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Most people like to take their pets with them wherever they go. After all, shopping with your best friend is exciting. Service dogs can go just about anywhere. But all dogs are not service animals.
Wondering whether you could take your dog to stores like Walgreens? Read on.
Does Walgreens allow dogs in their stores?
No, Walgreens doesn’t allow dogs in most of their stores. However, you may want to call your local Walgreens store to find out if your four-legged friend could come along.
Does Walgreens allow service dogs?
Yes, Walgreens allows service dogs in all of their stores. Asa matter of fact, you can take your service dog to pharmacies, restaurants, stores, beaches, or anywhere you go under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). But, your dog should be under your control. And they should be leashed at all times.
According to the service dog experts at US Service Animals, yes, Walgreens allows service dogs in all of their stores. Asa matter of fact, you can take your service dog to pharmacies, restaurants, stores, beaches, or anywhere you go under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
According to the ADA, service animals are dogs that have received training to do chores for individuals with disabilities. These tasks include reminding a mentally ill individual to take medicines, pulling a wheelchair, alerting individuals who cannot hear, and guiding individuals who cannot see, to name a few.
However, the ADA does not consider dogs that offer emotional support, comfort, or companionship to be service animals.
What Can Walgreens Staff Ask About My Service Dog?
While Walgreens does not allow pets in its stores, your service dog is allowed in the store according to federal and state laws. But what can Walgreens staff ask about your service dog?
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, staff is not allowed to ask many questions about your service dog. However, they can ask the following two questions about any service:
- Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
- What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
You are required to answer these questions; however, if they ask for proof that your dog is a service animal or the staff doesn’t believe you, they are in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Asking to look at registration papers or making your dog perform tasks are illegal actions.
If this happens to you, you may be able to take legal action against the store/business. This can ensure you and your service dog are granted access in the future. However, you will need to find legal counsel and work with the ADA before proceeding with this action.
Can Walgreens Deny My Service Dog Access?
In most cases, your service dog should be allowed access to any business. However, there are some instances where a service dog is not allowed entry, including:
- The dog is out of control or not listening to cues
- The service dog is destroying or damaging items in the store
- The dog is posing a threat to the safety of staff or other customers
- The service dog is not potty trained and is creating a health hazard in the business
These reasons are valid, and any business, including Walgreens, has the right to deny your service dog entry.
Why are pet dogs not allowed in Walgreen stores?
Restaurants and grocery stores do not allow dogs because of health regulations. According to The Food and Drug Administration, animals like birds, cats, and dogs should not enter the premises of grocery stores. Also, a store may not allow dogs inside for safety reasons.
Conclusion
Pets dogs are not allowed to enter a Walgreens store. However, the pharmacy store allows service dogs in all of its stores. In fact, you can take your service dog with you anywhere you want as long as they are under your control. Above all, service dogs should be well-mannered at all times.
