Are Dogs Allowed in Costco? Here’s What You Need to Know
The allure of Costco is undeniable — gigantic packages of your favorite snacks, aisles overflowing with unique finds, and enough free samples to keep you fueled for hours.
Yet, one question plagues many pet parents: Are dogs allowed in Costco? After all, wouldn’t it be “pawsome” to grab a jumbo bag of kibble alongside your best bud?
In this blog, we’ll unveil Costco’s official stance on canine companions, discuss the rationale behind the rules, and offer some tips for dog owners who still crave that Costco experience.
Costco’s Official Policy on Dogs (And Other Pets)
Costco has a clear policy regarding pets in its stores—only service animals are allowed. Unfortunately, your beloved pooch, cuddly cat, or furry (or feathery) friend must stay home while you stock up on bulk buys.
The rationale behind this rule is multifaceted. For one, Costco warehouses are large, crowded spaces with heavy foot traffic, loud noises from equipment like forklifts, and open boxes and packages that could be hazardous for curious snouts. It creates an environment that could easily stress or frighten pets.
There are also public health and safety factors at play. While we love our precious pups, not every dog is well-behaved or adequately house-trained. Costco has to consider the possibility of pet incidents like biting, excessive barking, running away, or bathroom accidents that could disturb members and employees.
Costco Maintains Exceptions for Service Animals
While Costco’s pet policy is quite strict overall, they make exceptions for legitimate service dogs and other service animals as outlined under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Highly trained service animals that perform vital tasks and services for people with disabilities are permitted inside all Costco locations when accompanying their handlers. These exceptional working dogs provide essential assistance like:
- Guiding individuals with vision impairments
- Alerting individuals with hearing impairments to important sounds
- Pulling wheelchairs or providing mobility support
- Retrieving items or performing other crucial physical tasks
- Detecting upcoming seizures or medical emergencies
- Offering therapeutic support for psychiatric disabilities
In fact, Costco staff are well aware of the ADA’s definition of service animals and the rules around providing access. They understand that these working animals are not simply pets – they are critical tools that enable independence for their disabled handlers.
That said, Costco has strict protocols for determining whether an animal qualifies under ADA guidelines. Staff may ask you basic questions before allowing you to enter the premises with your dog.
What About Emotional Support Dogs?
Given Costco’s strict no-pets policy, you may wonder if they’ll make an exception for an emotional support dog. After all, it provides valuable therapeutic benefits for people with mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.
Unfortunately, emotional support dogs do not qualify for entry to Costco warehouses under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines that Costco adheres to. The critical distinction is that emotional support animals don’t undergo specialized training to perform specific disability-related tasks like service animals do.
While emotional support dogs can offer comfort, companionship, and emotional stability for their owners, they lack the specialized obedience training and public access certifications that service dogs receive. As such, the ADA and businesses view all emotional support animals similarly to regular house pets.
What to Do if You Want to Bring Your Dog?
Dogs may be personae non-gratae inside Costco buildings, but a little creativity and planning can ensure you and your pup have an enjoyable, tail-wagging experience.
One incredibly convenient option is to use Costco’s robust online shopping and delivery service. You can leisurely browse and fill up that virtual cart from the comfort of your couch – no need to ever leave your pup’s side.
If you prefer a more hands-on experience, Costco’s drive-through pickup and curbside assist services are ideal for shoppers with dogs in tow. Load your mobile app cart and arrive at the designated time for pickup. An associate will load your order into your car while your copilot catches up on some window snoozing.
While Costco must uphold pet-free warehouse rules, they provide plenty of accommodating workarounds for members who can’t fathom leaving their fur baby behind. So, the next time you’re planning a trip, make sure to contact Costco representatives to get a clear picture of their guidelines.
