It’s common knowledge that you shouldn’t take your dog shopping with you as most retailers do not welcome our furry friends. Pet-friendly businesses do exist, and Tractor Supply Co. is one of them. In this article, we will share everything you need to know about Tractor Supply’s pet policy.
Does Tractor Supply Allow Dogs?
Tractor Supply does allow dogs in its stores. In fact, some locations even have a pet wash area where you can give your dog a bath. Not only that, but Tractor Supply often posts pictures of dogs on its Instagram, sometimes with the hashtag “dogsoftractorsupply.”
Although dogs are allowed in stores, there are some rules. Dogs must be kept on a leash or carried in a pet carrier. Furthermore, dogs should be friendly and well-behaved.
If your dog is aggressive, threatening, or otherwise causes a disturbance in the store, you may be asked to leave (or leave your pup in the car, if the weather is agreeable).
Is Tractor Supply Pet-Friendly?
Tractor Supply isn’t just dog-friendly; it’s pet-friendly in general. In 2019, Tractor Supply Co. shared a photo on Facebook of a cow visiting one of its locations and claimed that all leashed and friendly animals are welcome. There’s even a photo on Instagram of a bearded dragon visiting a Tractor Supply store.
This means you should be able to bring just about any friendly pet with you, whether it be a cat, rabbit, guinea pig, hamster, ferret, parrot, you name it! Of course, we still suggest calling your local Tractor Supply ahead of time before bringing your pet into the store, just in case..
Are Service Dogs Allowed in Tractor Supply?
Service dogs help people with disabilities by performing tasks that aid with those disabilities. Think of a guide dog for people who are blind: they literally function as the blind person’s eyes. There are many different kinds of service dogs, such as hearing assistance dogs, mobility assistance dogs, psychiatric service dogs, seizure alert dogs, diabetes alert dogs, and more.
Service dogs are granted special rights by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). One of these rights is the ability to accompany their users wherever the public is allowed. Even if Tractor Supply weren’t pet-friendly, service dogs would still be allowed inside. It also doesn’t matter what kind of tasks the service dog has been trained to do; any and all service dogs are allowed in Tractor Supply.
Do You Have to Prove Your Dog Is a Service Dog?
Since Tractor Supply allows dogs in store already, you should not have to prove that your dog is a service dog. However, if you come across a location that has stopped allowing dogs, then it’s important to know your rights as a service dog user.
There is no national or federal registry for service dogs, and service dog users are not required to carry with them any sort of proof that their dog is a service dog. Service dogs are not required to wear a vest or any other identification. Employees at Tractor Supply (or any other retail chain) are only allowed to ask you two questions about your dog.
The first is whether or not the dog is a service animal that helps with a disability. Secondly, employees can ask what tasks the dog performs. However, employees cannot ask to see the service dog demonstrate said tasks. They also cannot ask any further questions about someone’s disability as this violates their medical privacy.
Can Tractor Supply Turn Service Dogs Away?
Tractor Supply is only allowed to prevent service dogs from entering their stores if they have a valid reason. According to the ADA, service dogs can only be denied entry to a business if the dog’s presence would “fundamentally alter the nature of the goods, services, programs, or activities provided to the public.”
For example, dogs must be kept out of operating rooms in hospitals because their presence could contaminate an otherwise sterile environment. As for Tractor Supply, it cannot be argued that a service dog’s presence would fundamentally alter their products or services, so there is no valid reason to keep a service dog out of their stores.
However, Tractor Supply could ask that a service dog be removed from the premises. According to the ADA, service dogs that are not housebroken or that are out of control can be made to leave. As long as your service dog is well-trained, there’s no reason they should not be welcomed at Tractor Supply.
Are Emotional Support Animals Allowed in Tractor Supply?
Normally, emotional support animals (ESAs) wouldn’t be allowed in stores because they aren’t protected by the ADA and don’t have the same rights as service dogs. However, because Tractor Supply is pet-friendly, ESAs are allowed in stores.
Just like any other pet, though, emotional support animals have to be kept on a leash or in a carrier and should be friendly. Otherwise, Tractor Supply Co. may ask you and your pet to leave.
Tips for Bringing Your Dog to Tractor Supply Co.
Now that you know your dog is welcome in Tractor Supply, there are some things you should keep in mind if you plan on actually bringing them there with you. Let’s take a look.
Only Bring Well-Behaved Dogs to Tractor Supply
Tractor Supply clearly states that they only want friendly, well-behaved pets in their stores. It is already a privilege that they allow dogs inside, so it’s important to follow their rules. If too many people bring poorly behaved pets into the store, Tractor Supply may change its policy and stop allowing animal guests.
A well-behaved dog is friendly and calm and won’t bark at other people or pets in the store. If your dog is aggressive, reactive, or can’t seem to leave other people alone, you may be better off leaving them at home.
Keep Your Dog on a Leash
Though Tractor Supply allows pets, they expect you to keep your dog on a leash. This way, you’ll always have control of your dog. Even if your dog is well-behaved, having them on a leash means they’ll be by your side the entire time rather than wandering around in the store.
We recommend using a 6-foot leash and not a retractable leash. The latter will allow your dog too much freedom and is also inconsiderate of other customers since they may have to avoid or dodge the leash if your dog is exploring rather than staying at your side.
Don’t Let Your Dog Approach Strangers
We may be dog lovers, but not everyone else is. Some people are afraid of dogs, and others simply want to get their shopping done without being bothered by an animal. Keep your dog near you, and don’t let them approach others without consent.
Make Sure Your Dog Is Potty Trained
Being pet-friendly, Tractor Supply and its employees are well aware that pets may have accidents sometimes. However, if you know your dog is struggling with potty training or is likely to urinate in unfamiliar places, you may want to think twice about bringing them to Tractor Supply.
Not only is it embarrassing for you when your dog pees inside the store, but it is inconsiderate of other customers as well as the employees who may have to clean it up. If your dog does have an accident within the store, do not leave it. Get an employee to help you and offer to clean up the dog’s mess yourself.
If we want to keep Tractor Supply pet-friendly, then we need to make sure our pets are potty-trained and that we take responsibility for it if they do have an accident.
Other Dog-Friendly Stores
Tractor Supply is not the only dog-friendly store in existence. There are a number of other stores that will welcome your pooch. However, be aware that not every single store is dog-friendly. That’s why we’ve separated these lists into “some stores allow dogs,” “most stores allow dogs,” and “all stores allow dogs.”
Some Stores Allow Dogs
- Apple
- Barnes & Noble
- Best Buy
- CVS
- GAP
- Hobby Lobby
- Home Depot
- Joann Fabrics
- LUSH
- Macy’s
- Nordstrom
- Old Navy
- Pottery Barn
- Sephora
- Victoria’s Secret
Most Stores Allow Dogs
- Ace Hardware
- Bass Pro Shops
- Bed Bath & Beyond
- Cabela’s
- Half Price Books
- L. Bean
- Lowe’s
- Marshalls
- J. Maxx
- Warby Parker
All Stores Allow Dogs
- Everlane
- Michaels
- Petco
- PetSmart
- Pet Supplies Plus
- Ross
Stores That Don’t Allow Dogs
Some stores simply don’t allow dogs, whether it be due to hygiene risks or other reasons. The following stores do not allow dogs (except for service dogs).
- BJ’s Wholesale Club
- Costco
- Festival Foods
- IKEA
- Meijer
- Menards
- Sam’s Club
- Target
- Trader Joes
- Walgreens
- Walmart
- Whole Foods
Tractor Supply Is Dog-Friendly
Though many retailers don’t want to see pets in their stores, Tractor Supply is not one of them. They welcome dogs and any other pets that are friendly and kept on a leash. In order to keep Tractor Supply dog-friendly, be sure that you only take well-behaved and potty-trained dogs into their stores. Happy shopping!