Last updated on January 15th, 2024 at 02:04 pm
100 Dog Friendly Stores in Washington, DC
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As a frequent traveler around the United States, I know that bringing your furry friend along for the ride can add a whole new level of excitement to your trip. That’s why I’m thrilled to share with you my latest adventure exploring dog-friendly stores in Washington, DC.
In this article, I’ll be focusing specifically on the best places to shop with your canine companion in tow. Whether you’re a local looking for new places to explore or a visitor planning a trip to DC, this guide is sure to come in handy. But before we dive into the top dog stores in the city, let’s take a look at some important things you need to know about shopping with your dog in Washington, DC.
Keep in mind that individual store policies may vary, and it's recommended to check with the specific location before bringing your dog inside. Additionally, some stores may allow dogs in certain areas or have specific guidelines, so it's always a good idea to inquire beforehand.
List of 100 Dog Friendly Stores in Washington, DC
Here are the top 100 dog-friendly chain stores in Washington:
Beauty
- Bath and Body Works
- LUSH Cosmetics
- MAC Cosmetics
- MALIN+GOETZ
- Sephora (read more “Does Sephora Allow Dogs”)
- ULTA (read the article “Does Ulta Allow Dogs Inside?”)
Bookstores
- Barnes and Noble (allowed in some cases, read the article “Is Barnes & Noble Pet Friendly?”)
- Half Price Books
Fashion
- Abercrombie and Fitch
- American Eagle Outfitters
- Ann Taylor
- Anthropologie
- Banana Republic
- Barney’s New York
- Bergdorf Goodman
- Bloomingdale’s
- Chico’s
- Coach
- Designer Shoe Warehouse (read the article “Is DSW Pet Friendly?”)
- Foot Locker
- Free People
- Gap
- Goodwill (allowed in some cases, read the article “Goodwill Pet Policy”)
- H&M (allowed in some cases, read the article “H&M Pet Policy“)
- JC Penney’s (read the article “JC Penney’s Pet Policy”)
- J. Jill
- Kenneth Cole
- Kohl’s (read the article “Kohl’s Pet Policy”)
- Knot Standard
- Lane Bryant
- Lululemon Athletica (read the article “Lululemon Pet Policy”)
- Macy’s (read the article “Macy’s Pet Policy”)
- Marshalls (read the article “Marshalls Pet Policy”)
- Nordstrom (read the article “Nordstrom Pet Policy”)
- Nordstrom’s The Rack
- Old Navy (read the article “Old Navy Pet Policy”)
- Ross (read the article “Ross Pet Policy”)
- Rye 51
- Saks Fifth Avenue
- Saks OFF 5TH
- Simon Premium Outlets
- Talbots
- TJ Maxx (read the article “TJ Maxx Pet Policy”)
- Tommy Bahama
- Urban Outfitters
- Victoria’s Secret
Hardware + Auto
- Ace Hardware (read the article “Ace Hardware Pet Policy”)
- AutoZone (read the article “AutoZone Pet Policy”)
- Farm And Fleet (read the article “Farm And Fleet Pet Policy”)
- Fleet Farm (read the article “Fleet Farm Pet Policy”)
- Harley Davidson Store
- Lowe’s (allowed in some cases, read the article “Lowe’s Pet Policy”)
- Lumber Liquidators
- Harbour Freight (read the article “Harbour Freight Pet Policy”)
- Pep Boys
- The Home Depot (allowed in some cases, read the article “The Home Depot Pet Policy”)
- Tractor Supply Co. (read the article “Tractor Supply Co. Pet Policy”)
- Menards (read the article “Menards Pet Policy”)
Hobby
- Hobby Lobby (read the article “Hobby Lobby Pet Policy”)
- JoAnn Fabric (read the article “JoAnn Fabric Pet Policy”)
- Michaels
Home Decor
- At Home (read the article “At Home Pet Policy”)
- Bed Bath and Beyond (read the article “Bed Bath and Beyond Pet Policy”)
- Big Lots (allowed in some cases, read the article “Big Lots Pet Policy”)
- Crate & Barrel
- Ethan Allen
- Floor & Decor (read the article “Floor & Decor Pet Policy”)
- HomeGoods (read the article “HomeGoods Pet Policy”)
- HomeSense
- IKEA (allowed in some cases, read the article “IKEA Pet Policy“)
- Kirkland Home Stores
- Living Spaces (small dogs only)
- Pottery Barn
- Restoration Hardware
- The Container Store (read the article “The Container Store Pet Policy”)
- Tuesday Morning
- West Elm (read the article “West Elm Pet Policy”)
- White House Black Market
- William Sonoma
- Yankee Candle
Jewelry
Pet Supply Stores
- Pet Supplies Plus
- Pet Valu
- Pet Supermarket
- PetSmart (read the article “PetSmart Pet Policy”)
- Petco (read the article “Petco Dog Wash”)
- Woof Gang Bakery
Sports + Outdoors
- Academy Sports + Outdoors (read the article “Store Pet Policy”)
- Bass Pro Shops (read the article “Bass Pro Pet Policy”)
- Cabela’s (read the article “Cabela’s Pet Policy”)
- Camping World (read the article “Camping World Pet Policy”)
- Dick’s Sporting Goods
- Field and Stream
- Gander Outdoors
- Great Outdoor Provision Co.
- L.L. Bean (read the article “L.L. Bean Pet Policy”)
- Orvis
- Patagonia
- REI (read the article “REI Pet Policy”)
- Scheels
- Sierra (read the article “Sierra Pet Policy”)
- Sportsman’s Warehouse
Local Dog Friendly Stores in Washington, DC
In addition to the well-known chain stores that are dog-friendly in Washington, DC, there are also plenty of small, local businesses that welcome visitors with furry companions. From bakeries to bookstores, these establishments are happy to provide a warm welcome to both you and your pup.
Whether you’re taking a stroll along the historic Canal Towpath in Georgetown or simply walking home from a dog park, these shops are the perfect place to take a break and treat your dog to a little something special.
- Dog Tag Bakery – A non-profit bakery and cafe that provides job training and education for veterans and their spouses, Dog Tag Bakery offers a variety of sweet and savory treats for both you and your pup to enjoy.
- The Book Room – This cozy independent bookstore in Georgetown welcomes dogs of all sizes and breeds to browse the shelves alongside their human companions.
- The Phoenix – A popular bar and restaurant in Capitol Hill, The Phoenix offers a dog-friendly outdoor patio where you can enjoy delicious food and drinks with your furry friend by your side.
- District Doughnut – This gourmet doughnut shop in Barracks Row is known for their unique flavors and creative toppings, and they also offer a special “pupcake” for your four-legged friend.
- East City Bookshop – Another great independent bookstore that welcomes dogs, East City Bookshop in Capitol Hill also hosts regular author events and book clubs.
- The Outrage – This women-owned and operated clothing store in Shaw is dog-friendly and features a selection of socially-conscious clothing and accessories.
- Le Pain Quotidien – With several locations throughout the city, this bakery and cafe offers a dog-friendly outdoor seating area where you can enjoy fresh baked bread and pastries with your pup.
- Petworth Citizen – This popular bar and restaurant in Petworth features a dog-friendly outdoor patio and a menu of creative cocktails and delicious pub fare.
- Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe – One of DC’s oldest and most beloved independent bookstores, Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe in Dupont Circle welcomes dogs and offers a great selection of books and a tasty cafe menu.
- Hanks Oyster Bar – This upscale seafood restaurant with locations in Dupont Circle and Capitol Hill offers a dog-friendly patio where you can enjoy delicious seafood dishes and refreshing cocktails with your furry friend.
- Salt & Sundry – A home goods and gift shop with locations in Union Market and in Logan Circle, Salt & Sundry welcomes dogs and offers a carefully curated selection of unique and stylish items.
- Peregrine Espresso – This popular coffee shop in Eastern Market offers a dog-friendly outdoor seating area where you can enjoy delicious coffee and pastries with your pup.
Dog Friendly Shopping in Washington, DC
When shopping with your dog in Washington, DC, it’s important to keep in mind the regulations and requirements for dogs in public spaces. First and foremost, all dogs must be on a leash and under control at all times while in public areas, including stores and restaurants.
Additionally, it’s important to clean up after your dog and properly dispose of any waste. While many stores and restaurants in DC welcome dogs, it’s always a good idea to check with the establishment before bringing your furry friend inside.
Some stores may have restrictions on the size or breed of dogs allowed, while others may only allow dogs in certain areas of the store. It’s also important to keep your dog well-behaved while shopping and not allow them to jump on or disturb other customers.
In DC, there are fines for dog owners who violate certain regulations. For example, owners who fail to clean up after their dog can be fined up to $75 for a first offense and up to $150 for subsequent offenses. Dogs who are off-leash in public areas can also result in a fine of up to $150 for a first offense and up to $300 for subsequent offenses.
It’s important to note that fines can vary depending on the severity of the offense and the discretion of the enforcing agency, so it’s best to always follow regulations and keep your dog under control to avoid any potential fines.
Dog Regulations and Fines Table in Washington, DC
| Violation | Fine ($) | Regulation |
|---|---|---|
| Unlicensed Dog | $50 – $200 | All dogs in Washington, DC must be licensed. |
| Off-Leash Dog in Public | $100 – $500 | Dogs must be on a leash in public areas unless in a designated off-leash zone. |
| Failure to Clean up Waste | $25 – $100 | Owners must promptly clean up after their dogs in public spaces. |
| Dog Barking Nuisance | $50 – $250 | Excessive barking that disturbs neighbors is not allowed. |
| Aggressive Dog Behavior | $200 – $1,000 | Owners are responsible for preventing aggressive behavior in their dogs. |
| Violation of Leash Law | $75 – $300 | Dogs must be on a leash when not in designated off-leash areas. |
| Unattended Tethered Dog | $50 – $200 | Dogs left tethered or chained must not be left unattended for extended periods. |
| Failure to Vaccinate | $75 – $300 | Dogs must be up-to-date on vaccinations as required by law. |
| Dog at Large | $100 – $500 | Dogs must be under control and not allowed to roam freely. |
Always refer to the latest local ordinances or contact local authorities for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Dog Friendly Shopping malls in Washington, DC
Shopping with your dog can be a fun and rewarding experience, but finding a mall that welcomes four-legged friends can be a challenge. Fortunately, in Washington, DC, there are several shopping malls that allow dogs to accompany their owners while they shop. Here is a list of some of the top dog-friendly shopping malls in Washington, DC:
- The Shops at Wisconsin Place: This upscale mall in Chevy Chase, MD, allows dogs in common areas and some stores, provided they are on a leash.
- Tysons Corner Center: Located just outside of DC in McLean, VA, Tysons Corner Center welcomes well-behaved dogs on leashes in outdoor areas and some stores.
- The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City: This shopping center in Arlington, VA, allows leashed dogs in common areas and some stores, making it a popular destination for dog owners.
- CityCenterDC: Located in the heart of DC, CityCenterDC is a premier shopping destination that welcomes dogs on leashes in outdoor areas and some stores.
- Union Market: This bustling food hall in Northeast DC is a great place to bring your dog while you shop for artisanal foods and goods. Dogs are allowed in the outdoor area and some stores.
- Mosaic District: This shopping and dining destination in Fairfax, VA, welcomes well-behaved dogs on leashes in common areas and some stores.
- The Shops at Fairfax Square: This luxury shopping center in Fairfax, VA, allows dogs in common areas and some stores, provided they are on a leash.
- The Village at Shirlington: This outdoor shopping center in Arlington, VA, allows dogs on leashes in common areas and some stores, making it a popular destination for dog owners.
Remember, while these shopping malls do allow dogs, it’s important to always check with the establishment before bringing your furry friend inside. It’s also important to keep your dog on a leash, clean up after them, and ensure they are well-behaved while shopping to ensure a positive experience for all.
Additionally, peruse our helpful and current article “Are Dogs Allowed In Malls in the US?”
FAQ about Dog Friendly Stores in Washington, DC
What stores are dogs allowed in Washington, DC?
Many stores in Washington, DC allow dogs, but it’s important to always check with the establishment before bringing your furry friend inside. Some popular stores that welcome dogs include Home Depot, Lowe’s, and most pet stores.
Are dogs allowed in grocery stores in Washington, DC?
Generally, dogs are not allowed in grocery stores in Washington, DC, with the exception of service animals (ADA).
What is the dog law in Washington, DC?
In Washington, DC, dogs must be on a leash that is no longer than eight feet at all times while in public spaces. Dogs must also be licensed and vaccinated against rabies.
Are dogs allowed in stores in Washington, DC?
Some stores in Washington, DC allow dogs, but it’s important to always check with the establishment before bringing your furry friend inside. Stores that often welcome dogs include Home Depot, Lowe’s, and most pet stores.
Can you take a dog into Walmart in Washington, DC?
It depends on the Walmart location. Some Walmart stores in Washington, DC allow dogs, while others do not. It’s best to check with the specific store before bringing your dog inside.
Are dogs allowed in IKEA Washington, DC?
Yes, dogs are allowed in IKEA Washington, DC, as long as they are on a leash or in a carrier.
Can I bring my dog into stores in Washington, DC?
Some stores in Washington, DC allow dogs, but it’s important to always check with the establishment before bringing your furry friend inside. Stores that often welcome dogs include Home Depot, Lowe’s, and most pet stores.
Are dogs allowed in Costco Washington, DC?
Generally, dogs are not allowed in Costco Washington, DC, with the exception of service animals.
Are dogs allowed to roam free Washington, DC?
No, dogs must be on a leash that is no longer than eight feet at all times while in public spaces in Washington, DC. This law helps to ensure the safety of both dogs and humans.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Washington, DC is a city that loves dogs, and there are many stores and businesses that welcome our furry friends. From small, locally owned boutiques to large national chains, there are plenty of options for dog owners who want to bring their pets along for a shopping trip.
Whether you’re looking for a new leash, a stylish outfit, or just some treats for your pup, there’s a store in DC that will make you and your dog feel welcome.
However, there may be times when you need to go to a store that doesn’t allow dogs, or when it’s simply not possible to bring your pet along.
In these cases, there are a few options for what to do with your dog while you shop. One option is to use a dog daycare or boarding service, which can provide a safe and fun environment for your pet while you take care of your errands. Another option is to ask a friend or family member to watch your dog for a few hours while you run your errands.
Washington, DC is also home to many famous people, including politicians, actors, and musicians. It’s fun to imagine how these famous locals might feel about shopping with a dog. Perhaps former President Obama would have brought his beloved dog Bo along for a stroll through some of DC’s dog-friendly stores.
Or maybe actor Dave Chappelle, a native of the city, would have brought his own furry friend along for the ride. Regardless of who you are or where you’re from, Washington, DC is a great place to shop with your dog, and there’s no shortage of stores that will welcome you both with open arms.