Are Dogs Allowed in Old Navy? Complete Guide

Are Dogs Allowed in Old Navy?

Old Navy is a popular retail clothing store that offers low-priced apparel for men, women, and children. More than 100 million people shop at Old Navy every year, and many of them are dog owners. If you are one of them, you may wonder if you can bring your furry friend along with you to Old Navy stores. The answer is: it depends.

Old Navy has no official pet policy, so the decision to allow dogs in the store is left to the local store manager’s discretion. This means that some stores may welcome dogs, while others may not. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this variation, the exceptions and rules for service dogs, and some tips and advice for dog owners who want to shop at Old Navy with their dogs.

Why Some Old Navy Stores May Allow Dogs

Some Old Navy stores may allow dogs because they want to create a friendly and fun shopping experience for their customers. Many dog owners appreciate the convenience and comfort of being able to shop with their dogs, especially if they live in urban areas where leaving their dogs at home or in the car is not an option. Some dog owners also enjoy the social aspect of meeting other dog lovers and their pets at the store.

There are many positive reviews and experiences from dog owners who shopped at Old Navy with their dogs. For example, one reviewer wrote: “I love Old Navy and I love that they allow dogs. My dog is always happy to go there and gets lots of attention and treats from the staff and other customers. It makes shopping more fun and less stressful for both of us.”

Another reviewer wrote: “I was pleasantly surprised to find out that Old Navy is dog-friendly. I had my small dog in a carrier and the staff was very welcoming and helpful. They even offered me a water bowl and a toy for my dog. I will definitely come back and recommend this store to my friends.”

Being a dog-friendly store can also have some benefits for Old Navy, such as attracting more customers, creating a fun atmosphere, and showing social responsibility. According to a survey by the American Pet Products Association, 37% of pet owners said they would visit a business more often if it was pet-friendly, and 32% said they would spend more money there. Moreover, being a dog-friendly store can help Old Navy build a positive image and reputation among the community and the customers.

Why Some Old Navy Stores May Not Allow Dogs

Some Old Navy stores may not allow dogs because they want to ensure the health and safety of their customers and staff. Dogs can pose some challenges and risks for a retail store, such as spreading germs, triggering allergies, causing fear, and creating damage or accidents. Some customers may not feel comfortable or happy to shop in a store where dogs are present, especially if they have a phobia or a medical condition related to dogs.

There are also some negative reviews and experiences from dog owners who were denied entry or asked to leave Old Navy with their dogs. For example, one reviewer wrote: “I was very disappointed and angry when I went to Old Navy with my dog and was told that dogs are not allowed. The manager was very rude and unprofessional and said that dogs are dirty and dangerous. I felt discriminated and humiliated and I will never shop there again.”

Another reviewer wrote: “I was shopping at Old Navy with my dog and everything was fine until a staff member came and told me that I had to leave because my dog was barking and disturbing other customers. I tried to explain that my dog was just excited and friendly, but they didn’t listen and threatened to call security. I felt harassed and offended and I will not return to this store.”

Being a dog-friendly store can also have some drawbacks for Old Navy, such as violating health and safety regulations, losing customers, and facing lawsuits. According to the Food and Drug Administration, dogs are not allowed in places where food is sold or prepared, unless they are service dogs. This means that Old Navy stores that are located in malls or near food courts may not be able to allow dogs. Moreover, being a dog-friendly store can also result in losing customers who are allergic or afraid of dogs, or who prefer a dog-free environment. Furthermore, being a dog-friendly store can also expose Old Navy to potential lawsuits if a dog bites or injures someone in the store.

The Exceptions and Rules for Service Dogs

While Old Navy has no official pet policy, it does have a policy for customers with disabilities who need service dogs. Service dogs are dogs that are trained to perform specific tasks or work for people with disabilities, such as guide dogs, hearing dogs, mobility assistance dogs, seizure response dogs, and psychiatric service dogs. Service dogs are not pets, but rather medical equipment that help their owners live independently and safely.

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, people with disabilities have the right to access public places with their service dogs, without being discriminated or denied service. This means that Old Navy cannot refuse or charge extra fees to customers with service dogs, unless the dog is out of control or poses a direct threat to the health and safety of others. Old Navy also cannot ask customers with service dogs to provide proof of their disability or their dog’s training, unless it is not obvious what service the dog provides.

However, not all dogs that provide emotional support or comfort to their owners are considered service dogs. Emotional support dogs and therapy dogs are dogs that are not trained to perform specific tasks or work for people with disabilities, but rather provide companionship and psychological benefits to their owners or others. Emotional support dogs and therapy dogs are not protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act, and therefore are not allowed in places where pets are not allowed, unless the place has a pet-friendly policy.

Old Navy has always made sure that all its staff members are effectively trained on how to make shopping a fun and respectful experience for every customer who shows up with a service dog. They are taught to recognize the signs of a service dog, such as a harness, a vest, or a tag, and to ask only two questions if they are not sure: 1) Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? and 2) What work or task has the dog been trained to perform? They are also instructed to not pet, feed, or distract the service dog, and to offer assistance if needed.

Tips and Advice for Dog Owners Who Want to Shop at Old Navy with Their Dogs

If you are a dog owner who wants to shop at Old Navy with your dog, here are some tips and advice to make your shopping experience enjoyable and hassle-free:

• Call ahead to check the store’s pet policy. Since Old Navy has no official pet policy, it is best to call the local store manager beforehand, instead of just showing up with your dog. They are the only ones who can allow or deny dogs in the store, depending on the store’s location, size, and situation. If the manager tells you yes, ask them if there are any rules or restrictions that you need to follow. If the manager tells you no, don’t take it personally. They are probably trying to protect the health and safety of their customers and staff.
• Abide by the rules and respect other shoppers. If you are allowed to bring your dog to the store, make sure that your dog is well-behaved and on a leash. Keep your dog close to you and under your control at all times. Do not let your dog jump on, bark at, or sniff other customers.
• Carry wipes and poop bags. Accidents can happen, even with the most well-trained dogs. If your dog makes a mess in the store, be responsible and clean it up. Carry some wipes and poop bags with you, and dispose of them properly. You can also ask the staff for help if needed. Don’t leave any traces behind that could make the store dirty or smelly.
• Bring some treats. Shopping can be boring or stressful for some dogs, especially if they have to wait for a long time or deal with loud noises and crowds. To keep your dog happy and calm, bring some treats with you and reward your dog for good behavior. You can also use treats to distract your dog from things that may trigger them, such as other dogs, children, or food. However, be careful not to overfeed your dog or give them anything that could be harmful to them, such as chocolate, grapes, or raisins.
• End with a call to action or a question to engage the readers. Shopping at Old Navy with your dog can be a fun and rewarding experience, as long as you follow the rules and respect other shoppers. Old Navy has no official pet policy, so it depends on the local store manager’s discretion whether they allow dogs or not. Service dogs are always welcome, as they are protected by the law. If you are a dog owner who wants to shop at Old Navy with your dog, we hope that this article has given you some useful information and tips. Do you have any questions or comments? Feel free to share them below. We would love to hear from you and your dog. Happy shopping! 🐶