If you have a dog, you would definitely want to take it everywhere with you, especially on your frequent shopping trips to give you some company.
So if you visit Kroger, one of the largest retail chains in the U.S., for your grocery needs, you may be wondering – does Kroger even allow dogs inside its stores? Here is what I’ve found out about this!
Does Kroger Allow Dogs?
Unfortunately, Kroger does not allow dogs inside its stores. However, if your dog is a service animal, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Kroger will let you bring the dog in. Your dog must be well-trained and should not cause any trouble for other shoppers.
If you want to learn more about Kroger’s policy regarding bringing pets and service animals, why the ADA does not restrict service animals, and much more, keep on 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 provide customers with better services.
This rule does not apply only to dogs but to all kinds of pets or comfort animals since Kroger has to stay compliant with the U.S Department of Justice and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.
However, like other retail and grocery stores, Kroger does allow service animals inside stores in accordance with the ‘Service Animals’ rule.
Under this rule, service animals can go anywhere their owner goes without any restrictions, including to restaurants and grocery stores.
Why Aren’t Dogs Allowed In Kroger Stores?
Pets and comfort animals can go inside regular retail stores but are not allowed inside grocery stores such as Kroger (where people buy, prepare, or eat food) due to food safety regulations.
These restrictions apply to any establishment (such as Kroger) that has a DHEC “Grade” sticker on the door.
Other than that, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also advises against the taking of dogs and other pets into restaurants and grocery stores, as it is unsanitary.
The only exception is if the animal is considered — mostly by the store management — a service animal, as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act.
In most cases, the store management will verify if your dog is a service animal or not, and all they really do is ask if your dog is such.
However, they might also observe to see if the dog is trained and well-behaved, as service animals should be.
Additionally, according to the ADA, the tasks performed by the dog must be directly related to the disability of the dog owner.
So if the dog exhibits a lack of training or is considered to pose any danger in the store or to other customers, you may be asked to keep the dog outside until you’re done shopping.
Why Are Service Dogs Allowed In Kroger?
Kroger allows service dogs (those that have been trained to assist a person with a disability) into its stores because it understands the crucial role the animals play in the lives of their owners.
These dogs serve different purposes, depending on the individual`s disability and so it is easy to tell the difference between a regular pet dog and a trained service dog.
Here are the typical services provided by these dogs:
- Guiding the blind
- Police dogs
- Helping PTSD patients
- Patriot service dogs
- Seizure alert dogs
- Assisting autism patients
Service dogs are well-trained and can assist with several day-to-day tasks, including assisting patients with mental and emotional health issues.
Are All Service Dogs Allowed In Kroger Stores?
All service dogs are allowed inside Kroger stores, as mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
However, in cases where the dog poses a threat to the health or security of other shoppers, a Kroger employee has the right to ask the dog owner to take the dog outside or leave the store altogether.
What Are The Rules For Bringing Service Dogs Into Kroger Stores?
As adorable as dogs are, the trouble with them is that they can get out of control, may attack other people, poop or pee, or keep tugging on their leashes.
That said, it is expected of dog owners to train them to behave well, especially in public places. Service dogs are even expected to show a higher level of composure and maturity.
So, if you must bring a service dog into a Kroger store, you must make sure that the dog does not constitute a nuisance or exhibit uncultured behavior.
In the event that you have to carry the dog around the store in a trolley or stroller, it won’t be necessary to bring the dog inside the store.
Also, you are not allowed to take any kind of dog, including service dogs, to areas designated ‘dog-free’ within the store.
Such areas may include departments where food is prepared or others, based on the discretion of the store management.
If you are looking to learn more about the pet policies of other retail chains, you can read our related posts on whether or not CVS allows dogs, if Ace Hardware allows dogs, and if Aldi allows dogs.
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). So, you should avoid taking your dog with you on a shopping trip to Kroger, unless it is a service dog.
