As one of the world‘s largest retailers, Costco is a go-to shopping destination for millions of consumers – including pet owners looking to stock up on bulk-sized bags of kibble and other pet supplies. But while Costco is known for its wide selection of pet products, the store has a more complicated relationship when it comes to allowing actual animals inside its warehouses.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll examine Costco‘s policies on dogs and other pets, delving into the legal and practical considerations that shape the retailer‘s approach. We‘ll also explore some of the exceptions and grey areas pet owners should be aware of, and offer tips for navigating Costco with service animals.
Whether you‘re a Costco regular hoping to bring your pup along on your next shopping trip, or simply curious about the store‘s stance on furry companions, this article will provide an in-depth look at Costco‘s pet policies and how they impact both shoppers and their pets.
Costco‘s Official Stance on Pets in Stores
Let‘s start with the official policy: Costco does not permit pets or animals in its warehouses, with the sole exception being ADA-qualified service animals. The company‘s website states this clearly in its FAQs:
"Animals are not allowed in Costco warehouses unless they are service animals, which are required to assist a person with a disability."
This aligns with FDA Food Code guidelines which prohibit live animals in facilities that sell or serve food, with exceptions only for service animals and certain other limited cases (e.g. police dogs). As a retailer of groceries and prepared meals, Costco is beholden to these regulations.
Costco‘s ban on pets also stems from practical concerns around safety, sanitation, and consideration for other shoppers. In a busy warehouse environment, untrained animals could pose risks like knocking over merchandise, having accidents, or causing allergic reactions. Barking and other disruptive behaviors could also interfere with a pleasant shopping experience for other customers.
While some shoppers have proposed allowing dogs in carriers or strollers to mitigate these issues, Costco seems to have calculated that a blanket ban (except where legally required) is simpler than dealing with the variables of individual pets‘ temperament and owner responsibility. This hard-line approach has earned the retailer some criticism and controversy over the years.
Service Animal Exceptions Under the ADA
The key exception to Costco‘s "no pets" policy is for service animals, which are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA defines service animals as "dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities." This can include roles like:
- Guiding people who are blind
- Alerting people who are deaf
- Pulling a wheelchair
- Alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure
- Reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed medications
- Calming a person with PTSD during an anxiety attack
Importantly, the ADA specifies that service animals are working animals, not pets. The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person‘s disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.
When it comes to allowing service animals, Costco is legally required to comply with the ADA. This means that employees can ask only two questions to determine if a dog qualifies:
- Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
- What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
Staff cannot ask about the person‘s disability, require medical documentation, require a special identification card or training documentation for the dog, or ask that the dog demonstrate its ability to perform the work or task.
Service Animals vs. Emotional Support Animals
One common point of confusion is the difference between service animals and emotional support animals (ESAs). While ESAs can provide significant benefits to people with anxiety, depression, and certain phobias, they are not covered by the same laws as service animals.
ESAs are not individually trained to perform specific tasks, and are therefore not protected under the ADA. While they do qualify for certain privileges under the Fair Housing Act and the Air Carrier Access Act, these laws do not give ESAs the same broad access to public spaces that service animals enjoy.
So while Costco is happy to sell you a giant bag of dog food for your emotional support pup, they aren‘t required to welcome it inside the store. The only animals that must be permitted are ADA-defined service dogs and miniature horses (yes, really!).
Health Codes and Hygiene Concerns
Prohibiting pets in places that sell or serve food is more than just a Costco quirk – it‘s a matter of public health policy. The FDA Food Code, which provides the basis for state and local food safety regulations, is clear in its stance that live animals should not be allowed in food establishments.
The primary concern is that animals can introduce disease-causing microorganisms that could contaminate food, equipment, and surfaces. Some of the risks include:
- Shedding fur/hair, dander, feathers, or scales
- Drooling, urine, or fecal matter
- Carrying ticks, fleas, or other parasites
- Tracking in dirt or debris from outside
Studies have shown that pets can transmit pathogens like E. coli, salmonella, and campylobacter to humans. For instance, a 2018 Centers for Disease Control report found that contact with pet food and surfaces exposed to pet food can cause human illness, with infants and young children at highest risk.
Another consideration is that many people have allergies to animal fur and dander. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, as many as 3 in 10 people with allergies have allergic reactions to cats and dogs. Unexpected exposure to animals in a retail setting could trigger respiratory issues and other allergic responses.
Barking and disruptive behaviors could also impact other shoppers and pose liability risks to the store. Even seemingly-calm animals can be unpredictable in crowded, stimulating environments. For these reasons, most retailers choose to err on the side of caution and limit animals to only service dogs.
However, some animal advocates argue that total bans are an overreaction, and that pets should be allowed in stores if kept strictly separated from food products. It‘s worth noting that not every country has such stringent restrictions – in many parts of Europe, well-behaved dogs are commonly permitted in shopping centers, restaurants, and even grocery stores.
How Common Are Pet Dogs in Costco?
Despite Costco‘s official rules and rationale, there‘s plenty of anecdotal evidence that some furry friends still find their way into warehouses. Spend a few minutes on Reddit or Quora and you‘ll find numerous posts from shoppers claiming they regularly see dogs – and not just service animals – in Costco stores.
Some examples:
- "I see people with small dogs in the cart all the time. I think as long as it‘s kept in the cart, on a leash, and not barking excessively, the store will look the other way."
- "I‘ve been bringing my 9 lb maltipoo with me to Costco in a dog stroller for almost a year and no one has ever said anything to me about it. She‘s extremely well behaved though and doesn‘t make a sound."
- "I used to work at Costco and can confirm that we were told to allow all dogs in as long as they appeared to be a service animal or were being carried. It wasn‘t worth the potential confrontation to question anyone."
However, these cases seem to be the exception rather than the rule. Costco‘s policy explicitly states that service animals must be identified as such, and that staff may ask what task the animal is trained to perform.
Managers at individual stores may choose to be more lenient, but this is not guaranteed. There isn‘t reliable data on how frequently dogs are actually allowed inside, or how this varies by location. At the end of the day, Costco members shouldn‘t assume their pet will get a free pass.
If you‘re hoping to shop with a canine companion, your best bet is to contact your local Costco directly and ask about their policies. Be prepared for the possibility that only legitimate service dogs will be permitted. And if you do get the green light to bring a pet, be sure it is well-behaved, leashed, and strictly controlled at all times. One incident could jeopardize a store‘s dog-friendly stance.
Tips for Shopping at Costco With a Service Dog
For members who rely on service dogs, being questioned or refused entry can be stressful and demeaning. While Costco employees are within their rights to determine if a dog qualifies as a service animal, they must abide by ADA guidelines in doing so.
Some tips for ensuring a smooth Costco trip with your service dog:
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Identify your dog. Equip them with a vest, harness or tags clearly labeling them as a service animal. This can prevent confusion and speed up the screening process.
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Be prepared for allowed questions. Staff may ask if the dog is required because of a disability and what task it is trained to perform. Know that they cannot demand details about your disability or request a demonstration.
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Assert your rights respectfully. If an employee challenges you inappropriately, calmly explain the relevant ADA guidelines and ask to speak with a manager if needed. Have the ADA hotline number on hand.
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Maintain control of your dog. Service dogs should always be leashed (unless it interferes with their duties) and kept close to you. Don‘t let them wander, sniff merchandise, or approach others without permission. Well-behaved dogs help preserve access rights for all service animal users.
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Choose quieter times to shop. Peak hours can be overwhelming even for highly-trained dogs. If possible, visit during less busy times for a lower-stress experience.
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Come prepared with clean-up supplies. In the unlikely event your dog has an accident, it‘s your responsibility to clean it up quickly and thoroughly. Bring bags, wipes and any other supplies you may need.
While no one should have to jump through hoops to access a public space with their service dog, following these guidelines can make for a more positive shopping experience at Costco.
Costco‘s Offerings for Pet Owners
Even if you can‘t roll into Costco with your golden retriever riding shotgun, the store still has a lot to offer pet parents. Buying pet supplies in bulk is one of the most cost-effective ways to keep your furry friends fed and pampered.
Costco‘s Kirkland Signature pet products tend to earn high marks for quality and value. Their grain-free Nature‘s Domain dog food, for instance, is a popular choice that contains real salmon and sweet potato as the first two ingredients. A 35-pound bag typically costs around $45, which is less per pound than many premium brands.
For dog owners, other Costco pet supplies include:
- Dental chews
- Jerky treats
- Plush toys
- Pet beds
- Leashes and collars
- Waste bags
- Anti-anxiety accessories (e.g. ThunderShirts)
Cat owners can stock up on large boxes of litter, scratching posts, giant tubs of catnip, and cat towers that would be pricier from a pet store. You‘ll also find supplies for fish, birds, and small animals.
Another perk of Costco membership is access to their pharmacy, which can fill many common pet prescriptions. This includes medications for fleas/ticks, heartworm, allergies, arthritis, and more. Savings can be significant compared to vet office prices – a recent Consumer Reports analysis found Costco‘s prices were among the lowest.
Some Costco locations also host occasional pet-focused events like microchipping and vaccination clinics. These are usually held in the parking lot and offered in partnership with local vets or animal welfare groups. Specific offerings vary, but it‘s worth checking with your nearby store to see if any pet outreach days are on the calendar.
How Could Costco Become More Pet-Friendly?
While a members-only warehouse club might not seem like the most natural setting for canine outings, there are some ways Costco could potentially become more welcoming to four-legged shoppers and their owners:
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"Doggy day" events: Even if pets can‘t come inside, Costco could designate certain days for dogs to join their owners in the parking lot. With vendors, freebies, and photo ops, this could drive visits from pet parents.
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Expanded pet services: Costco already has optometry, hearing aid, and pharmacy services. Could pet care be next? Offering vet clinics, grooming, or even doggy day care could be a draw.
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Designated pet rest areas: Simple accommodations like dog relief areas and water bowls near store entrances would be a goodwill gesture to visitors with pets in tow.
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Online pet product guides: Costco could make its pet supplies easier to browse by creating online guides sorted by animal, breed, size, etc. Curated recommendations would also be helpful.
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In-store pet events: Hosting adoption days, obedience training sessions, or pet photo shoots could bring more bark to the warehouse.
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Pet shopper loyalty perks: Rewarding members‘ pet-related purchases with bonus rewards or special coupons could encourage repeat visits and bigger baskets.
While these ideas might be a stretch given Costco‘s current policies, they illustrate how the retailer could potentially engage more meaningfully with pet owners – a significant part of its customer base.
The Bottom Line
For a store that happily sells giant bags of kibble and $20 orthopedic dog beds, Costco has a somewhat complicated relationship with shoppers‘ animal companions. The retailer‘s no-pet policy, driven by a mix of FDA regulations and practical concerns, means that only ADA-recognized service dogs and miniature horses are guaranteed access.
While tales of people successfully shopping with pets suggest that some stores take a more relaxed approach, Costco members shouldn‘t assume their pooch will be greeted with open arms. Unless your dog is a trained service animal, it‘s best to leave it at home or communicate with your local store about their specific rules.
Costco still offers significant savings opportunities for pet owners, from food to medication to supplies. And with creative approaches to pet-centric events and services, the retailer could potentially become an even bigger destination for animal lovers.
At the end of the day, though, Costco seems to have calculated that banning pets is simpler than trying to accommodate them in its busy warehouses. As frustrating as this can be for shoppers who‘d like their furry friends in tow, it‘s understandable given the legal landscape and potential downsides.
The good news? With Costco‘s bulk inventory, you can stock up on enough pet necessities to keep you out of the store for a good long while. Leaving your pet at home for an hour is a small price to pay for keeping them well-supplied with Costco treats and treasures.
