We love taking our dogs everywhere, especially small pups that are easy to carry or roll in a stroller. Many shoppers love bringing their dogs along for errands, and Walmart trips are no exception. Policies can feel confusing, especially if your pup is calm, small, or used to riding in a carrier or stroller. This 2025 update explains how Walmart handles pets, providing a clear breakdown of what constitutes a service animal under the ADA and its implications for everyday pet owners. Can you take your dog to Walmart?
Answer: Walmart allows trained service animals only. Pets, emotional support animals, and puppies are not allowed inside, even if they are in a stroller, carrier, or bag. A stroller does not change the policy.
Are dogs allowed in Walmart?
No, except for trained service animals. Walmart operates under strict food-safety and public-health regulations because most of its locations sell groceries and prepared foods. That means pets (even calm, leashed, or carried pets) aren’t permitted in the store.
Local managers are expected to enforce a consistent, service-animal-only policy so every shopper, especially those with allergies or sensitivities, can rely on a predictable experience. If you’re unsure how a specific store handles edge cases, call ahead and ask to speak with a manager.
What is a service animal?
A service animal is a dog individually trained to perform one or more specific tasks for a person with a disability. The key is task-training that directly mitigates the person’s disability, not simply providing comfort.
- Guiding someone who is blind or has low vision.
- Alerting to sounds (doorbells, alarms) for someone who is deaf or hard of hearing.
- Detecting and responding to medical events (for example, low/high blood sugar or seizures).
- Retrieving items, opening doors, or pressing buttons for mobility impairments.
- Interrupting and redirecting disabling behaviors (for example, PTSD episodes) on cue.
Service animals must be under control and housebroken. They don’t need special vests, IDs, or paperwork; their trained tasks and behavior are what matter.
What about service dogs in training?
Access for service dogs in training (SDIT) is determined by state law and, in some cases, store discretion. Some states grant SDITs similar access rights when accompanied by a trainer or the future handler; others limit access to specific training contexts.
- Confirm your state’s SDIT law (trainer vs. owner-trainer provisions, identification requirements, etc.).
- Call the specific Walmart you plan to visit and ask for the manager’s guidance.
- Ensure the dog is solid on manners (loose leash, no sniffing food, no vocalizing, fully housebroken) before attempting any public-access training in busy environments.
Are emotional support animals allowed in Walmart?
No, emotional support animals (ESAs), therapy dogs, and comfort animals are not considered service animals because they are not trained to perform disability-mitigating tasks. ESA letters or registrations do not grant public-access rights in retail stores. (Housing and air travel have their own, separate rules.)
Can I take my dog to Walmart in a stroller?
No, using a pet stroller, carrier, sling, or bag does not change the service-animal–only policy. While a stroller can prevent leash tangles and paw messes, it doesn’t address food-safety regulations, allergy concerns, or the need for consistent policy enforcement. The only dogs welcome inside are trained service dogs—whether walking on a leash or being transported in a way that still allows them to perform their trained tasks without disrupting the store.
Can I bring my puppy to Walmart?
No, puppies (even tiny, well-behaved ones) are pets under store policy and are not allowed. From a wellness perspective, busy retail environments aren’t ideal for incomplete vaccination schedules or early socialization windows. Choose pet-friendly outdoor spaces, hardware stores that welcome dogs, or dog-centric shops for safe exposure until your vet gives the all-clear.
Why doesn’t Walmart allow dogs?
The main reason that Walmart cannot allow ordinary dogs into their stores is because of the FDA’s food service codes, which state that allowing animals into food stores is unsanitary.
Here are a few good reasons that Walmart and other stores don’t allow dogs:
- Dogs can carry fleas and ticks.
- Some shoppers have allergies to pet dander.
- Food areas can be contaminated by accidents or shedding.
- Some visitors are uncomfortable or afraid around animals.
- Not every dog is trained for busy aisles and carts.
- Leashes and carriers can block pathways and create trip hazards.
Can Walmart ask for proof of a service dog?
Associates may ask only two questions: Is the dog required because of a disability, and what task the dog is trained to perform? They cannot ask for documentation or demand a demonstration. If a dog is out of control or not housebroken, the store may request removal.
Service dog etiquette inside Walmart
- Keep the dog under control with a leash or harness unless that interferes with its task.
- Make sure the dog is housebroken and well-groomed.
- Avoid letting others pet or feed your working dog.
Final thoughts
Walmart’s policy is straightforward: service animals only. If you’re ever unsure about a specific location or an edge case (like a training scenario), a quick call to the store saves time and avoids awkward moments at the door.
- Plan ahead: Check your local store and have a pet-friendly backup stop on the same route.
- Respect the rules: A stroller, carrier, or bag doesn’t change access—use them where pets are welcome.
- Prioritize your dog’s comfort: Hydration, short visits, and calm environments make outings better for everyone.
For places that do allow dogs—outdoor markets, open-air malls, or long walks on warm pavement—a low-profile stroller can keep paws protected and your pup relaxed in crowds. If you’re considering one for those pet-friendly outings, take a look at the Whisker Bark luxury pet stroller; it folds quickly and has a ventilated cabin without drawing attention.
Bottom line: follow posted policies, choose environments that fit your dog’s temperament and training, and you’ll both have a smoother day out.
Note: Policies can change by jurisdiction and individual store. When in doubt, call your local Walmart before you visit.
