Are Dogs Allowed in Home Depot? (2024 Update)

Your dog is probably your best friend, and you want to bring them with you everywhere you go. Whether you’re going for a stroll in the park, for a morning coffee, or for a shopping trip, they make great traveling buddies.

While it feels good to tag them everywhere, many retail establishments and indoor businesses don’t permit pets. So, what do you do if you need to run to Home Depot to pick up a few garden or house items, but you don’t have somebody to watch your dog? Are dogs allowed in Home Depot?

are dogs allowed in Home Depot
Are dogs allowed in Home Depot? (Update)

Keep reading to find out more.

Does Home Depot Allow Dogs?

Home Depot’s official policy says the establishment doesn’t allow dogs inside. Nevertheless, there are a few instances where this rule doesn’t apply. Service dogs have full access to the store, while select locations accept well-behaved dogs.

dog-outside-a-store
A dog patiently waiting for his owner outside a store.

Are Service Animals Permitted at Home Depot?

Yes, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) states that you have the legal right to bring your service dog into any public place you want to purchase. Some states don’t consider these dogs as regular pets because of their specialized training. They assist their owners in their daily activities.

service dog
A service and rescue dog.

Because of their importance to their owners’ lives, most stores are willing to welcome service dogs to their establishments. If you wish to tag your service dog to Home Depot, you must possess the appropriate paperwork. That entails a certified mental health expert letter attesting to your need for a service animal because you have a disability.

Furthermore, you must ensure your service dog is up-to-date on their immunizations and is wearing a collar, visibly identifying them as such. Don’t attempt to misrepresent your dog as a service dog if they don’t have the requisite training.

Falsely identifying your dog as a service animal might carry a fine of up to one thousand dollars in some cities and states.

For non-service dogs, it’s better to inquire if you’re uncertain whether the specific store will permit your dog. The decision on whether or not dogs are allowed inside rests with the store’s manager. That’s because when deciding whether or not to enable a dog to run free around the store, there are several considerations to make.

Does the Policy Differ by Location?

The rules are different in each location. Different Home Depot locations in the same state may have different pet policies. Some stores may permit leashed dogs, whereas others may not.

Shih Tzu at pet store
Owners are accompanied by their Shih Tzu to buy pet supplies.

You should contact the store or visit their website to find out if they allow pets. Even though some stores may have dog-friendly regulations, this is not the norm.

When it comes to food, many stores have strict no-dog policies. Some canines experience anxiety when they are in confined spaces with many other people.

Consider your dog’s nature and disposition when deciding whether or not to bring them along on a trip shopping. You must have a good leash to take your dog to Home Depot. No unrestrained dogs are allowed inside.

The establishment reserves the right to demand you to leave if they believe that your dog is being bothersome or presents a threat. You should be courteous and follow the store’s instructions if they request you to leave.

Tips for Bringing Your Dog to Home Depot

After establishing that a Home Depot store welcomes dogs, you’ll want to do what you can to keep it that way, including taking some precautions before, during, and after your trip. Here are a few tips to make the experience easier and more enjoyable:

Keep Your Dog on a Leash

Home Depot requires that all dogs be kept on a leash or in a carrier while inside the store. That ensures the safety of both your dog and other customers.

walking a Labradoodle POV
POV: You are walking my Labradoodle Max (wearing his usual harness)

However, the leash shouldn’t be more than 6 feet long to prevent your dog from getting caught up in the displays and reduce the possibility of other customers tripping over themselves. Bear in mind that no matter how angelic your dog may be, they have no business prying into the affairs of others.

Watch Your Dog Closely

It would be best if you didn’t leave your dog unattended. Keep your dog close by so everyone may feel secure. Remember that not everyone shares your love for dogs or wants to mingle with your pet.

carrying a dog
Happy woman carrying her dog inside a store while shopping.

While most dogs are well-behaved in public, keeping an eye on them ensures they don’t get too excited or cause any trouble.

Pick Up Any Accidents Right Away

Sometimes, you’ll visit Home Depot to purchase one thing but leave three hours later. If your dog messes, you should clean the waste immediately.

poop bags on the table
A responsible dog owner must not forget to bring poop bags when going outside!

It would help if you were carrying the following items:

  • Paper towels
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Poop bags

Be especially vigilant if you own a male dog or one that tends to mark its territory. If you must pass your dogs, walk more quickly or give them a treat to divert their attention.

Follow the Rules

If the store has any specific rules for shopping with dogs, be sure to follow them. That will help ensure that you and your pup stay safe and comfortable.

holding a dog
A woman holding her dog at a store.

Bring Treats

The Home Depot is a busy place. If your dog feels anxious or nervous, it could act abnormally. Always have some training treats to redirect them quickly when necessary.

homemade treats for dogs
Giving homemade treats ensure that your dog consumes a healthy snack!

Make a Potty Stop Before Going Into the Store

Consider stopping by the trees in the parking area even if your dog had used the bathroom before you left the house.

owner waits dog poop
The owner waits for her dog to poop on the grass.

Can I Bring Any Other Animals to Home Depot?

No, Home Depot doesn’t allow any pets other than service dogs on the premises. They’re willing to accommodate people who need the assistance of service animals while shopping. As long as you can prove that your dog is a service animal, you should be able to bring them inside.

woman carries a cat
A woman carries her cat and off for a walk.

Should You Bring Your Dog to Home Depot?

Home Depot sells many bulky items, so the corridors are nice and wide. That’s excellent news for any dog owner shopping there since your pet has adequate space to move around without worrying about bothering other clients who might not be dog-friendly.

carrying white Poodle
Owner carrying heavy white Poodle in her shoulders.

But should you bring your dog to Home Depot? It depends on how comfortable you’re doing it. Consider how well-behaved your dog is.

Bringing a large, unruly dog into the store is not a good idea and could cause disruption. If you own a small dog, you might want to keep them in your bag, and you won’t have to worry about them wandering off.

Ultimately, the decision to bring your dog to Home Depot is up to you. If you believe they’re a good fit for the environment and you can keep them under control, it may be worth taking them along for the ride.

However, if you’re worried about how they’ll behave or don’t think it’s the best situation, it may be better to leave them at home. If you have a friend or family member who can watch them while you go shopping, you can always ask them to help out. Alternatively, you can look into pet-sitting services.

Are Dogs Allowed in Home Depot Hawaii?

According to the company’s policy, they don’t permit dogs inside to ensure the safety of the dogs, customers, and staff. However, service dogs with an identification tag are an exemption from this rule.

Are Dogs Allowed in Home Depot Massachusetts?

Home Depot’s policy doesn’t allow dogs inside unless they’re service dogs. Nevertheless, individual Home Depot stores are free to set their policy. If you want to bring your dog to the store, you should call Home Depot Massachusetts to ascertain whether you are welcome to bring your dog.

What Stores Permit Dogs?

Sadly, there is no official list of pet-friendly Home Depot stores. Your best bet is to call in advance to verify that your particular Home Depot accepts dogs.

Final Thoughts

Are dogs allowed in Home Depot? Whether or not dogs are welcome at Home Depot is ultimately up to the discretion of the particular location’s management. If you want to know the store’s pet policy, you could call beforehand or check their website.

And if they allow dogs, review our guidelines above to ensure you and your canine companion have a great time.

When tagging along your dog, do so with consideration for other customers and service animals by adhering to simple pet etiquette rules. We hope our article helped answer the question, are dogs allowed in Home Depot?