Is Lowes Pet Policy Dog Friendly?
It's no secret that dog owners consider their dogs to be family members. In certain situations, the dog may be the dog owner's sole family.
The majority of the time, people treat their pets the same way they treat their children. They do not want to leave their pets at home while they go shopping.
They frequently seek out establishments that allow them to bring their dogs into the store. We're all aware of the dangers of leaving pets in a car.
It may become too hot in the car, or you may risk having your dog stolen. We used to be unable to bring our pets inside stores, however many stores have now modified their pet policies.
When you bring your dogs, some places even give them treats.
Even with the changing retail mindset regarding dogs, finding a store's dog policy is not always straightforward.
Dogs are welcome in most stores, but other pets are not. Every shop must accept service animals, but what if your canine companion isn't one?
Although you may have difficulty finding it, Lowes has an official dog policy. Service animals and other animals are welcome at the business, according to its policy.
Pets are welcome in the store as long as they are properly behaved. In addition, they must be leashed, harnessed, or carried.
Yes, dogs are welcome in Lowe's shops. I see someone with their dog almost every time I go to Lowes. All of the dogs are on a leash and have been well behaved.
Even before I understood their formal policy, I assumed they permitted dogs in their business. They are pet friendly in a variety of ways, in addition to allowing customers to bring their dogs into the business.
They feature concrete lanes with large widths, making it simple to walk a dog on a leash down them. In the aisle, there is plenty of room for your dog and other customers.
If your dog has an accident, the concrete flooring make cleaning up a breeze. Many businesses will even provide you bags to clean up after your dog.
Although I have not seen an out-of-control dog in the shop, you should follow the same standards when approaching a dog at Lowes as you would anywhere else. You should ask the owner if petting their dog and allowing the dog to smell you are okay.
You should also check to see whether the dog wants to be petted. Because dogs aren't always predictable, you'll want to make sure the dog is at ease as you approach it.
Official Pet Policy Of Lowe’s Stores
Although it may be difficult to locate, Lowes has an official dog policy. They claim that service animals and other animals are welcome at the business.
You are welcome to bring your dogs inside the store if they are properly behaved. They must be leashed, harnessed, or carried at all times.
Pet owners are accountable for their pets' behaviours and conduct. They must keep their pets under control at all times and tidy up after them.
Lowes' official policy has evolved throughout the years. Lowes seems to modify their stated corporate policy on letting dogs inside their stores about 2012.
They claimed at the time that only service dogs would be permitted inside the business. Because there have been some issues at the shop, including a lawsuit when a baby was harmed, it's reasonable that their policy appears to be a little all over the place.
The Management Does Not Always Enforce Lowes Pet Policy
After explaining the facts, you may ask why the dog policy is so perplexing, and why its execution differs from shop to store.
To get answers to these questions, we spoke with current and former Lowes workers to see why the store's dog-friendly policy differs depending on the location.
Some workers secretly confided in us by sending private messages to our social media accounts; here's what they had to say:
‘I assumed that Lowes allowed dogs one summer while working at my local store. My boss didn't even tell me otherwise. So, in the vast majority of situations, we do not reject a dog until it has done something wrong.''The Lowes shop welcomes dogs. Although it is mostly dependent on the decision of the management team about a certain shop location. The Lowes dog policy is not enforced at the store where I worked. They even instructed me not to inquire about clients' pets while welcoming them at the entrance.'‘There was a storey when I worked at Lowes that the team leader stated it would be too stressful to question every client with a dog whether their dog was certified as a service dog and if they had paperwork for it.' We just let them pass through with or without dogs since my pay wasn't enough for me to dispute with the clients.'‘In their bibs, several of my coworkers always have tiny piles of doggie treats. It's not always a smart idea; last Easter, a dog messed up the dry wall aisle, and no one reported it or cleaned it up. For approximately thirty minutes, other customers were driving carts on it.'
As you can see from the above comments, many Lowes stores are dog friendly, but not all of them follow the service dog regulation.
Are dogs allowed in Lowe’s during COVID?
Even during COVID, Lowe's permits dogs in their shops. It is not restricted in any way. Dogs are allowed in the store if the establishment is pet-friendly. It does, however, rely on the judgement of local management.
Reports of dog attacks in Lowes stores
You could therefore ask why dogs are permitted in Lowes with such a relaxed attitude. Surely there are concerns about insurance and liability? For example, if a dog bites or attacks someone in the shop, Lowes might face serious consequences.
And here's the thing: it's already occurred.
In Canada's Murrieta branch of Lowes, a dog owner was jailed in 2014 when his pet Akita assaulted a kid. The bites were quite severe, requiring 50 stitches on the small kid. On the LA CBS Local website, you can read a report of the event.
Lowes was sued, according to later press accounts I saw, though I'm not sure how the litigation concluded. But this brings me back to my original point: why isn't the policy on service dogs more enforced?
I came across a remark on a site that explains why so many dogs are allowed into Lowes without being inspected:
I would guess it is because they have done a market survey and find that the minimal risk and increased insurance costs are offset by customer satisfaction and loyalty. I hate most of the practices of Lowes and avoid the place whenever, but I support their allowing of dogs in their stores
Another poster on the same thread wondered why owners may bring their dogs to Lowes without demonstrating that they are assistance dogs:
My guess is that my store allows leashed dogs because corporate caters to veterans with discounts, special publications oriented toward veterans, even designated parking.
Does It Vary by Lowes Store Location?
While Lowes has a policy against bringing your dog into the shop, it is not enforced. Each shop manager appears to have a different understanding of their own rules.
None of the store managers appear to inquire about the dog's status as a service animal. Despite the fact that many customers are perplexed by the business policy, many nevertheless bring their dogs in to see what happens.
Employees at the business appear to be perplexed by their dog policy. Even if they haven't been given a direction from management, many employees think they allow them, while others assume they don't.
You won't be able to discover a comprehensive list of Lowes locations that allow customers to bring their pets in. If you're unsure whether or not your local Lowes accepts dogs and don't want to take a risk, give them a call to find out.
If your state has more than one Lowes shop, don't assume that they all have the same policy; instead, call the store you wish to visit. You should not assume that what one store does, is what other stores do.
How to find out if your local Lowes is dog friendly
Here are the methods to see if your Lowes is pet friendly or dog friendly:
- You can visit the Lowes website (see website link in the Resources section)
- Type in either your zip code, city, state or if you know the store #, you can type that in as well.
- Click on “View Store Details” which will bring you to that Lowes webpage.
- Scroll down and look to the right.
- You will see a “Store Features.”
- If you see “Dog-Friendly,” then that particular Lowes store allows you to bring your dog with you when you visit.
Here's a little secret we'd like to share with you. We performed the digging (research) for you because Lowes does not disclose this information on their website or online (we double-checked with Lowes personnel and customer care).
We discovered a Lowes shop near our home that did not have “Dog-Friendly” listed among its Store Features. We were curious as to why that particular home improvement business does not let dogs inside, so we phoned that specific Lowes store to inquire as to why they are not dog friendly and do not accept dogs in their store.
Fun fact: Many dog owners will have their pets wear a muzzle to avoid a possible dog bite lawsuit, especially in a busy environment like a Lowes home improvement shop.
So the main lesson here is that if you're ever unsure if a Lowes is dog friendly or not, it's always better to pick up the phone and call your specific local Lowes to find out if they accept dogs or animals in their shop.
Store etiquette for dogs
While the Lowes dog policy enables you to bring your pets shopping with you, it's always a good idea to teach your dog appropriate dog manners while visiting any store.
Here are a few kind reassurances:
Always keep your pup on a leash
Use a leash that is neither too long nor too short. It's ideal to use a fixed-length leash with a limited space so your dog doesn't become a tripping hazard or get in the way of other shoppers who are attempting to examine an item on the shelf more closely.
Allow your canine to greet others but with all four paws on the floor
This guarantees that other customers aren't taken aback when your dog jumps at them in enthusiasm. Your dog should have already been socialised with other people and pets.
Clean up after your dog
Many house-trained dogs will still have accidents if they are in an unusual setting with unexpected sounds. Some dogs may become perplexed by their new strange surroundings and forget their manners.
Don't be concerned if this occurs. Just be sure you clean up after them. Be sure to carry poop bags and disinfecting wipes with you. Don't worry if you don't have it. Assist you with a poop bag and disinfecting wipes from a Lowes employee nearby. You can tell the staff that you will clean up the spills on your own.
Purchase any damaged item caused by your pooch
If you happen to be passing through Lowes' pet supplies area, make sure your dog doesn't destroy or gnaw on anything. If any products in the shop are damaged, it's preferable if you buy them.
Before taking your dog to a store, we strongly advise you to teach them simple instructions such as "leave it" and "drop it." If your dog wants to bring home a toy, make him choose it using his nose rather than his mouth or teeth.
Reward your dog for good behavior
When you observe your dog doing anything nice, praise him or her by saying "good dog" or giving him a tasty treat. This message will inform your dog that this is the proper way to behave.
Use a front-clip dog harness to keep complete control over your pooch. Instead of being sidetracked, your dog will face you when you softly tug him. The dog leash should include a D-Ring so you may attach it to the front of the dog harness.
Lowe’s Famous Veteran And His Service Dog
Lowe's shops became viral in 2016 after they employed someone who needs a service dog, so you can get a sense of how pet-friendly they are. Charlotte, the service dog, was needed by the new employee, who was a veteran.
Lowe's had no difficulty allowing this man to bring his assistance dog to work every day. In addition, the assistance dog was given its own work vest! Isn't it incredible?
Reviews from customers who love Home Depot’s pet friendly policy
Many pet owners, as you might guess, are overjoyed that Lowes allows dogs inside. In fact, some of them go so far as to write wonderful testimonials about it. Here are a handful from the previous few years that I came upon.
I love your company’s dog policy. On hot summer days, it means I don’t need to drive home first to drop her off, I can just bring her in with me, saving me an extra trip!
They have a great selection of products in various categories. They do price matching which is a must these days even buying expensive items. Competitive prices. I could honestly live in Lowes. And they allow you to take your dog in! Which is a plus!
But some are not happy that Lowes allows dogs
Of course, the fact that Lowes is dog friendly will not suit everyone. Some individuals don't think dogs should be permitted inside the business, as seen by the following remarks.
The store is so dirty, the floors are clean, and it smells like dog poop right throughout the store. Dogs should not be allowed in Lowes, please reconsider the decision as I won’t come back until you do.
My little girl is scared of dogs so has to stay in the car with my wife whenever I come to your store. I think that the fact that dogs are allowed in Lowes in scandalous and shows how little respect you have for customers who find it problematic.
Why are dogs allowed in Lowes?
Lowes recognises that many of its customers own dogs. Dog beds, clothes, accessories, and cages, to mention a few items, are available in the Animal & Pet Care area of the home improvement shop.
Lowes' only request of its customers is that their dogs be well-behaved while in the store. This is to guarantee that all Lowes customers have a pleasant purchasing experience. Most Lowes staff will respect your dog's presence and leave you alone.
If your canine companions defecate on the floor, Lowes requests that the dog owner clean up after them. It will be clean and safe for other customers and pets in this manner.
What Happens If My Dog Misbehaves While Inside Lowe’s?
If your dog isn't courteous, store management will most likely ask you to leave. It's unclear how much poor conduct they'll put up with, and the answer is likely to vary depending on the supervisors involved.
If your dog does anything genuinely awful, such as bites someone, the authorities will likely be contacted, and you might be held responsible for damages.
It's uncertain if Lowe's might be held responsible in such a case, and the answer is likely to depend on the legislation in that particular jurisdiction.
In 2014, Lowe's was sued after a leashed Akita assaulted a 3-year-old toddler, resulting in the youngster receiving over 50 stitches. The dog's owner was charged with criminal carelessness, and the boy's family filed a $25,000 lawsuit against Lowe's.
We don't know how the case turned up, but whatever the outcome was, it's apparent that it didn't stop Lowe's from allowing dogs into its stores.
What Other Chain Stores Allow Dogs?
While Lowe's is known for its dog-friendly policy, it's far from the only business that allows customers to shop with their pets.
We've compiled a list of some of the most well-known chains that allow dogs, along with a brief explanation of their pet policies.
- Petco: It should come as no surprise that this massive pet retailer allows dogs, especially because its stores also provide grooming services. Animals must be leashed or harnessed and under the supervision of their owners at all times, according to Petco
- Home Depot: Like Lowe's, there's a gap between what's officially permissible and what's actually permissible. Home Depot, on the other hand, will usually allow you to bring in a well-behaved, leashed animal.
- Tractor Supply Co.: Customers are encouraged to bring their dogs in if they are well-behaved and confined. It doesn't want people to leave their pets in their hot automobiles while they go shopping.
- The Apple Store: Most Apple Stores accept leashed dogs, however they may get rather crowded, so your dog might not feel at ease inside. Also, keep in mind that if the business is in a mall, your dog may not be permitted to enter the mall.
- LUSH Cosmetics: LUSH is known for its cruelty-free policies, which includes a non-discriminatory admission policy. Your dog is welcome as long as it is kept on a leash and is well behaved.
- Nordstrom: While scratching your fashion itch, you don't have to leave your (well-behaved, leashed) dog at home. This firm is so dog-friendly that it has its own Instagram hashtag, #DogsOfNordstrom.
Final Thoughts
If you happen to be visiting a Lowe's store and have your dog with you, you should feel comfortable to bring him in. Just make sure your dog is on a leash and well-behaved.
Of course, if the dog uses the restroom in the store, clean up after him. If you're preparing ahead, it's also a good idea to phone the Lowe's store where you'll be shopping to inquire about their dog policy.