Does Sam‘s Club Allow Dogs In Stores? Pet Policy Fully Explained for 2024
As most dog owners can attest, our furry friends bring immense joy into our daily lives. Recent surveys show that 70% of US households own a pet, with dogs being the most popular at 63 million households. Beyond just companionship, dogs provide their owners with unconditional love, stress relief, fitness motivation, and even improved heart health according to the American Heart Association.
With such profound benefits, it‘s no wonder owners want to bring their dogs along on errands like grocery shopping whenever possible. So a common question arises: does Sam‘s Club allow dogs in stores?
Below I‘ll explain Sam‘s Club‘s pet policy in depth as a retail analyst, including how it compares to other major chains. You‘ll also find tips for shopping at Sam‘s Club if you can‘t bear to leave your four-legged friend behind.
Service Dogs Permitted Per ADA Laws
Sam‘s Club welcomes service dogs as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA defines service animals as those individually trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities.
Emotional support animals are not classified as service dogs under the ADA. Therefore, Sam‘s Club does not allow emotional support animals even with a doctor‘s letter.
Sam‘s Club also abides by state laws regarding service animal access rights. For example, in California service dogs in training have the same access rights as fully trained service dogs.
Approximately 1 in 4 service dogs in the US are trained to assist people with vision impairments. Other common examples include:
- Hearing dogs for the deaf – Alert to sounds like sirens, doorbells, baby cries
- Mobility/balance dogs – Retrieve dropped items, open doors, brace ambulatory issues
- Seizure alert/response dogs – Warn of oncoming seizures, protect handler during a seizure
- Diabetic alert dogs – Detect blood sugar changes, fetch glucose tabs
- Psychiatric service dogs – Interrupt self-harming behaviors, alleviate panic attacks
Service dogs undergo extensive training, usually 1-2 years, to master these specialized skills before being paired with a handler in need.
Why Regular Dogs Aren‘t Allowed
While service dogs must be accommodated under federal law, businesses can set their own policies regarding non-service pets. Sam‘s Club does not permit customers to bring along pet dogs or any other animals.
Sam‘s Club lists several reasons behind this no dog policy:
- Prevent shedding of pet fur and dander that could trigger member allergies
- Avoid pet waste accidents that create a slipping hazard
- Maintain food safety of fresh and packaged goods
- Reduce risk of food contamination from germs on pets
- Prevent disruptions from untrained dogs jumping, barking, or escaping carts
- Avoid potential damage if dogs nibble on merchandise
Compared to a spacious pet store, a crowded warehouse store like Sam‘s Club poses many challenges for pets and owners alike. Abiding by a no dog rule (except service animals) helps Sam‘s Club run more safely and cleanly for all.
How 5 Top Grocery Chains Compare
Here is an overview of the pet policies at 5 top US grocery retailers:
| Grocery Chain | Allows Dogs | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|
| Sam‘s Club | No | Service dogs only |
| Costco | No | Service dogs only |
| Walmart | No | Service dogs only |
| Target | No | Service dogs only |
| Kroger | No | Service dogs only |
As you can see, Sam‘s Club is aligned with competitors in prohibiting pets. The risks outlined above lead most grocery stores to allow only trained service dogs inside. Smaller local grocers may be more flexible, but the major national chains take a firm no pet stance.
Shopping at Sam‘s Club With Your Dog
If you can‘t fathom running errands without your fur baby, you still have options for shopping at Sam‘s Club with your dog in tow.
Use Curbside Pickup
Sam‘s Club offers free curbside pickup on same-day orders through the website or mobile app. Simply place your order online, drive to your local Sam‘s Club, and check in on the app when you arrive. An employee will load your items into your car so you and your pup can wait together.
Curbside pickup prevents the need to park and leave your dog alone. It‘s the most convenient way to shop Sam‘s Club with a pet.
Get Home Delivery
Through Instacart, you can order Sam‘s Club groceries for same-day home delivery. Browse and order right from your phone, and your items will arrive on your doorstep within hours.
With home delivery, you and your dog can relax at home while still getting all your essentials from Sam‘s Club.
Bring a Friend
If you need to go inside the store, take a non dog-owning friend along. Your friend can do the actual shopping while you wait outside the store with your dog.
This option prevents leaving your dog alone in a hot car if you have quick shopping to do.
Lobby for Policy Changes
As a dog lover myself, I do hope retailers consider allowing leashed, well-behaved pets in stores one day. From a business perspective, a dog-friendly approach could attract more shoppers and improve public perception.
Stores would need to implement rules like keeping dogs on short fixed leashes, requiring proof of vaccinations and temperament testing, and having designated pet friendly carts. But welcoming pets could be a competitive advantage if executed properly.
Until then, curbside pickup and home delivery will be your best options for a hassle-free Sam‘s Club run with your dog. Just don‘t try to sneak them in disguised as a service animal – integrity and respect for actual service dogs is important!
The Bottom Line
Sam‘s Club locations do not permit dogs inside stores, with the sole exception of trained service dogs assisting people with disabilities. This policy is consistent with other top grocers like Walmart and Costco. To shop at Sam‘s Club without leaving your pet behind, use curbside pickup or home delivery services. Or bring a helpful friend along to shop for you!
