Does Kroger Allow Dogs In Their Stores in 2024?
As a dog owner and consumer analyst who studies retail trends, one question I‘m often asked is: can you bring your dog shopping at Kroger? Unfortunately, the answer is no – regular pets are not allowed. However, there are some important exceptions and rules surrounding service dogs that I‘ll explain.
A Brief History of Pets at Kroger
Since its founding in 1883, Kroger has had a longstanding no pets policy for food safety and sanitation reasons.
However, in the 1930s guide dogs that assisted the blind were allowed as a necessity for shoppers with disabilities. This exception evolved into today‘s service animal accommodations.
Kroger‘s Current Policy – Service Animals Only
Per Kroger‘s website, non-service animals are prohibited from entering any Kroger-owned stores nationwide, including:
- Dogs
- Cats
- Rabbits, reptiles, or any pets
The only pets allowed are trained service animals for shoppers with disabilities, as mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Let‘s look at why pets are restricted and the rules around permitted service dogs.
Why Pets Are Not Allowed in Kroger Stores
As a retail analyst, I see three key reasons Kroger does not allow regular pets:
Food Safety and Sanitation
As a grocery retailer and food preparer, Kroger must comply with health department regulations that prohibit pets. The FDA advises against pets in food establishments due to risks of:
Bacteria from pet fur, saliva ending up on food
Pet accidents involving bodily fluids
Increased vermin from pets
The ADA exempts service animals from these restrictions as their trained nature reduces risks.
Providing Excellent Service to All Customers
Pets can disrupt the shopping experience for other customers through behaviors like:
- Barking
- Jumping on people
- Blocking aisles
- Showing aggression
Service dogs receive extensive training to avoid these behaviors in public. Kroger aims to provide all shoppers with a positive experience.
Mitigating Liability Risks
Loose pets also create safety and legal liabilities that Kroger likely wants to minimize. Service animals must adhere to strict behavioral standards that greatly reduce these risks.
Requirements for Service Dogs Under the ADA
While pets are prohibited, legitimate service dogs must be accommodated under the ADA. However, there are specific requirements:
The dog must be individually trained to perform disability-related tasks like guiding the blind. Just providing comfort or emotional support does not qualify.
Dogs must be under control – barking, jumping on people, and not potty-trained are unacceptable.
The ADA only recognizes dogs – no other species can be service animals.
Service dogs in training are not covered under the ADA protections.
According to 2021 Justice Department data, there are approximately 300,000 working service dogs in the U.S. They assist with:
| Disability | # of Service Dogs | Tasks Performed |
|---|---|---|
| Blindness | 80,000 | Guiding, retrieving items |
| Hearing disabilities | 40,000 | Alerting to sounds |
| Seizures | 30,000 | Alerting to episodes |
| Multiple disabilities | 150,000 | Various |
Emotional support animals (ESAs), therapy pets, and service dogs in training are NOT protected under the ADA. This table compares key differences:
| Type of Animal | ADA Protected? | Training Required? | Documentation Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Dog | Yes | Extensive | No |
| ESA | No | None | Yes |
| Therapy Pet | No | Some | Yes |
| In Training | No | Partial | Sometimes |
This data shows why properly trained service dogs like guide dogs for the blind have extensive rights, while untrained ESAs do not.
Kroger‘s Right to Ask Questions
While Kroger must accommodate legitimate service dogs, managers can legally ask:
- Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
- What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
Staff may request the dog‘s removal if:
- The dog is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it
- The dog is not housebroken
- The dog‘s behavior poses a direct threat to health or safety
Kroger staff are advised never to ask about the person’s disability, require medical documentation, or ask that the dog demonstrate its task.
Proper Service Dog Etiquette at Kroger
As a service dog handler shopping at Kroger, you must:
- Keep your dog on a leash/harness and under control at all times
- Prevent excessive barking, jumping on people, or running through aisles
- Immediately clean up after your dog’s accidents
- Avoid bringing your dog into food preparation areas
Be ready to calmly explain your service dog’s training if questioned by staff. Politely educate them if needed, but understand they must protect food safety.
Enjoy Kroger‘s Outdoor Spaces with Your Dog
While regular pets cannot enter Kroger stores, many locations welcome leashed, well-behaved dogs in outdoor areas of the premises like sidewalks or grassy strips. I recommend these tips:
Shop alone and leave your dog outside with a family member or friend
Look up your local Kroger to see if they have suitable outdoor space for dogs
Get necessities like pharmacy items or banking done separately without your dog
Never leave your dog tied up alone or in an unsafe hot vehicle
You can still enjoy Kroger’s offerings with your furry friend, just not inside the store itself. Be sure to call ahead to confirm your local store‘s outdoor pet policy.
The Bottom Line
Based on my expertise as an analyst covering Kroger‘s retail policies, regular pets are unfortunately still prohibited from Kroger stores in 2024. This long-standing ban is motivated by food safety concerns and delivering excellent service. However, legitimate ADA service dogs must be accommodated. I hope this guide has helped explain the nuances between pets, ESAs, and protected service animals in Kroger stores. Never hesitate to reach out with any other Kroger-related questions!
