it, 1) I was out-voted and 2) he kind of lives up to it! Though, more often than not, he’s called Woody, Woods or my favorite (if you’re an “Archer” fan) Woodhouse.
JoeM
He’s adorable, and I would love to see more dogs that well behaved and AFFECTIONATE at crowded retailers. Malls, Box Stores, Etc. I kinda agree Grocery Stores are a bad idea… it’s no one’s fault, it’s just not fair to the Dogs, in my personal opinion. Hell, I’m ALLERGIC to dogs, but since my PTSD diagnosis, Dogs seem to go out of their way to check on me, so I’ve grown an appreciation for them.
Just… as long as we’re talking hardware, tools, and non-breakables or consumables in the store, think larger-breed dogs should be there. With the increase in Mental Health issues in the world, having people walking around these crowded, stressful places with their Canine Love-Machines could very well save someone’s life from stress and the like!
I have some sort of strange effect on Pitbulls (trained and untrained) as well as comfort/distress trained dogs. They can sense my anxiety around crowds, and have a tendency to pull their masters toward me so they can make sure I’m okay. I have learned to appreciate the love-monsters they are, and I appreciate that you are effectively bringing some of that affection to your local Home Depot regularly. People appreciate the bigger dogs as safe zones naturally. It’s the little primped and yappy dogs that I am not ashamed to say, I feel like punting down the aisle to shut them up.
Allen
No thanks, one more thing to watch when taking the kids to run errands.
Frank D
I can understand this in the deep of winter or summer as kind of an “emergency” not to leave your dog alone in an unattended the car / truck with it running heat or ac … even though that’s exactly what I would do and have done in the past, when I traveled with pets; two keys, leave engine running with heat or ac on, lock the door, maybe have a window or two cracked open, be back asap.
Sorry, I’m for no random animals and pets in stores, offices, …
I’m 1000% in support of service dogs for people who physically and medically need them …
But it is high time to reverse the trend of fake support animals with people who must have their emotional support pet whether cat, dog, snake, lizard, monkey, tarantula, guinea pig, peacock, eagle, pet pony, zebra … with them everywhere they go or they’d become emotionally unstable that they could not go on their shopping errand or trip to see a family member …
All kinds of stuff happens between animals and strangers, even towards their owners … many people struggle with allergies and some have fobias, and it is hard enough to get help in stores with just humans in the store.
DRT
I have dealt with this at Rural King. Honestly, I don’t like it. I don’t like walking around a corner of an isle and bang in my face there’s a Rottweiler about half my size glowering at me. Yeah, the dog is on a leash and it doesn’t bite or bark. But I just don’t like it. Please leave your dog at home or out in the car.
Mark Williams
As long as the dog is well-behaved and the owner isn’t some attention-starved “Look here, I brought a dog!” idiot, I’m all for bringing your dog wherever.
For the most part, dog owners and their pets are better behaved than many parents and kids I see at the store. You don’t see a dog running down the aisles screaming. And, frankly, unless you are a heartless bastard, it’s nice to see a dog with its big eyes and wagging tail. I know it makes a few minutes of my day much better.
Dave
First world problem.
If I want to see your dog and have it delay my quest for supplies, I’ll stop at the park.
If you think it’s too cold to exercise your dog in a more conventional manner, that’s not my concern.
Pets are wonderful companions and I’m the first guy to stop and pet your dog in the park-I am not anti-dog in the least. But while I’m working, I’m working. I’ve waited patiently for help in a Home Depot while 2 cleared fawned all over someone’s dog, back when I went into HD frequently. I avoid HD like the plague now and go elsewhere where the store feels my supplies needs are more important than a weekend warrior’s dog.
There’s a time and a place for everything and retail is not the place for pets.
Service dogs excepted. God bless our military.
This WILL backfire on HD. They’ll sell a ton of garden hoses one at a time and faucet cartridges, but lose out on supplying large remodels or new home builds.
KMR
Keep your personal pets at home. Just like I don’t want to have to deal with any other disgusting personal habits or behaviors someone has in a public place, keep it to yourself.
John
I find it strange that shops will allow dogs inside. I have 2 dogs and would never take them into a shop…..except the vet or the dog groomers. But what is most strange is the fact that some of you people live in places that are 10 degrees C or less for the winter. The Southern states are where you should be living! Let the eskimos live up there!
VLR
Everyone commenting that people should leave their dogs at home is causing me to shake my head. Most dogs I’ve encountered are far better behaved, cleaner, and less disruptive then children. Just sayin’.
Coach James
I would prefer people leave their dogs at home, but it doesn’t get me tied up in knots. I have two dogs and leave them at home when I go places. I know some dogs act better than some kids, but I don’t think it really matters.
I had no put a no dogs policy in place at my gym. I have some customers that are allergic to dogs or something on dogs, and some that are terrified of dogs. I also had one lady who brought her dog in every week. Almost every week it would urinate on the floor and the owner would insist the puddle was caused by someone spilling water.
Brian Miller
Many times I wish I could tell parents to leave their child outside. I’d much rather have a dog peeing on the floor than a bratty toddler.
firefly
I can see why a store would want to ban dogs or any kind of pets for that matter. It sound like you are a considerate pet owners but not all are. We have seen many pets owner doesn’t clean up after their pets.
Personally I believe that all pets owner should be 100% responsible for their pets. Especially in the case where they decide to take their pets to any public place. Pets owner who doesn’t clean up after their pets should be shamed and banned from the store. Same thing with children or babies.
I see some comments that mentioned that having a no pets policy mean that they’ll take their business else where. But having pets could also mean some other customers will take their business elsewhere. Most importantly it’s can be a huge liability for the store.
Perhaps require that pets owner to carry liabilities insurance before taking it to public places?
FRED J CONNOLLY
Keep in mind that some pooch visits are weather related. HAD to bring my Lab into a HD when the temp was in the 90’s.
OTW to beach house, wasn’t leaving him in car even w windows open
Called first, got OK from manager.
Nikolai
This is just weird, what is society coming too?
Just keep the dogs at home. Public places are not the places for animals. Nothing wrong with dogs in their own space but don’t expect me to love your dog.
George Curtis
My local stores allow dogs. Most times thry are small and in carts. Bigger dogs are on leashes. Those training service dogs use the stores a lot. Basically dogs are welcomed. I often meet a couple with great danes. The dogs absolutely love the attention.
as a paraplegic, I know about ada regulations. The only animal that misbehaved was a homo sapien who was harrassing a lady training a dog. I saw this and got in between him and the lady with my wheelchair. I shouted him down. And then one of the employees escorted him out once I explained things. What was interesting was that the dog came and sat next to my wheelchair during this. Guess she knew who the good guy was. Even our wal mart accepts dogs who behave themselves.
Rw
I’m going to give my two cents on what happened to me today when I took my miniature long-haired dachshund with her service vest on as my service dog in her doggie jogger and a Home Depot Sunday I walk in there with her there’s a dog with a little kid having it on a leash that isn’t managed well the dog has its front paws up on a counter and was all over I couldn’t even get near what I needed to do because I was afraid that big dog was going to jump into up where my service dog was in my little dog does get scared of large dogs and that dog was not well behaved so I was going to leave the store and I don’t think that’s right that I leave the store with my service dog because someone’s dog is allowed in the store that isn’t well maintained or behaved I will never go in another Home Depot again last time today
Rachel
I found this article looking for a HD apron for my dog. Where did you get Hollywood’s apron? My pup accompanies my contractor husband every time he goes to our local HD. We also go there every time the weather is too cold to walk outside. My dog loves it there, and the workers love her. That apron is a must have for us!
Taylor Wright
I am a service dog handler and have had so many issues with dogs in Home Depot. They are either barking, lunging, running up to us, or even attacking us. There has been very few dogs who actually ignored us. My service dog is highly trained, but WILL not be able to dog its job when he has to worry about the dog that is misbehaving. Service Dogs are not robots, and even the most highly trained dogs can get distracted. I would not rather fall on the concert floor and hurt myself because someone’s dog ran up to us and knocked me over trying to get to my dog( this actually happened to me at a Home Depot). Home Depot is actually the place where I have had the most issues with unruly dogs, even more than the pet store. I have talked to my local Home Depot about it many times and they have started kicking more animals out.
There is so many issues with dogs at Home Depot in particular. There are many things that could hurt your dog at that store, if you are not paying attention to your dog( which is very difficult to do when shopping). I have seen people get clothes lined, trip over, or in other was get hurt by dogs. I am just not supportive of animals in such a place like Home Depot. This does not mean I am anti pet, it just means I do not think they should have the right to be in this public space.
There is so many alternatives to spend quality time with your animals than bring them everywhere with you.