For pet parents wondering about bringing their furry friends shopping, understanding Kohl's dog policy is essential. While many retailers are becoming more pet-friendly, Kohl's maintains a strict policy that only allows service animals in their stores. Here's everything you need to know about shopping at Kohl's with your dog.
Official Pet Policy at Kohl's
Kohl's official policy is straightforward: pets are not allowed in their stores. The only exception is for service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This policy is consistent across all Kohl's locations nationwide and is strictly enforced to maintain a safe and comfortable shopping environment for all customers.
Service Animals vs. Regular Pets
Service animals are specifically trained dogs that perform tasks for individuals with disabilities. These tasks might include guiding visually impaired individuals, alerting to medical conditions, or providing mobility assistance. It's important to note that emotional support animals (ESAs) and therapy dogs do not qualify as service animals under Kohl's policy.
Understanding Service Animal Access
If you have a legitimate service dog, here's what you need to know about shopping at Kohl's:
- Service dogs must be leashed and under control at all times
- Staff may ask about specific tasks the dog performs
- No documentation or proof of disability can be required
- The service animal must be housebroken and well-behaved
Why Kohl's Maintains This Policy
Kohl's strict no-pets policy exists for several important reasons:
- Health and safety concerns for customers and employees
- Compliance with federal health regulations
- Prevention of allergic reactions
- Maintaining a clean shopping environment
- Avoiding potential liability issues
Shopping Alternatives for Dog Owners
If you're disappointed about not being able to bring your dog to Kohl's, there are many pet-friendly retail alternatives available:
- Home goods stores like HomeGoods and TJ Maxx
- Pet specialty retailers like PetSmart and Petco
- Many local boutiques and outdoor shopping centers
- Hardware stores like Home Depot (policies may vary by location)
Shopping at Kohl's with Your Dog Online
While you can't bring your pet into physical Kohl's stores, the retailer offers an extensive selection of pet products through their online platform. You can shop for pet beds, toys, accessories, and more from the comfort of your home with your furry friend by your side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kohl's dog-friendly and can I bring my pet into the store?
No, Kohl's is not dog-friendly. Only service animals as defined by the ADA are permitted in their stores.
How do I know if my dog qualifies as a service animal allowed in Kohl's?
A service animal must be individually trained to perform specific tasks that assist with a disability. The training must be task-specific, and the dog must help mitigate the handler's disability.
Can I bring my emotional support animal into Kohl's?
No, emotional support animals are not permitted in Kohl's stores. Only trained service animals that perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities are allowed.
What are the ADA guidelines for bringing a service dog into public places like Kohl's?
Under ADA guidelines, service dogs must be leashed (unless the leash interferes with the service task), under control, and housebroken. Businesses can only ask if the dog is a service animal and what tasks it performs.
How can I find dog-friendly stores similar to Kohl's if I want to shop with my pet?
Research local pet-friendly retailers online, check store policies on their websites, or call stores directly. Many pet supply stores, home goods stores, and outdoor shopping centers welcome well-behaved dogs.
Conclusion
While Kohl's maintains a no-pets policy, their stance is clear and consistent with many major retailers. For those needing to shop with their dogs, numerous pet-friendly alternatives exist. Remember to always respect store policies and consider shopping online at Kohl's if you want to keep your furry friend by your side while making purchases.
