As animal lovers we’d all like to think that we have the best-behaved pooch on the block. We probably think there’s no reason why our dog should not be allowed into Best Buy. However, it’s not always that simple, and can differ depending on where you are according to a conversation I had with a helpful Best Buy store manager… here’s what was said:
Are dogs allowed in Best Buy? The Best Buy dog policy is not set on a national level, and it’s up to the store managers to decide. Some Best Buy stores won’t allow dogs inside unless the animal is a service dog, other stores will be dog friendly. There is no Best Buy dog policy set in stone, so you will need to call ahead.
Not that simple then is it!
You might find that the Best Buy near you has a policy that only lets service dogs that assist people with disabilities are allowed in the store. Dog owners may be challenged to prove their dog’s credentials when entering.
Or you might live near a store which is different who will happily let you bring a well-behaved and obedient dog into Best Buy. Dog friendly managers are out there!
Unlike stores such as Walmart, Best Buy does not sell food which means the health and safety or hygiene considerations are different.
Can I take my dog into Best Buy and is it dog friendly?
This means that your local Best Buy manager might be dog friendly let the odd dog in, or have no issue with pets coming in, depending on their personal views.
The manager I spoke to was relaxed about letting people bring their dogs into Best Buy, but knew another manager who had a completely different approach.
The other Best Buy manager says it doesn’t matter if it’s a small dog you’re carrying, an emotional support dog, a puppy, or even a dog you are pushing in a stroller (yes, I’ve seen this happen), you won’t be permitted to bring your pet into the store.
He’s strict!
Why are normal dogs not allowed in some Best Buys?
There are some very valid reasons why some Best Buy managers will not allow dogs other than service animals into the store, with the main one being down to health and contamination risks.
Here’s a list of reasons including health related issues:
- Some shoppers will suffer from allergies relating to dog hair.
- Dogs could contaminate items in Best Buy.
- Some dogs can have fleas or ticks.
- Some people will be fearful of dogs.
- Not all dog owners are able to exercise proper control over their pet.
- Even the best trained dogs could mess on the store floor.
- A dog on a leash can be hazardous in small and busy places like Best Buy aisles.
Why are service dogs treated differently?
Service dogs are an entirely different proposition, and no matter what the store manager says, if you have a service dog, they can go into Best Buy.
Service dogs should be clearly identifiable. They will usually have a brightly colored dog jacket on, and the owners are also able to provide proof with documentation.
You might be thinking why service dogs are different to normal dogs? Surely, they all have the same germs and possible behaviors? And in truth, you are right in many ways, however there are some key differences that set them apart from normal dogs.
For example, service dogs have been trained to not defecate or urinate on indoor floors (yes, I know your dog probably has too). They are also trained to not attack people and be calm under stress.
That makes them a lot lower risk when coming into a store like Best Buy and they serve an important function in helping the disabled person shop.
The Best Buy dog friendly policy differs from store to store
Whilst some Best Buys let you take dogs in, others don’t. If your local Best Buy store bans dogs from entering, you might see exterior signage like this:
Service animals welcome. No Pets.
If you see an un-trained pet in the store, please contact your local health department.
- Non-service animals are not permitted in stores unless given express permission by the store manager.
- Service animals are ok, as they are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for person with disabilities.
- Comfort or emotional support animals are not service animals.
We apologize for any inconvenience.
Can I bring my puppy into Best Buy?
No, you can’t bring your puppy into Best Buy no matter how cute and small he or she is. The same policy applies, with the store only being dog-friendly to those that can prove they are a service animal.
Can I take my dog in Best Buy in a stroller?
With the rise of dog strollers in recent years, it’s raised an interesting question on whether it’s ok to use them to carry your dog into stores.
As far as Best Buy are concerned, you are not allowed to bring your dog in a stroller at all. Only services dogs are permitted in their policy.
However, I can understand why there are two sides to this argument. Firstly, a dog in a stroller will be unable to mess on the floor, might not scare people who don’t like dogs, and could reduce the contamination risk.
On the other hand, you will have people who simply think taking your dog into Best Buy in a stroller is acceptable – and in truth, contamination is still likely to occur, and some people could still suffer allergies.
Can I take my emotional support dog to Best Buy?
In recent years there has been some confusion over Best Buy’s dog policy… because there isn’t really one!
It’s easy to understand why there is this confusion, as some store managers say you can take your dog into Best Buy, others prohibit it.
For example, some Best Buy stores say emotional support dogs are not allowed in and only let service dogs enter the premises.
Then you have some customers who don’t want to see any dogs in the Best Buy aisles with them, versus the dog owners who disagree. Here are two differing opinions I found on social media:
“I think Best Buy should have a dog policy where only service animals are allowed in. I don’t want to see people walking their dog into the stores pretending it’s for emotional support. Dogs should be tied up on their leash outside, and should be asked to leave if they come in. Real service animals wear vests, indicating their main focus is to the owner and bothering the animal makes it lose focus on the owner resulting in harm to the owner.”
“I totally disagree with your comment! PTSD dogs are emotional support and are service dogs as well! The ADA does not require service animals to wear a vest, ID tag, or specific harness. Also, service animals are not required to be certified, nor are they required to have proof of training or a license. The Americans with Disabilities Act was written this way to protect the privacy of people with disabilities.”
Related questions
Now you know that Best Buy is dog friendly depending on the store, or that all service dogs can go in all Best Buys, I wanted to round up this guide with other questions people ask.
Can I carry my dog in Best Buy?
Just because you carry your dog it doesn’t mean you can flout the rules of the individual store manager. You might see Paris Hilton walking around carrying a little Chihuahua in her bag, but even she’d be asked to leave!
You are not allowed to carry dogs into Best Buy in a bag, under your arm, or hidden under your coat if the manager has forbidden dogs.
Can I take a small dog into Best Buy?
The rules are the rules and it will be set on a store by store level. Some managers will say that no matter how small your dog, their Best Buy dog policy will still forbid it unless it’s a service dog.
What do other US stores think about dogs?
A lot of other high-profile national chains have made the headlines for their unique approaches to customers taking dogs into their businesses. See some of the most interesting ones below:
- Walmart: Dogs are not allowed in the Walmart stores unless they are service dogs. Their policy on pets is the same nationwide.
- Lowes & Home Depot: Unlike Walmart, this store doesn’t have to ban dogs due to food being prepared. That means you can take your dog in with no problems.
- Barnes & Noble: It appears that their dog policy is set on a store to store level. Phone ahead and ask the manager if it’s ok to bring your puppy in.
- Petsmart: It goes without saying that you take your four-legged friends into this store. In fact, it could be the social highlight of your pup’s week!
Conclusion
So, when your friend next asks “can I take my dog into Best Buy” you can now tell them that is actually depends!
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