Are Dogs Allowed in Costco? The Official & Unofficial Answer! (2024)

A young beagle dog in a shopping cart.

Most people enjoy having their dogs with them at all times and that includes shopping trips.

If you happen to be out with your dog and need to stop by a store, it makes sense to just take your dog inside.

Some stores are pet friendly, and others have strict pet policies. Costco does have a specific pet policy that they expect shoppers to follow.

If you are planning a shopping trip to Costco and want to know if your dog is allowed inside, read the following information about Costco’s pet policy before jumping in the car.

Are dogs allowed in Costco? Service dogs are allowed in Costco as per the law. Pet dogs and other non-service animals are not permitted inside Costco stores. It is illegal for a Costco employee to ask for proof that a dog is indeed a service animal, so this policy is not always able to be enforced.

Costco’s Official Dog Policy

Costco’s official dog policy states that only service animals are permitted. Emotional support animals and pets are not permitted inside stores.

Some Costco stores may also have signs on their doors that display the policy.

Is the Policy Strictly Enforced?

Some Costco stores seem to be more lenient with the pet policy than others.

Because there is no way to know if a dog really is a service animal and it is illegal to ask for proof, it can be difficult for Costco stores to determine which dogs that enter their store are service animals and which ones are just pets.

They rely on customer honesty. If a dog is misbehaving in a store, employees have a right to ask the owner to remove the pet, regardless of whether or not it is a service animal.

Questions You May Be Asked Upon Entrance With a Dog

Retailers are not allowed to ask for proof that your dog is a service animal or that you have a disability. However, they may ask other questions about your dog.

Some common questions to expect include: 

  • Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
  • What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
  • Is your dog well behaved?
  • What breed is your dog?
  • Is your dog on a leash?
  • Does your dog do well around other animals?
  • Is your dog potty trained?

Difference Between a Service Animal and a Pet

Service animals are animals that have completed a training program that certifies them as a service animal.

They are owned by people who have disabilities and who rely on the service animals to help them navigate the world around them or keep them safe.

While service animals can also be pets, pets are not considered service animals unless they are certified as such.

Are Dogs Allowed in Costco UK?

Service animals are permitted inside Costco UK, but pet dogs are not.

Are Dogs Allowed in Costco Canada?

Costco Canada only permits service animals in their stores. Pets are not permitted.

Are Dogs Allowed in Costco Australia?

Costco Australia does not allow dogs in their stores for sanitary reasons. Service animals are welcome.

Guidelines for Bringing a Dog Into a Store

If you are planning to take your dog into a store, be sure to follow these guidelines. 

  • Keep your pet on a leash.
  • Have a backup plan in case your dog is denied entry to a store.
  • Make sure your dog is friendly with people and other animals.
  • Ensure your pet behaves at all times.

Related Questions:

Does Costco Allow Emotional Support Animals?

Emotional support animals are not classified as service animals. Therefore Costco does not allow them in their stores. This is made clear in their official pet policy.

Are Small Dogs Allowed in Costco?

Costco has no size restrictions as long as the dog is a service animal. Costco also expects all service animals to be well behaved regardless of size.

Can I Take My Dog Into Costco?

A lot of people would prefer to shop with their dogs. Sometimes it is a lot easier to take your dog with you than make arrangements to leave it at home while you shop.

If your dog is a service dog, it is allowed to enter Costco stores. If your dog is just a pet, it is not allowed inside the store.

Always make sure your dog is on a leash and well behaved before taking it into any public location. If your dog is denied entry to a store, be sure to take it home or to another safe place before you enter.

Never leave your dog in a hot car or tied outside unattended.