Pet Friendly Establishments

Written By Kendall Peck

What makes a store pet friendly?

The establishment cannot sell open food such as you would see in a grocery store, gas station, or indoor restaurant and even some patios are not pet friendly. The establishment also will know if they are pet friendly, so if you are unsure, go ahead and give the business a call! Their employees will gladly let you know. The pet friendly stores will even excitedly give you the answer of yes. If they tell you no, then do not bring your pet into the establishment and leave them at home or find somewhere else! Only task trained service dogs are allowed in non pet friendly establishments. It’s that simple!

So what stores are pet friendly in Bryan-College Station?

PetSmart, PetCo, Pet Supplies Plus

OF COURSE these stores are pet friendly! They have “pet” in the name! They also offer grooming, some even offer boarding and vet care! Pet Supplies Plus has a self wash dog station too. Most of them hand out tasty treats for your dog!

Tractor Supply

Just like the pet stores listed before, Tractor Supply is the same! On some weekdays or weekends they offer mobile vet care and even the one here in College Station has a self serve dog was for only $10 and every two you buy you get the third free! It is definitely my go to for dog washing.

TJMaxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods (Sierra and Homesense)

These stores will GLADLY welcome your pet into the store and some of them even offer treats at the registers (TJMaxx I know for sure)! The only exception is if they are located in a mall that is not pet friendly which I have seen. The corporate of the company allows pets so ALL stores are pet friendly!

Ross

Although they do not have treats at the counter like some TJX stores, they do allow well behaved pets!I have personally called the store before and double checked. They also do not close until 11pm so it is definitely convenient when you need to go on a little night shopping.

Lowe’s and Home Depot

These stores offer an indoor and outdoor place to go with your dog and just make it an overall positive experience. It had a loud array of sounds and can be a great place to start your training.

Murdoch's and Academy

These stores, although have carpet, allow well behaved pets. I also make sure when around clothing apparel not to let my dog touch the clothes because people do have allergies and I just like to stay respectful. The isles of both of these stores are very open and make for good training opportunities

Barnes and Noble

Just not the cafe area! Barnes and Noble is also carpeted. Knowing this and knowing there are readers out there just makes me so happy knowing there are people out there that will go to Barnes and Noble and just read with their dog. They also have treats at the counter at the College Station location. Just be aware that there is an employee who has a service dog and not to disturb his important work.

Michaels, Hobby Lobby, At Home and Joann’s

Craft and home decor stores are another great place to go and train your pup! The stuff in the store is a little breakable at Hobby Lobby so just be aware of your surroundings especially those dogs that have tails that never stop wagging.

Other stores you may not have thought of:

  • Old Navy

  • Ace Hardware

  • O’Reilly Auto Parts

  • Bath and Body Works

  • Sephora

  • Party City

  • 5 Below

  • Producers

  • Aggieland Outfitters

  • CC Creations Warehouse

NOT Pet Friendly Stores

You have the usual grocery stores, but what else are not pet friendly?

  • Post Oak Mall (ALL stores)

  • Target

  • HEB

  • Kroger

  • Walmart

  • Costco

  • Sam’s Club

  • Kohls

  • Big Lots

  • Dollar Tree

And much more do not allow dogs into their establishments which is always why I like to say CALL FIRST before you go! It’s always good to be respectful of the employees, other shoppers, and the companies who have these policies. Only task trained service animals are allowed in these stores.

I hope you learned a lot from this and have such a great time out training with your pups! If you have any other questions or want me to add any other stores that are in the Bryan-College Station area go ahead and reach out!

Kendall Peck, SunnysideK9

Kendall Peck