Collections
Shopping Doesn’t Have To Be “Ruff” – The Surprisingly Dog-Friendly Stores To Take Your Pooch

Many pet owners feel that their furry friends are more than just an animal; they’re family members. With that in mind, for many of us, our dogs can also be our best shopping companion. While some stores offer dog-friendly policies, it is important for pet owners to do their research. Continue reading to see which retailers welcome Fido or Fifi for a fun day of retail therapy.
1. Tractor Supply Company

Instagram/thesmithroost
Priding itself on its canine friendly policies is mass retailer, the Tractor Supply Company. The agricultural superstore not only sells yummy treats and food for dogs, but welcomes owners and their four-legged companions in their stores. Tractor Supply also holds an annual month-long adoption and pet care information session event, called “Out Here with Animals”.
The company works with local rescue organizations and animal shelters nationwide. They have expressed their love for pets with an in-store pet washing station where customers can bathe their pets using provided grooming supplies. Point is, this company are some serious fans of your furry friend.
2. Lush

Instagram/cloverthetoypoodle
Cosmetics companies aren’t usually synonymous with being animal friendly. Lush, however, prides itself on being the exception to the rule. The UK-based beauty product brand was one of the first companies to speak out against animal testing, aligning itself with animal rights organizations. It’s only natural that a company full of animal lovers would extend that same love towards dogs.
Lush stores are dog-friendly, but shoppers may want to call ahead because many Lush stores are located within less animal-friendly malls. The natural product proprietor has made it a point to never test on animals, and ensures that their products are completely vegetarian and cruelty-free. You can be comfortable shopping for bath bombs with your bulldog, but be aware: while their products may smell good enough to eat, they can be toxic to pets.
3. Macy’s

Instagram/magnificenttails
Considered one of the most important stalwarts of the retail industry, Macy’s department store has been helping shoppers find the perfect gift since 1858. The retailer also has a lesser-known, heartwarming connection to animals: they’ve helped over 10,000 dogs and cats find new homes through their creative adoption initiatives.
For the past few decades, the department store has turned their San Francisco Union Square location into an adoption hub. Working with the San Francisco SPCA, the store turns their iconic holiday windows into displays that feature animals available for adoption. In addition to helping pooches find homes, Macy’s is known as a pet-friendly store that allows well-behaved (and leashed) dogs to indulge in retail therapy with their owners.
4. Petco

Instagram/dawkins_and_fletcher
For most pets, a trip to Petco is akin to a child traveling to Disney World. With aisles of treats, new food, toys, and other pets, a trip to the pet goods retailer can be memorable for fur babies and their parents. Thankfully, Petco welcomes all breeds of fully-vaccinated, leashed, and well-behaved dogs in their stores.
In addition to being the ideal place for a treat-shopping spree, Petco offers veterinary services, adoption events, grooming, and dog training. The company has also stopped selling certain companion pets, like large birds and rabbits, in order to encourage adoption. By applying their “Think Adoption First” motto, and frequently working with local non-profits, the company has been able to find forever homes for over 6.5 million pets.
5. Bergdorf Goodman

Instagram/sdmiddleton2
Bergdorf Goodman is a high-end luxury retailer more commonly associated with precious jewels than pooches. Shoppers, however, will be surprised to know that the expensive emporium is actually quite dog-friendly. Bergdorf Goodman allows leashed pets to peruse their high-end merchandise, and some shoppers have claimed that their pets were given special holiday treats.
The New York-based department store showed their love for dogs with one lauded annual holiday video in particular. The 2011 video, in collaboration with the Humane Society of New York, coordinated with the shop’s animal-themed window displays, was called “Unleashed”. The adorable video, featuring dogs running through luxury store in search of the perfect holiday gift, helped raise awareness for the shelter pups, and cemented the retailer’s loving stance on pets.
6. Lowe’s

Instagram/alibamlogan
Because beginning a new home improvement project can be a family affair, there shouldn’t be any reason to exclude your more furry family members. Lowe’s, considered the second largest hardware chain in the U.S., understands the important role that dogs play in their customer’s lives. Because of this, many of the home improvement store’s branches have taken a more open stance towards their canine customers.
Many Lowe’s stores are considered dog-friendly, and allow well-behaved, leashed pets in their stores. While some stores enforce a strict “service-dogs only” policy, others have differing policies. So, it is important that owners call before bringing their pooch along to help them pick up new paint or other DIY project supplies.
7. Hobby Lobby

Instagram/elliott_the_wonder_mutt
Hobby Lobby is the perfect destination for both animal and craft lovers. The arts and crafts superstore has a lenient dog policy, provided that the dogs are well-behaved, and come either on leash or in a carrier. Dogs can frequently be seen helping their pet parents em-“bark” on new projects, or in the process of getting inspired.
With more than 65,000 items in stock, Hobby Lobby stores can keep even the most imaginative customers busy. The arts and crafts retailer sells crafts supplies, home décor, fabric, and even furniture. Pet owners can use their creativity, and Hobby Lobby’s products, to make special gifts for their beloved pooches.
8. Gap

Instagram/vinny_mcvinster
Founded in 1969, Gap not only offers shoppers the latest in fashion, but it also offers them the experience of a fun day shopping with their favorite pet. The mall mainstay allows dogs in their stores under certain conditions: the dog must be on a leash, must be supervised, and must be well-behaved.
The worldwide clothing and accessory company has applied its relaxed, dog-friendly attitude across several of its other brands. Because Gap stores are usually located within larger malls, it’s important for dog owners to call in advance to check, as some stores must adhere to stricter local pet laws.
9. Half Price Books

Instagram/squeakpippa
The literary superstore Half Price Books claimed that in the company’s early days, they had to impose a limit on how many dogs employees could take to work. They even joked that their open pet policy would result in them having to change the company name to “Half Price Dogs”.
The book retailer is now not only known for their extensive book inventory, but as being a dog-friendly store for many pet owners. The company claims that their pet policy is determined on a store-by-store basis, and that the allowing of dogs is at the discretion of that particular store’s management. In general, dogs are welcomed assuming that they do not disturb or disrupt other shopper’s experiences.
10. Old Navy

Instagram/haveythebernese
When this family-oriented fashion company launched in the mid-1990s, shoppers could remember the store’s ads featuring style icon Carrie Donovan, Morgan Fairchild, and a shaggy pup named Magic the Dog. Not only did Magic appear in the store’s television ads, but the trendy pooch inspired lifelike dog statues that can still be seen on the sales floor.
While the retail chain has evolved since its beginning since those iconic ads, dogs are still important to the company. Old Navy offers shoppers a similar laid-back pet policy in their stores. Customers can enjoy shopping for the latest clothing and accessories at the San Francisco based-chain, with their furry companions in tow.
11. HomeGoods

Instagram/bellalulugram
Known for their impressive pet section, HomeGoods has extended their appreciation for pets and their wellbeing by allowing four-legged friends in their retail stores. The discount home accessories store has made it a point to offer a pleasant shopping experience to their customers, and that includes their customer’s little fuzzy companions.
Dogs can tag along as their humans take their time to sniff aisles of candles, shop for new sheets, and peruse other home wares to spruce up their living spaces. Customers can also check out the retailer’s growing animal section, which features brand name pet products, treats, beds, and toys, all at the chain’s famously low prices.
12. PetSmart

Instagram/bulldog.ruby.bulldog.finn
Not only does PetSmart allow dogs to enjoy a day of shopping fun, but they also allow a menagerie of other pets through their doors. That means cats, birds, ferrets, sugar gliders, and even pot-bellied pigs are allowed to exercise their shopping rights. While these pets’ presence is permitted, owners must make sure that their companions are either leashed or safely secured, and vaccinated.
The pet supplies chain offers dog owners hundreds of pet products to keep their pooches healthy and happy. In addition to selling pet goods, PetSmart stores offer veterinary services with their in-house Banfield Hospital. The company also supports local and national adoption initiatives with in-store adoption events.
13. Saks Fifth Avenue

Instagram/goldendoodle_zoey
Saks Fifth Avenue, the Manhattan-based luxury department store, has not only made being stylish a priority, but being dog-friendly, too. The legendary store, known for their iconic Fifth Avenue flagship location, has always been the epitome of style for fashion aficionados. Now, thanks in part to their dog-friendly attitude, the high-end retailer is known as a shopping destination for fashion-forward furry friends.
Saks Fifth Avenue, and their outlet store “Saks Off 5th”, both allow dogs to accompany their owners as they shop. While branches of the posh department store are subject to local pet laws, customers are generally allowed to bring leashed dogs, or dogs within a carrier.
14. Sephora

Instagram/thedailymichu
Sephora is commonly thought of as a makeup lover’s dream because of its seemingly endless aisles of cosmetics, creams, and perfumes. Beauty enthusiasts can also rejoice in the fact that their favorite pups can now join them in their quest for the perfect lipstick.
The luxury cosmetics retailer is surprisingly dog-friendly, and welcomes well-behaved and leashed dogs, or dogs in carriers. Beauty lovers can now swatch, test, and smell the thousands of prestige beauty products while spending time with their pet. Because many Sephora locations are located within malls, it is important to double-check, and call in advance to see if dogs are allowed inside the rest of the complex.
15. Michaels

Instagram/clydetheyorkie
For people that love being creative, and also love being a pet owner, shopping at Michaels can be a great way to combine their two favorite activities. The art supplies chain store not only offers a myriad of art supplies for customers to indulge in their creativity, but the store also features rather relaxed pet policies.
Their dog-friendly attitude means that your pet can join in the creative process, and could surely inspire you to create some dog-inspired art. Considered the largest provider of arts and crafts supplies, the Texas-based specialty shop offers an endless array of tools to express creativity. While their corporate policy leaves some room for interpretation, representatives on social media insisted that they are a “pet friendly store”.
16. Home Depot

Instagram/thegadogs
Home Depot has a surprising connection to dog owners and trainers. For years, many dog trainers have unofficially used the home improvement superstore as a space in which they can teach their dogs valuable lessons in socialization, among other important skills. Many service dogs have also practiced their training exercises within the store’s giant cement aisles.
Although the store is generally very welcoming to dogs, particularly service dogs, not every branch adheres to the same pet policies. Because Home Depot stores can often be loud and busy, it is important that your dog is properly trained, well-behaved, and on leash.
17. Apple

Instagram/lexipooooh
Humans aren’t the only ones that can experience the latest and greatest in technology. It turns out that pets can also take part! Many Apple fans will be delighted to know that their pets are also welcome to have a peek (or a sniff) at the newest gadgets at the Apple Store.
The technology giant operates many Apple Stores across the United States, where customers can experience, and interact, with the company’s latest consumer electronics. While dogs are welcome to join in on the technological fun, most pet experts caution against bringing your dog. The store, which typically attracts lines of eager customers, can be an overwhelming experience and could cause anxiety or aggression. Experts suggest to plan doggy day trips on less popular or less crowded days.
18. Nordstrom

Instagram/poochtree
Nordstrom is a large fashion chain known for their impressive shoe collection, as well as their innovative policies which have become industry standards. The luxury retailer has also earned another credential: being considered a surprisingly dog-friendly shopping destination. The Seattle-based retailer allows service animals, and in many stores, non-service animals.
While Nordstrom doesn’t have a clear corporate policy, they do allow store managers to exercise discretion: dogs are permitted on a store-by-store basis. The department store’s outlet, Nordstrom Rack, also welcomes leashed and well-behaved canine companions. In fact, shopping at Nordstrom with your pooch has become so common, that a #dogsofnordstrom tag has become popular on Instagram.
19. Bass Pro Shops

Instagram/meeko_chopstick
This outdoor gear retailer doesn’t only celebrate traditional sporting breeds like spaniels, setters, and retrievers. Bass Pro Shops happily welcome all breeds of dogs in their retail shops. The large stores, equipped to provide for your trips to the great outdoors, attract more than 200 million visitors every year, as well as their pets.
Dogs can enjoy specialty pet snacks, pet apparel, and get in touch with their wild side through the store’s impressive wildlife dioramas and dazzling huge fish tanks. While Bass Pro Shops are very dog-friendly, some locations have an on-site restaurant which doesn’t allow pets. Outdoor enthusiasts who would like to experience the impressive stores should call in advance to see if their dog is allowed to partake in an adventurous shopping expedition.
20. Cabelas

Instagram/sadie1811
Cabelas, which was acquired by outdoor gear retail giant Bass Pro Shops, also understands the importance of man’s best friend. The specialty store focuses on outdoor recreation goods, and is considered to be a dog-friendly retailer.The store attracts dog owners so much, in fact, that it has even launched its own hashtag on Instagram, #CabelasDog, featuring close to 1,700 pictures of pooches and counting.
Some stores even offer indoor or outdoor kennels that customers can use while they shop. While most stores allow dogs, depending on the state law, some stores may only allow service dogs. Customers wanting to shop for the latest gadgets in outdoor gear are advised to take a second and call ahead to make sure their pet is allowed.
21. Ross

Instagram/maxsophieandemma
Not only can shoppers at Ross find excellent savings on designer goods; they can do so while hanging out with their favorite pet. Shoppers can bring their dogs with them as they enjoy the exciting “treasure hunt” of finding hidden gems, as well as those huge discounts on high-quality products.
The designer outlet store sells fashion, home goods, shoes, and even pet items for a substantial discount. Ross stores are also known for their dog-friendly policies, and allows pets as long as they are well-behaved and leashed. In addition to being supportive of having dogs in their stores, the discount retailer features many dogs wearing merchandise purchased in-store on their website.
22. Bath & Body Works

Instagram/dogfriendly808
When the famous pleasant “puppy smell” fades away, pet owners can find a new scent to love at the popular body care and candle store Bath & Body Works. A common sight in most malls across the United States, the store specializes in body products, candles, and fragrances.
In addition to being a popular place to stock up on spa-day essentials, the ubiquitous store is also dog-friendly. While most stores have no problem with leashed pets, some stores are located within malls that have differing pet policies. Shoppers would be wise to call ahead and make sure their dogs are allowed to put their super sensitive snouts to use at the fragrant store.
23. Bed Bath & Beyond

Instagram/fluffy_thediva
Not just the ideal place to set up a wedding registry, customers can now enjoy shopping for new housewares with their favorite furry companions. The home accessories domestic merchandise retailer allows dogs to join in their pet parent’s home decoration projects.
In addition to operating its popular home goods store, Bed Bath & Beyond also operates Christmas Tree Shops, Cost Plus World Market and buybuy BABY. While each store is subject to their own pet policies, leashed dogs or dogs in carriers are generally accepted at these stores as well. Dogs will enjoy helping their owners check out the newest in home décor, and if they play their cards right, may even walk away with a designer dog bowl.
24. Bloomingdale’s

Instagram/kooperdoodle
One of the most popular places for stylish owners and their equally stylish pets to shop is Bloomingdale’s department store. The luxury retailer not only sells upscale pet accessories and clothing, but also is just elegant enough to allow fancy pooches in their stores.
Shoppers can check out the latest and hippest styles, while spending time with their furry companions. The store, often nicknamed “Bloomies”, generally welcomes well-behaved and leashed dogs. Like most department stores, pet policies can be subject to local laws or policies of the shopping complex. Pet parents can feel free to spoil their fur babies with designer coats and European-designed chew toys.
25. Marshalls

Instagram/professorgoofypants
One of the most popular off-price retail chains in the United States, Marshalls offers thousands of designer goods at affordable prices. The large discount chain store has also expanded their pet section to include toys, treats, pet health products, and designer pet beds.
This love for pets is also reflected in the store’s dog-friendly pet policies. Marshalls, along with sister companies, T.J. Maxx and HomeGoods, allows service animals and non-service animals in their stores. With so many new products for pets, it is not uncommon to see a dog joining their owner on a shopping spree. While some store pet policies are subject to local laws, housebroken and well-behaved pups are welcome to help their owners sniff out a great deal.
Sources: Rover, BringFido, Petswelcome
Collections
The Most Expensive High Schools In The United States, Ranked
Forget saving up for college, these high schools actually cost more than some of the most expensive university tuitions. Each year, 24/7 Wall Street puts out its official rankings of the most expensive high schools in the country. With those grades in mind, here’s which schools’ price tags made our list — and what exactly goes on inside those schools that makes them so coveted.
Collections
No Retreat, No Surrender: The Soldier Who Fought In World War II For Over 30 Years
World War II and the destruction it wrought on the planet had ended long ago, but for some reason, on a remote island, peace was yet to be felt. Perpetrated by culprits who nobody had been able to catch, fields were burned, airport runways were ransacked, and gunfire would occasionally spray out of the forest. As the body count began to climb, the question remained: who on Earth was this soldier still convinced the war was on?
Collections
The Once-Popular Purchasing Habits That Most Millennials Are Refusing To Buy Into
There’s no debate about it, times are changing. And with changing times comes changing demands for some of the products that used to be considered essential. For millennials, the age group born between 1981-1996, some of the products America used to not be able to live without are now being ditched all together. From household appliances to popular food products, read on to see some of the surprising effects of millennial buying habits.