Do you ever try to leave your house to run errands solo and get that look from your pup? You know the one–big sad puppy eyes that beg, “Mom, take me with pretty please. I’ll be a very good boy forever and ever.” Luckily plenty of stores like PetSmart feature dog-friendly policies so you can bring your furry fren(s) along for a shopping spree. Here’s the scoop on PetSmart’s pet policy, along with some hot tips for shopping with your beloved pets.
PetSmart Pet Policy
So are dogs allowed in PetSmart? The official pet policy is detailed on their website. PetSmart allows leashed or safely confined and vaccinated: domestic dogs and cats, birds, small animals and reptiles (guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, bearded dragons, and certain types of frogs and snakes), non-venomous reptiles, ferrets, rabbits, sugar gliders, and pot-bellied pigs. Other non-traditional pets are not allowed. The policy requests that you call the store if you’re unsure whether a pet is allowed.
5 Tips for Bringing Your Pup to PetSmart
Certainly you and your pooch don’t want to go viral for pulling some Beethoven-style shenanigans in aisle 3 (or wind up on any store’s doo-doo list). So, before you and doggo embark on your pet store adventure, we recommend brushing up on some etiquette.
1. Keep Pup Leashed
It seems like common sense, but it bears repeating: please keep your pooch on a leash at all times. In your eyes, your dog may be the perfectly behaved belle of the ball. But it’s common courtesy for other shoppers and pets to keep her on a fixed-length leash, and if needed, a front-clip harness.
2. Stay at a Safe Distance
How do you handle a doggo who’s a social butterfly and loves to run up to hoomans and other animals? Practice your sit and stay before shopping. After all, lots of people and other pets are more reserved, preferring to have space and distance. Once he keeps all four paws on the floor when meeting others and only proceeds with your cue, give him verbal positive commands, pets, and treatos.
3. Avoid Accidents
With all the hubbub of the store, including new sights, sounds, smells, and species, it would be easy for pup to get so excited and have an accident. Make sure she goes for a nice long walk and has a chance to relieve herself before your shopping adventures.
4. Eat Before You Go (and Pack Treats)
You know how it’s a terrible idea to go to the grocery store hungry? The same thing goes for our dogs. Make sure they get plenty of food and treatos before you head to the store so they won’t be quite as tempted to munch on everything in sight. Bonus points: Bring a few treatos along for training and rewarding her for good behavior.
5. Know Your Doggo’s Limits
If your dog is showing signs of sensory overload, like panting, whining, barking, or invading another pet’s space, he’s telling you it’s time to go home. We get it! Sometimes all the newness is simply overwhelming. Get his food, treats, and toys delivered curbside, or order online.
Do you take your doggo to PetSmart? Tag #SidewalkDog in those adorbs shopping pics.
Featured Photo: Wind Wolf Photography
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