Bass Pro Shops is one of the most popular chains of outdoor supplies, including hunting and fishing gear. Many individuals who visit Bass Pro Shops may be wondering if they can bring their beloved pup along for the ride, as this shop is often a stop on the way out into nature or other outdoor activities. Our article gives you details on Bass Pro, whether or not dogs are allowed inside, and everything else you might need to know about taking an animal into one of these popular stores.
What Is Bass Pro Shops?
Bass Pro, known commonly as Bass Pro Shops, is an American retail store for sports goods and outdoor activities. Bass Pro is most notably known for its large stores featuring outdoorsy designs, and customers can purchase a variety of hunting, fishing, and camping equipment from the store, among other items.
As of 2023, there are five different types of Bass Pro Shops, all offering similar items, with different design themes. These themes vary based on their location and the general type of store, with both exterior and interior designs all matching a similar theme. This concept allows individuals a unique shopping experience, and it makes Bass Pro Shops one of the more memorable outdoor shops.
Bass Pro Shops also has a history of supporting conservation efforts, and the brand has expanded into the hospitality industry with select resorts and restaurants.
What Are Bass Pro Shop’s Dog Rules?
Bass Pro, like many outdoor stores, has a more lenient set of rules when it comes to allowing animals inside. For the most part, Bass Pro Shops retail locations are considered pet-friendly, and you are welcome to bring your dog along when you shop in one of these stores. However, your dog must be kept on a leash at all times, you must clean up after your dog, and your dog cannot be aggressive, dangerous, or otherwise badly behaved.
Can My Dog Be Denied Entry into Bass Pro?
It is possible that your dog is denied entry into a Bass Pro retail store, though this may typically happen in the case of state and local restrictions that disallow dogs or other animals in stores. You will need to check with the local county or city rules in your area to determine if that might be a factor when you take your dog to a Bass Pro Shops location.
Additionally, your dog might be denied entry if they are off-leash, or if they are acting in an aggressive and dangerous manner. It is important that your dog is well-behaved and safe for others to be around in a public store, and if your dog is causing problems, you could be denied entry or simply asked to leave the store.
Are Service Animals Allowed in Bass Pro Shops?
Service animals are always allowed in Bass Pro Shops locations, and your service animal will be permitted inside a retail store even if state or local laws restrict animals inside stores. This is because your service animal has federally and state-protected public access rights, and they are permitted to accompany you even into areas that generally don’t allow animals. The only exceptions to your service animal’s public access rights are religious spaces or other religious organizations that may not permit dogs or other animals to enter.
Are Emotional Support Animals Allowed in Bass Pro Shops?
Your emotional support animal will be allowed inside of a Bass Pro Shops location only if that specific location allows dogs inside and there are no specific state regulations disallowing the entry of dogs. This is because emotional support animals do not have public access rights in the same ways that service animals do, and you can expect your emotional support animal to be turned away by locations that do not regularly allow dogs.
Additionally, emotional support animals can be any kind of animal, and if you are not attempting to bring a dog into a Bass Pro Shops location, you may run into some trouble. Some store locations may allow emotional support cats, as long as they are comfortable with the trip, but other stores may turn away animals that are not dogs.
Make sure to understand the rules at the specific Bass Pro Shops location you are visiting ahead of time to avoid any kind of stressful encounter when you show up to shop.
How Do I Get My Dog Ready for a Shopping Trip?
Taking your dog on a shopping trip can be a fun adventure, but it may also be stressful to prepare for. It’s important that your dog is well-behaved and knows how to adapt to a store environment that has the potential to be very busy and overstimulating. In general, you should practice taking your dog on trips to other stores before taking them for an extended adventure into Bass Pro Shops to ensure they are up to the task.
Tips to get your dog ready for shopping at your side include:
- Train your dog to walk on a leash and listen to your commands if you tell them to leave something or return to your side.
- Ensuring your dog is well-socialized and not at risk of snapping or acting aggressively to other dogs.
- Take your dog for a bathroom break before entering any store to avoid accidents.
- Start small and give your dog time to adjust to shopping at your side before placing them in a very large or very busy store at your side.
- You should bring essentials with you on the shopping trip, such as training treats, items to clean up after your dog, and proper leash or harness accessories.
Additionally, you should always pay attention to your dog’s behavior in the store and monitor them for signs of fearfulness or anxiety. These signs can include excessive panting, avoidance, trembling, flattening their body to the ground, or a lack of eye contact.
It’s important to remove your dog from any situation that makes them uncomfortable, as uncomfortable dogs can bark, growl, and snap when they feel too threatened. You also risk making the shopping trip a negative experience, making it harder to incorporate your dog into shopping trips in the future.
What Other Stores Can I Take My Dog Into?
There are several other stores in your local area that allow dogs to come inside, regardless of whether or not the dog is a service animal. These stores include:
- Home Depot
- Lowe’s
- Marshalls
- HomeGoods
- PetSmart
- PetCo
- Tractor Supply Co
- Lush
- Barnes and Noble
However, keep in mind that state and local regulations do vary, and you should always check with a store ahead of time to ensure that it is safe to bring your dog before showing up. Keep in mind that service dogs do not need any express permission to accompany you inside any retail store.
Shopping With Your Canine Companion at Bass Pro Shops
Shopping with your canine companion is often a fun activity for both of you, and there is generally nothing a pup loves more than to be included in family plans. Bass Pro Shops is a notably pet-friendly chain of retail stores, and you can generally bring your dog inside these shops, depending on state regulations. Make sure that your dog is prepared for a shopping trip and on a leash at all times while in the store, and you and your dog are sure to have a wonderful time looking around Bass Pro Shops.