Does Kroger allow dogs? (Kroger pet policy explained)
If you have a dog, you will definitely want to take it everywhere, especially to give you some company on your frequent shopping trips.
So if you’re visiting Kroger, one of the largest retail chains in the US, to buy groceries, you might be wondering – does Kroger even allow dogs in its stores? Here’s what I found!
Does Kroger allow dogs?
Unfortunately, Kroger doesn’t allow dogs in its stores. However, if your dog is a service animal as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Kroger will let you bring your dog in. Your dog must be well trained and should not cause any trouble to other shoppers.
If you want to learn more about Kroger’s policy on bringing pets and service animals, why the ADA doesn’t restrict service animals, and more, keep reading!
What is Kroger’s pet policy?
Kroger as a whole is not a pet-friendly retail chain because it has to comply with several regulations and aims to serve customers better.
This rule applies not only to dogs, but to all kinds of pets or comfort animals, as Kroger must comply with the requirements of the United States Department of Justice and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
However, like other retail and grocery stores, Kroger allows service animals in its stores under its “service animal” rules.
Under this rule, service animals can go anywhere their owners go without any restrictions, including restaurants and grocery stores.
Why aren’t dogs allowed in Kroger stores?
Pets and comfort animals are allowed in general retail stores, but under food safety regulations, grocery stores like Kroger (where people buy, prepare or eat food) are not allowed.
These restrictions apply to any business (such as Kroger) that has a DHEC “grade” sticker on the door.
In addition to this, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises against bringing dogs and other pets into restaurants and grocery stores as it is unsanitary.
The only exception is if the animal is deemed (mainly by store management) to be a service animal as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
In most cases, store management will verify that your dog is a service animal, all they really do is ask if your dog is a service animal.
However, they may also observe to see if the dog is well trained and well behaved like a service animal.
Additionally, under the ADA, the tasks performed by the dog must be directly related to the dog owner’s disability.
Therefore, if the dog shows a lack of training or is considered to be any danger to the store or other customers, you may be asked to keep the dog outside until you are done shopping.
Why does Kroger allow service dogs?
Kroger allows service dogs (those trained to assist people with disabilities) into its stores because it understands the critical role animals play in their owners’ lives.
These dogs serve different purposes depending on the individual’s disability, so it’s easy to tell the difference between a regular pet dog and a trained service dog.
The following are typical services provided by these dogs:
- guide the blind
- police dog
- Helping people with PTSD
- patriot service dog
- seizure alarm dog
- Helping People with Autism
Service dogs are trained to assist with a number of everyday tasks, including assisting patients with mental and emotional health issues.
Are all service dogs allowed in Kroger stores?
All service dogs are allowed in Kroger stores under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
However, if the dog poses a threat to the health or safety of other shoppers, Kroger employees have the right to ask the dog owner to take the dog outside or leave the store entirely.
What are the rules for bringing service dogs into Kroger stores?
As cute as dogs are, the problem with them is that they can get out of control and may attack other people, poop or pee, or keep pulling on their leash.
That said, dog owners should train them to behave well, especially in public places. Service dogs are even expected to display higher levels of composure and maturity.
Therefore, if you must bring a service dog into a Kroger store, you must ensure that the dog does not cause nuisance or exhibit uncivil behavior.
If you have to move your dog around the store in a stroller or pram, you don’t need to bring your dog into the store.
Additionally, you may not bring dogs of any kind, including service dogs, into designated “dog-free” areas of the store.
Such areas may include food preparation departments or other departments, at the discretion of store management.
If you want to know more about the pet policies of other retail chains, you can read our related articles on whether dogs are allowed at CVS, whether dogs are allowed at Ace Hardware and whether dogs are allowed at Aldi.
in conclusion
Like several other grocery and retail stores, Kroger does not allow customers to bring dogs into its stores unless the dog is a service animal as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Therefore, you should avoid Kroger shopping with your dog unless it’s a service dog.
