Last updated on January 12th, 2024 at 12:59 pm
Does REI Allow Dogs? Is REI Dog-Friendly?
Table of Contents
Does REI Allow Dogs? The answer is that REI does allow dogs in its stores, but there are a few exceptions. Depending on the store you visit, your experience will vary.
REI is a popular outdoor retailer that specializes in selling gear and apparel for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities. Many people who love spending time outdoors also love spending time with their dogs, so they may wonder if REI is a dog-friendly store.
Does REI Allow Dogs?
According to official corporate policy, dogs are not allowed in REI retail store locations. Service dogs are the only exception. Some stores have been known to allow dogs, however. It is at the discretion of individual store managers and staff members to enforce; therefore, it varies somewhat from one shop to the next.
Are REI Stores Dog-friendly?
No, REI stores are not dog-friendly. Pets are not allowed inside the store. Some shoppers have reported that they have been able to bring their dog into an REI store, although this is not the posted pet policy.
Are Dogs Allowed Inside REI?
REI employees may make exceptions on a case-by-case basis, depending on the individual situation. If you are considering bringing your dog into an REI store, it is best to call ahead and speak to a manager to see if they would be willing to make an exception in your case.
In general, REI are not pet-friendly and pets are not allowed inside.
What Is REI’s Official Dog Policy?
REI does not allow dogs in their stores, with the exception of service animals. This policy is in place to create a comfortable and safe environment for all shoppers, as well as to protect the equipment and merchandise in the store.
Service animals are specially trained to provide assistance to people with disabilities, and they are welcome in all areas of the store where shoppers are allowed. Emotional support animals are not considered service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and therefore are not allowed inside REI stores.
This policy may vary from store to store, so it is always best to check with the specific location before bringing a pet inside.
Does REI’s Dog Policy Vary Across Locations?
REI has an official policy that only service dogs are allowed inside their stores. However, this policy may vary depending on the location of the store. Some REI stores may allow non-service dogs inside as long as they are well-behaved and leashed or in a carrier.
It is important to note that even if a specific REI store allows non-service dogs, it is still the responsibility of the dog owner to ensure their dog is well-behaved and does not disrupt other customers. This includes keeping the dog on a leash or in a carrier, cleaning up after the dog, and being mindful of the dog’s behavior and body language.
Before bringing a non-service dog to an REI store, it is recommended to check the store’s policy ahead of time by calling or checking the store’s website. Additionally, it is always a good idea to have a backup plan in case the store does not allow dogs or if the dog becomes agitated or disruptive inside the store.
Overall, while REI’s official policy only allows service dogs inside their stores, it is important to be aware that the policy may vary depending on the specific store location. It is always best to check ahead of time and be prepared for any situation when bringing a dog to an REI store.
Why Pet Dogs Are Not Allowed In REI
REI does not allow pet dogs in their stores for a variety of reasons. The first and most important reason is that some people are allergic to dogs. Secondly, dogs can be disruptive and cause messes in the store. Third, REI wants to create a safe and comfortable environment for all shoppers, and having dogs in the store may not be conducive to that goal. Finally, REI employees are not trained to deal with dogs, so it is not fair to them or the dog to have them in the store.
If you are looking for a place to take your dog shopping, there are plenty of other retailers who allow well-behaved dogs in their stores. However, REI is not one of them, it is not pet friendly.
We’ll keep you updated with the latest news about places that allow your furry friend:
Is Bass Pro Shops Pet Friendly?
Is Academy Sports + Outdoors Pet Friendly?
Are Service Dogs Allowed In REI?
Yes, service dogs are allowed in REI as long as they are well-trained. This pet policy is in place to ensure the safety and comfort of all shoppers. Service dogs must be under the control of their handler at all times, and handlers must be prepared to clean up any accidents that may occur.
Service dogs are specially trained to perform tasks or do work for people with disabilities. The ADA defines a service animal as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. They are allowed in all public places, including REI stores.
Do You Need To Show Service Dog Documents In REI?
If you plan on bringing your service dog into an REI store, you may be asked to show documentation proving that your dog is indeed a service animal. This documentation can take the form of a service dog certification, which can be obtained from a variety of organizations.
While it is not required to have this certification, it can help to speed up the process and make things easier for both you and the store employees.
If you do not have a service dog certification, you may still be able to bring your service dog into the store. The store staff members may ask you some questions about your dog’s training and tasks, in order to verify that it is indeed a service animal.
However, having the certification can help to make this process go more smoothly. So, if you’re planning on bringing your service dog into an REI store, it’s always best to be prepared with the proper documentation.
Rules for Service Dogs in REI
Here’s a table summarizing rules for Service Dogs:
| Rule | Description |
|---|---|
| Access to All Areas | Service dogs are allowed in all areas of the store. |
| Well-Trained | Service dogs must be well-trained to ensure proper behavior. |
| Handler Responsibility | Handlers are responsible for controlling their service dogs. |
| Documentation Check (Possibly) | Handlers may be asked for documentation verifying service status. |
Stay in the loop with us and we’ll keep you updated on all places that allow your furry friend:
Does L.L.Bean Allow Dogs Inside?
Does Cabelas Allow Dogs? Is Cabela’s Dog Friendly?
Are Emotional Support Dogs Allowed In REI?
No, REI does not allow emotional support dogs in its stores.
Emotional support dogs are not recognized as service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which means they are not allowed in REI stores. This can be confusing and disappointing for those who have emotional support dogs, as they are not given the same access as service animals.
However, service animals are still allowed in order to accommodate those with disabilities. Service animals are trained to perform specific tasks that assist their owners, while emotional support dogs provide companionship and comfort.
Emotional support dogs are not required to have any specific training, which is why they are not considered service animals under the ADA. Despite this, many dog owners find emotional support dogs to be helpful and comforting, especially in times of stress or anxiety.
While REI does not allow emotional support dogs in its stores, there are other businesses that do accommodate them. It is important to check with each business before bringing your emotional support dog into their store.
REI Pet Policy Reference Table
Here is a table summarizing the information related to REI’s pet policy:
| Pet Type | Allowed in REI Stores | Policy Details |
|---|---|---|
| Pet Dogs | vary from store to store | Generally not allowed; some stores may make exceptions |
| Service Dogs | Yes | Allowed in all areas of the store; must be well-trained |
| Emotional Support Dogs | vary from store to store | Not recognized as service animals. Generally not allowed; some stores may make exceptions |
Customer Voices: Shopping at REI with Dogs
In this subsection, we bring forth the authentic voices of customers who have shared their experiences, both positive and negative, while shopping at REI with their dogs.
Positive Experiences
Joyous Outings with Furry Friends:
Grace
“Bringing my dog to REI is a joy. The store’s pet-friendly policy adds a layer of convenience to my outdoor shopping. The staff is always friendly, and other shoppers often share a smile or a quick pet with my dog. It enhances the overall shopping experience!”
Helpful Staff and Pet-Focused Recommendations:
Michael
“I love how knowledgeable the staff is about pet gear. I brought my dog to find a new harness, and the staff not only assisted me but also provided valuable recommendations for pet-friendly hiking trails. It’s this kind of expertise that keeps me coming back.”
Community Feeling:
Sarah
“The sense of community among pet owners at REI is fantastic. We often share tips on the best dog-friendly gear and swap stories about our adventures. It feels like a shared experience, and I appreciate REI fostering this kind of environment.”
Negative Experiences
Uneasy Encounters with Fellow Shoppers:
Mark
“On a few occasions, I’ve noticed uncomfortable glances from fellow shoppers when I brought my large dog into the store. It made me feel a bit uneasy, even though my dog is well-behaved. I wish there was more understanding about different breeds and sizes.”
Inconsistent Application of Pet Policy:
Jessica
“The pet policy seems to vary from store to store. In some locations, I’ve been warmly welcomed with my dog, while in others, I’ve been asked to leave. It’s a bit confusing and makes planning outings a challenge.”
Limited Pet-Friendly Amenities:
Alex
“While I appreciate REI’s efforts, I wish there were more amenities for pets in the stores. Water bowls, pet-friendly rest areas, or even a designated treat station would make the experience even better for both me and my dog.”
These firsthand accounts provide a glimpse into the diverse range of experiences customers have had while shopping at REI with their dogs. It highlights areas where REI has excelled and areas where there may be room for improvement, offering valuable insights for both the company and potential customers.
Buying REI Dog Equipment Without Your Dog Present
If you are unable to bring your dog to the REI store, there are still ways to ensure that the equipment you want will fit your dog. REI provides detailed sizing charts for their dog equipment on their website. These charts typically include measurements for the neck, chest, and waist of the dog, as well as weight ranges for each size.
Before purchasing any equipment, it’s important to measure your dog and compare those measurements to the sizing chart provided by REI. This will help you select the correct size for your dog and ensure a proper fit. If you have any doubts or questions about sizing, you can always contact REI’s customer service for assistance.
Additionally, many of the dog equipment products sold by REI have customer reviews that provide valuable information about the fit of the product on different dog breeds and sizes. Reading through these reviews can also be helpful in determining if a particular product will fit your dog well.
Overall, while not being able to bring your dog to the store can be a bit inconvenient, there are still ways to ensure that the equipment you purchase from REI will fit your furry friend.
Dog-Friendly Stores Near You
If you’re looking for a place to take your dog where they will be welcome, there are a few things you can do. You can call the store ahead of time to ask about their policy, tweet them or email them. Alternatively, you can just stop by without your dog and ask.
Depending on the store, their policy on dogs may vary. However, chances are that you will be able to find at least some places in your city that allow dogs. By taking some time to research beforehand, you can make sure that your furry friend is able to enjoy the outing with you.
Check out the posts where we check which retailers have a compassionate approach:
Does Sierra Trading Post Allow Dogs Inside?
Is Camping World Pet Friendly?
Frequently Asked Questions
What other retailers don’t allow pets?
Many locations do not allow pet dogs as a result of corporate policy and/or local sanitary regulations are as follows:
- IKEA doesn’t allow dogs inside stores
- Walmart welcomes service animals
- Target- pet policy does not allow dogs inside stores
- Hobby Lobby offers everything you’ll need to complete all of your DIY activities. Hobby Lobby allows only service dogs.
- Costco is not pet friendly. The dog must be left at the store entrance
What retailers are dog friendly?
- Home Depot is one of the many hardware stores that is very dog friendly. These stores happily welcome pets accompanying their owners on home improvement expedition.
- Cabela’s retail stores are generally dog-friendly, however, because of state legislation, certain shops may be prohibited from allowing more than service dogs.
- Bass Pro Shops is very dog friendly despite being owned by the same company as Cabela’s. Each year, their organization puts on a well-known “Dog Days”.
- Petco like almost every pet store, is very pet friendly.
Is REI cat friendly?
It is unlikely that REI is cat friendly. The retailer’s official policy only allows service dogs in the store, and there is no mention of allowing other types of animals, such as cats. However, it is best to check with the specific store ahead of time to see if they allow pets or have any specific guidelines or restrictions.
Is REI Portland dog-friendly?
Polite dogs on a leash are welcome at the REI Portland store, as long as they don’t bother other shoppers. It’s always a good idea to follow proper dog etiquette when bringing your furry friend to a store, including keeping them on a leash, cleaning up after them, and ensuring they don’t disturb other customers.
Conclusion: Does REI Allow Dogs?
The official pet policy of REI is that dogs are not permitted. Unofficially, though, some stores may appear to be more permissive. It’s ultimately up to the store manager to enforce company policy.
This is why there are individuals who do and will bring their dogs into certain REI locations. Whether or not you should be considered separately. Simply think about your dog’s temperament and how well-socialized and trained they are. Aside from that, this rule is in place for a reason.