If you’re wondering whether dogs are allowed in Lowe’s or not, you’re not alone.
Many dog parents want to take their beloved pooch shopping at this store. But they’re not familiar with Lowe’s dog policy and start searching for answers…
No more wondering! This article will reveal:
- 5 things you should know about Lowe’s dog policy.
- The 3 top reasons why dog owners bring their furry friends to Lowe’s.
- 9 essential tips for worry-free shopping at Lowe’s with your pooch beside you.
- Which Lowe’s doesn’t allow dogs on their premises (and which are the exceptions).
- And way more…
Table of contents
Are dogs allowed in Lowe’s?
Lowe’s only allows dogs in stores if the management approves it. The dogs have to be on the leash at all times and well behaved. Pet owners are expected to clean up after their dogs. If dogs are aggressive, the pet owner and the dog will be asked to leave the store.
Are dogs allowed in Lowe’s during COVID?
Lowe’s allows dogs in their stores even during COVID. There are no restrictions for it. If the store is pet-friendly, then dogs are welcome at the store. However, it still depends on the discretion of local management.
Are dogs allowed in Lowe’s Canada?
Lowe’s Canada does not allow dogs in their stores. The company recognizes the roles that pets play in families. However, they only allow guide dogs and service animals to accompany customers with disabilities.
Lowe’s history
Lowe’s had its humble beginnings as a small-town hardware store in North Carolina.
L.S. Lowe founded the first hardware in 1921. The store sold building materials as well as dry goods and groceries.
The son, Jim Lowe, inherited the business in 1940. He offered his brother-in-law, Carl Buchan, a joint partnership as he served in World War II.
In 1946, after WWII, Carl Buchan focused on home improvement products. In 1952, he ended his joint partnership with Jim Lowe and became the sole owner.
The name, Lowe’s, remained.
Lowe’s dog policy (5 things you need to know)
#1: Only service dogs allowed
Just like Home Depot, Lowe’s policy says that only service dogs are allowed in their stores.
However, some stores and employees have a lax attitude about the policy. Not all stores strictly enforce it.
In fact, many employees have treats in their pockets in case they encounter a dog.
Note: It’s the store manager’s discretion to allow dogs in the store.
#2: One of the pet-friendly stores
Lowe’s is one of the biggest home improvement stores in the world.
And it’s also one of many stores to take your dog with you.
In fact, you’ll see many dogs cruising the aisles of a Lowe’s store.
Even if a dog is not allowed inside the store, don’t worry. The Outdoor Living section in all stores is open for all pets.
#3: Keep dogs on a leash
When you go to a Lowe’s store, you’ll most probably see a sign regarding their policy.
Your dog must be leashed and well-behaved.
Some stores allow pet owners to put their dogs in the shopping cart or carry them. Many pet owners have no problem having their dog walking next to the cart.
#4: You won’t be asked about your dog
Does your local Lowe’s store strictly enforce the policy? If yes, expect no one to ask whether your dog is a service dog.
Some employees have shed light as to why this is so.
Apparently, they were told not to ask about a dog when greeting people. Besides, it was a hassle to ask pet owners for service dog documentation.
In some cases, the management has no clear instructions regarding the policy. As a result, they allow pets into the store. Not just dogs, but cats, monkeys, and even parrots.
No one would dare turn away a customer and their dog. Unless the dog is misbehaving.
#5: Changes in policy
The confusion regarding Lowe’s dog policy is the lack of uniform enforcement.
For example:
Stores with a ‘service dog only’ sign welcome all pets. But stores where pets have been in and out for the last year, suddenly stop allowing them inside.
Just like one pet owner who had been bringing her dogs to Lowe’s. Both Lowe’s and Home Depot have allowed dogs on leash for more than 9 years.
And then all of a sudden, the local Lowe’s no longer allowed pets. They would allow only service dogs.
Naturally, the pet owner would be confused.
In some cases, dog fights and accidents caused the policy changes
One pet owner shared on a blog that she and her Chihuahua were at Lowe’s. The manager approached them and told her that only service dogs were allowed.
When she asked why, the manager cited incidents with aggressive dogs.
Another pet owner was shocked that the local Lowe’s put up a sign. This happened at a local Lowe’s store in New Hampshire.
The store explained that it had always been the store’s policy.
The pet owner tried to reason with the management. She’d been bringing her dog to the store since it was 8 weeks old. And now the dog was turning 3.
Yet another pet owner and her dog experienced the same thing. They were already inside the store. And the dog was behaving well anyway.
They were looking at a product when they were told that only service dogs were allowed.
Check out also: Are Dogs Allowed In Costco? (Costco Dog Policy Explained)
Dog biting incidents at Lowe’s
When stores welcome dogs, the worst that could happen is a dog biting incident.
And Lowe’s was not spared from this.
The biggest hurdle Lowe’s faced, where dogs are concerned, was on December 28, 2013.
A 3-year-old purebred Akita, on a leash, mauled a 3-year-old boy. The attack left the toddler with injuries that required 50 stitches.
The incident happened in the garden area of Lowe’s in Murrieta, California
After the attack, the dog’s owner, Robert Steven Kahn, apologized to the family and quickly left.
The police tracked Kahn and arrested him. Animal Control seized the dog, Chester. Eventually, Animal Control turned over Chester to an Akita rescue group.
An investigation found out that there had been two biting incidents prior to the attack. Chester had bitten two young children. One took place at a Home Depot store.
Meanwhile, the family sued Lowe’s for allowing Kahn and his dog into the store. The family also complained that no employee called 911 after the attack.
Another dog biting incident happened on March 24, 2019. It was at Lowe’s on South Tunnel Road, North Carolina.
The dog bit a victim, causing minor injuries. However, the owner fled the scene.
You might also want to learn: Are Dogs Allowed In Home Depot? (Home Depot Dog Policy)
3 reasons why pet owners bring their dogs to Lowe’s
#1: Socialization
Stores like Lowe’s present an opportunity for dogs to socialize. Whether with other pets or people.
Many pet owners have admitted that this is why they tag their dogs along when shopping. Some pet owners even bring puppies when training them on how to behave around people.
Dogs can benefit from early life experiences such as going to Lowe’s. According to this study, socialization has a lasting effect on a dog’s development.
If not socialized properly, it could lead to aggression, anxiety, or separation-related problems.
Caution: Protect your puppy by ensuring they have complete and updated vaccinations. As Lowe’s is a pet-friendly place, your dog might pick up diseases from other dogs.
#2: Outings
A pet owner from Phoenix, Arizona shared on Quora that they take dogs on outings at Lowe’s. This usually happens during the summer months and winter months.
The store doesn’t mind as long as the dogs behave. It’s the pet owners’ responsibility to bring poop bags for accidents.
#3: Field trip
A pet owner shared her own experience on another forum. She said that she takes dogs in training to Lowe’s all the time.
The store welcomes their dogs when she takes them for a field trip. She said that the store is the perfect place to prove their dog’s obedience training.
9 tips when shopping at Lowe’s with your dog
#1: Call ahead
Lowe’s is a pet-friendly store. But there’s no telling if your local Lowe’s welcomes all pets.
Rules could change without you knowing. Thus, better call them ahead of your shopping.
There’s no sense driving far only to be turned away at Lowe’s.
#2: Acclimate and desensitize your dog to sounds
Lowe’s is a very busy store.
It could be full of noisy people or energetic cheerful children. There could be a lot of dogs and other pets.
Bringing your dog to Lowe’s could mean exposing them to a lot of these experiences at once. They will come across people at every turn.
Some of these will probably want to pet them. Question is, can your dog take it?
In addition, you’ll be exposing your dog to various sights, sounds, and scents. It could be overwhelming for your dog if they’re not used to it.
There will be lots of noise, too. The loudspeakers will be blasting every now and then. There will be forklifts everywhere.
To prepare your dog, start by desensitizing them long before shopping
In this article, the author defines desensitization as a way to reduce a dog’s reaction to a stimulus.
For sounds, the author suggests playing a sound recording below the fear threshold.
This means playing the sound at a comfortable volume for the dog.
Then gradually increase the volume as the dog gets used to it. As the dog gets exposed to the sound, they no longer react to it.
This study also proves how effective desensitization could be. Eight dogs have undergone desensitization and counterconditioning to treat separation-related problems.
The results showed that the use of desensitization reduced the frequency and severity of the problem.
#3: Be mindful of your environment
A lot of things happen at the same time in a busy store.
While shopping, a dog or a stranger might approach without you knowing.
One of these things could happen:
- Your dog reacting and being aggressive.
- Your dog being startled or scared by the approach.
When taking dogs to stores, be mindful of your surroundings. Consider your dog’s welfare when they’re in busy places like Lowe’s.
Also, avoid bad interactions as much as you can. If your dog or another dog shows aggression or discomfort, remove your dog from the situation.
If your dog reacts to a stranger, apologize to the person. Then take your dog away.
#4: When to leave your dog at home
Sometimes it’s better to leave your dog at home than bring them to Lowe’s.
Especially if shopping is going to take a long time. Or if shopping will require too much of your attention.
#5: Don’t bring reactive dogs to stores
Sometimes dogs are not prepared to be exposed to busy places too soon.
They react by growling, showing teeth aggressively or, even biting. These dogs have not been given enough training to behave well.
If you think your dog is reactive, train them first before bringing them with you anywhere. Because if they bite, it will put you and your dog in a very bad situation.
There isn’t a shortage of dog biting incidents at stores.
A customer at Lowe’s shared on a blog how he was bit while walking around the store
He observed that the dog didn’t have a collar and no rabies tags as well.
He ended up spending for four injections.
Some pet owners didn’t see the need to bring dogs into stores. Even if their dogs don’t bite.
One pet owner shared on a forum his own thoughts. He said that one day, a dog may end up biting a kid who’s teasing them.
He also mentioned how some parents just let their children do stuff. Such as running toward a dog or petting a dog without asking permission first.
It puts kids and dogs in a dangerous situation.
#6: Keep dogs well behaved
Lowe’s stores allow dogs into their establishments as long as they remain well behaved.
It makes for stress-free shopping. And ensures that you can bring your dog next time. Usually, employees leave you in peace if your dog is not making any trouble.
Did you know that a simple ‘sit’ or ‘stay’ or ‘leave it’ could be so useful?
It keeps dogs focused on you. And it prevents them from being distracted.
Here are Floki and Rollo waiting patiently with their owner at Lowe’s:
These puppies are only 12 weeks old. Yet they already know how to behave well.
When training your dog basic obedience, start when they are young. You’ll have plenty of time to teach them the basics.
And you can do refreshers to make sure your dog doesn’t forget what they learned.
In addition to basic commands, teach them recall.
This is useful when your dog is trying to walk ahead or away from you. Or when they are also busy checking out products at Lowe’s.
#7: Clean up
You are responsible for your dog, including when they make a mess.
It’s normal for a dog to pee or poop in areas unfamiliar to them. That’s how they mark their territory.
But what a hassle if they take a dump in the middle of an aisle at Lowe’s!
And this had happened too many times already.
There was one former employee at Lowe’s who shared that one dog pooped in the store. A customer didn’t see it and ran the cart over it.
You can imagine the mess it made.
When this happens, it troubles customers and employees alike.
Avoid instances like this. Have your dog do their business prior to entering the store.
Note: Always have poop bags and pee pads with you. Show Lowe’s you are a responsible pet owner by cleaning up after your dog.
#8: Be aware of kids
You know how young children are when they see dogs.
They are either afraid, or they would run to the dog and give it a hug.
This is scary on so many levels because dogs are not the same.
You’ll find many gentle dogs who eat attention for breakfast. They love people and kids and other pets.
And there are dogs that tolerate people. They would let you pet them to a certain point.
But there are some dogs that are not friendly. And kids, they don’t know better. All they know is that all dogs are good, particularly if they have one at home.
Caution: If your dog is uncomfortable around kids, have them trained first. Know that there will always be a lot of kids who will want to pet your dog. It’s best to keep everyone happy and safe.
#9: Be a responsible pet owner
Dogs wouldn’t know how to act in the store by themselves.
You are responsible for them being well mannered. As well as for bringing them with you only when they’re already trained.
If you know they’re afraid of people and sounds, don’t bring them. It will only stress them.
You could also be bothering others when your dog barks and jumps at everyone.
Also, follow Lowe’s rules at all times. Keep your dog leashed and close to you.
Look out for people who might touch your dog without asking for permission. No matter how well behaved your dog is, they could react negatively when startled.
Keep these things in mind to make shopping a fun experience for you and your pooch.