Does Walgreens Allow Dogs & Are They Pet Friendly in 2024?

As a popular pharmacy and retail chain with over 9,000 locations nationwide, Walgreens sees thousands of customers pass through its doors every day. For many of the 90 million pet-owning households in the U.S., an important question arises—does Walgreens allow dogs in their stores?

A Look at Walgreens‘ Official Policy on Pets

Walgreens maintains a strict policy of only allowing trained service dogs in their stores, with rare exceptions made on a case-by-case basis. This policy applies to all store locations, including both the front retail area and pharmacy.

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), businesses must permit service dogs to accompany people with disabilities. The ADA defines a service animal as one that is specifically trained to perform tasks for someone with a disability. While documentation can be requested, businesses may not require special ID cards or certificates as proof.

Why Does Walgreens Prohibit Pets?

Walgreens does not allow customers to bring pets into their stores for several reasons:

Compliance with Legal and Industry Regulations

As a pharmacy and food retailer, Walgreens must adhere to legal health and safety codes that prohibit non-service animals. The FDA Food Code bans pets from areas storing medication and food with limited exceptions for service dogs.

Promoting Safety and Sanitation

Pets can carry dirt, dander, and even disease into stores on their paws and fur. Walgreens has an obligation to maintain clean and hygienic conditions for all customers. Untrained dogs may also jump, bark, or behave recklessly leading to injuries or displays getting knocked down.

Avoiding Allergies and Nuisances

With an estimated 10-20% of people having pet allergies, Walgreens must avoid triggering allergic reactions in stores. Similarly, many customers may feel uncomfortable or anxious around dogs. Preventing disruptions allows all customers to comfortably shop.

Reducing Liabilities

If a dog bites or attacks someone, Walgreens could be held responsible for any injuries. Keeping pets out protects the company from potential lawsuits.

How Does Walgreens‘ Policy Compare to Other Retailers?

As seen above, Walgreens‘ stance on pets closely resembles competitor pharmacy and grocery chains like CVS, Rite Aid, and Kroger. Big box stores like Home Depot and Lowe‘s tend to be more pet-friendly.

Tips for Pet Owners Shopping at Walgreens

While Walgreens strictly limits pets, you can still shop there with your furry friend. Here are tips to make your visit smooth:

• Always call ahead – Confirm the pet policy at your specific store first, as local managers may allow exceptions. Never assume all locations have the same rules.

• Follow all pet laws – Have your dog licensed and vaccinated. Always leash your pet and clean up any accidents.

• Avoid pharmacy areas – Even stores that allow pets usually prohibit them from entering pharmacies. Leave pets outside these sections.

• Use curbside pickup – Many locations offer curbside order pickup, allowing you to shop without bringing your pet inside.

• Ask about delivery – Inquire into prescription and retail delivery options to avoid bringing your dog in-store.

• Be prepared to leave – If your dog misbehaves, be ready to immediately remove them from the store. Their poor conduct should not impact other shoppers.

With some planning and awareness of store policies, pet owners can still conveniently get their Walgreens necessities. But unless you have a certified service animal, it‘s best to leave your furry friends at home during your Walgreens trips.