Your dog is your best friend and goes everywhere with you, even when you’re shopping and running errands. So you’re always trying to keep track of which stores are dog-friendly, especially stores that you visit a lot.
If you’re wondering whether Starbucks allows dogs and what is their pet policy, you’ll find the answers to your questions below!
Does Starbucks Allow Dogs?
Due to strict health regulations for establishments that serve food and drink, dogs are not allowed inside Starbucks stores. However, dogs are allowed in outdoor seating areas and patios. Additionally, service animals are allowed to accompany their owners inside Starbucks stores.
If you have more questions about Starbucks’ pet policy and how to snag a Puppucino, read on. You’ll find all the answers below!
What Is Starbucks Pet Policy?
Starbucks loves dogs, but unfortunately, due to regulations for grocery stores and establishments that serve food and drink, dogs are not allowed inside Starbucks stores.
So even if you’re just stopping by to pick up a drink, you’ll have to leave Fido outside, in your car, or securely tied to the railing.
It’s not just dogs. No pets are allowed in Starbucks stores due to strict health code regulations.
Starbucks is forced to follow the no-pets policy because they may be subject to health code violations if pets are found in the store.
There is only one category of dogs that are allowed in Starbucks stores, and that is service animals like seeing-eye guide dogs or dogs that are emotional support companion animals.
Does Starbucks Allow Dogs On the Patio?
Even though dogs are not allowed inside stores, many Starbucks locations have outside seating as well. You can bring your dog to the outdoor seating area or patio at Starbucks.
So you don’t have to be resigned to making your trip to Starbucks without the benefit of canine company.
Some Starbucks stores even have designated outdoor seating areas for dogs and their owners, especially in New York City.
Baristas will also provide a special doggie treat for their canine customers, even if they aren’t allowed inside. You’ll find more about the Pup Cup at Starbucks below.
Are Service Animals Allowed In Starbucks?
Starbucks’ pet policy does allow service animals, including service dogs, in their stores. This is in keeping with the requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act.
The service dogs could be seeing eye guide dogs, emotional support dogs, or epilepsy warning dogs.
Owners of service animals should be ready to show the documentation for their service animals if asked by staff.
Ideally, the service animals should be wearing their high visibility vests which clearly identify them as working animals.
What Is the Pup Cup?
Even if you can’t take your dog with you into a Starbucks store, you can get a doggie treat at stores or the drive-through.
You may have heard of the “Pup Cup” at Starbucks and dismissed it as an urban legend. But it’s true, and Pup Cups do exist, though they are better known as the Puppucino.
Simply request the barista for a Puppucino, and you’ll be handed a delicious treat for your best friend.
A Puppucino is a small Starbucks cup full of whipped cream mixed with milk or water. We haven’t yet met the dog who didn’t lap it up happily.
In case you were worried, Puppucinos are caffeine-free. It’s up to you to decide if you’re okay with the whipped cream, but as an occasional treat, it should be fine.
And best of all, the Puppucino is a freebie. You don’t need to pay for it. In fact, you can’t pay for it.
It’s one of those informal menu items that baristas will hand out because they love dogs.
Puppucinos are meant to be enjoyed by dogs in the outdoor seating areas or in their vehicles.
We think that’s convincing proof that Starbucks loves dogs, even if they can’t allow them in their stores.
What Stores Allow Dogs?
Starbucks is forced by health code regulations to not allow dogs or any pets in their stores.
But there are many other stores where dogs are as welcome as their owners, if not more.
Here’s a list of some of the most popular dog-friendly stores. However, keep in mind that these are national chains, and policies may vary from store to store at the discretion of the store manager.
- Petco
- PetSmart
- Home Depot
- Lowe’s
- Nordstrom
- Tractor Supply Co.
- Pottery Barn
- Macy’s
- The Apple Store
- Bass Pro Shops
- LUSH makeup stores
You’ll notice that none of these stores serve food and drink, so they are not subject to the same strict regulations as grocery stores and eating establishments.
Some of them, like Nordstrom and Macy’s, even post pictures of their doggy customers on social media.
And smart shoppers also know that they can always find free doggie treats for the pooch at the checkout at places like Petco.
To find out more, you can also see our related posts on whether Best Buy allows dogs, if Sam’s Club allows dogs, if McDonald’s allows dogs, and if Aldi allows dogs.
