Are Dogs Allowed In Costco? (All You Need to Know)

Are you curious whether Costco is pet-friendly or if they allow dogs in their stores? You've come to the right place. We've gathered all the vetted and verified answers for you. Read on to find out more.

Costco is a famous warehouse club around the world. The store features extensive products from the grocery to the treat, giving customers access to affordable products. Hence, since everything is found under one roof, many customers have fallen in love with Costco as it saves time and money.

Equally, pet owners tend to return to the store for many reasons. However, on the internet, our readers have been asking; Are dogs allowed in Costco?

If you have been wondering if Costco is pet-friendly, read the article to the end. We will explore every aspect of the subject, go through the Costco pet policy, and more.

Table Of Contents

Are Dogs Allowed In Costco?

Costco's pet policy allows only certified dogs on the premises or in-store. This is according to the compliance of the ADA -American Disability Act of 1990. The company has adopted the service animal pet policy, and members must accompany their service animals while accessing the Costco warehouse.

In fact, they present Costco members with the insurance for the members to protect not only cats but also dogs. you are entitled to get the 15% off discount on the Figo pet Insurance. This is in addition to the Pet supply company having you to shop under one roof.

But remember that Costco doesn't allow every kind of pet on the premises. They don't even allow emotional support animals alongside customers while shopping. Additionally, some Costco stores have a relaxed approach to pets. However, the large number of Costco stores remains strict for many reasons.

Is Costco Pet-Friendly?

Costco is one of the many retailers that are not pet-friendly stores. In short, Costco doesn't allow all kinds of pets into the in-store or premises while customers shop. However, always understand that there are some exceptions to these rules.

Redding the Food Service Codes outlined by the FDA- Food and Drug Administration—clearly states that any business establishment that sells food or instead serves customer foods does not have permission to allow pets or dogs/ live animals. These establishments include grocery stores, cafes, and restaurants.

But the rules also make an exception that Costco and other stores can allow service animals. Still, some stores refuse service animals at the entry. Because of this, we are forced to also go ahead to review the Costco pet policy. Let us find out more in the next section. Costco still offers Figo pet insurance on the website. The company shares more Tail wagging tips for all new puppy parents as well as they are dedicated to helping the pet owners by offering affordable and thorough care at the premises.

Costco's Official Pet Policy

According to Costco's official pet policy, the stores allow only service pets or dogs. Therefore, if you have a dog that is not trained, you are not allowed in-store with it. This pet policy applies to all Costco stores in all locations. This is a strict rule enforced while promoting the comfort and safety of the customers in the store.

We also mentioned that different Costco locations have varying rules or regulations regarding dogs. Some locations only allow dogs in outdoor places like the food court, parking, etc. This implies that you are advised to first check the rules of the local Costco store in case they allow dogs.

Equally, some Costco stores have special dog-friendly days on which they allow all dogs into the store. Find out more about the local Costco store dog-friendly events and understand them as a promotion to dedicated customers.

Why Costco Does Not Allow All Pets？

It is a rule that Costco doesn't allow all kinds of pets in-store. These not only cover cats but also normal dogs, birds, etc. The reason behind this is the fact that they are concerned about the customer's safety and health.

Through the FDA guidelines, they rule out all the stores offering foods not to grand or not to allow dogs as well as live animals. Mostly, they fear the possibility of contamination. Some dogs, as well as live animals, carry urine, drool, and dirt to the store, which likely contaminates the product in the store.

Still, some customers are not pet-friendly. Some have an animal phobia or allergies to hair. Thus, shopping alongside dogs is distressing.

Today, Costco only allows service animals into the store to comfort and protect shoppers. Some stores understand that the premises are busy, so dogs can present safety hazards. Some dogs likely get anxious when crowded, and the result is obvious.

Costco doesn't officially allow dogs, but many stores bend this rule and abide by the ADA regulations. Numerous Reddit threads confirm everything. Some customers compliment that when your dog is on a leash and well-behaved or relaxed, you can bring it while shopping at Costco in-store. Most Costco store locations are extremely strict and enforce pet policies.

Does Costco Allow All Service Dogs?

While the DA rules grant permission to all service animals, including those at Costco stores, some FDA guidelines also restrict them. Therefore, the FDA also rules to restrict dogs to a particular section, especially Costco stores that serve food products.

Based on various research and analysis, dogs that meet all the definitions of service animals are allowed by law into the Costco store. This means dogs trained and capable of performing particular tasks, and those meant for disabled people are allowed into the store without question.

Hence, service animals must be trained, on lease, and well-behaved or relaxed compared to typical pets. All trained service animals have fewer risks and are allowed into Costco stores.

Also, Costco policy allows customers with service animals to enter any of their warehouses while shopping with immediate access. But remember that as long as you are permitted with your dog or service animals, there are applicable rules. One is that you and your service dog must adhere to the health and safety concerns while on a trip. The owner has complete control of their dogs and must also be on a leash.

However, Costco does not allow service dogs to wander freely in its stores. This is because they are likely to contaminate the food, cause issues like allergies, or raise pet phobia among some people.

Well, customers are allowed to take their service animals into the Costco store; the employees at the entrance have the right to ask if it is a service dog. This is stipulated in the ADA guidelines, as it is essential to also consider the health and safety concerns of the shoppers before breaching the laws.

Costco employees are tasked with asking about the services your service or emotional animal performs or is trained to offer. However, employees are not allowed to seek proof of disability, which is legal documentation.

Does Costco Allow Emotional Support Animals?

In 2024, Costco will not allow emotional support dogs or other animals into its store/ warehouse. According to the ADA guidelines, emotional dogs are not listed as service animals.

Therefore, emotional animals cannot give customers practical assistance to their owners while shopping. They are only meant to provide owners therapeutic benefits, especially those shoppers with mental health concerns. They are also ideal for treating the owner's symptoms by giving them companionship alone.

Does Costco Permit Customers to Put Service Dogs in the Shopping Cart?

Many customers online have claimed to have seen numerous dogs and other live animals on the shopping cart. But keep in mind that this goes against the FDA rules and regulations. The shopping cart is only meant to help transport groceries or other items. Carrying a dog in the shopping cart is considered unsanitary, and Costco does not permit that either.

If a customer carries their service dog in the shopping cart, a Costco team member will ask them to leave. The owner will adhere to the warehouse's highlighted safety and health laws.

Like US Costco stores, service animals are allowed in the warehouse in Canada. Canada Costco stores also allow certified ATPDR service dogs into the premises. Other rules and guidelines apply.

Tips for Shopping with Service Dogs at Costco

If you have a service dog and are allowed into the Costco store or outdoor areas, then there are some rules and regulations you must adhere to as well. If you want to have an enjoyable shopping experience with the dog at Costco, here are some important tips for you:-

Always carry the poop bags as well as clean up with the dog.
Ensure that your dog is leased, relaxed as well as well behaved all time while shopping.
Do not bring your dog to Costco during peak shopping hours. Dogs makes some people uncomfortable and avoid lines and crowds.
Have the bowl as well as water for your service dog always.

When you follow all the above tips, you will actually have an amazing shopping experience at Costco. The owner and the dog will be comfortable and happy during the entire trip.

Conclusion

While you can carry your pet to the Costco premises, Costco, based on the DA rules and FDA guidelines, will only allow a certified, trained service dog or animal. The store prohibits any other animals because of the safety and health concerns and hygienic risks in the warehouse. Your service dogs must be leased, relaxed, and well-behaved to follow the safety and health laws in the Costco store. As an owner, you control your service dog when shopping.