Many people bring their pets everywhere they go, and sometimes that includes the grocery store. Although many stores have a no-pets policy, in real life, these policies frequently go unenforced. Most of the time, the pet doesn’t cause any problems, and other shoppers either ignore it or stop to admire it, but every once in a while, things go very wrong. No matter how cute a pet is, there are significant risks that come with allowing pets in grocery stores.
A Recent Dog Bite
A three-year-old boy had to receive stitches after a dog bit him while at a Walmart in Vancouver, Washington. According to Fox 12 Oregon KPTV, the owner and dog had fled the scene by the time the police arrived. A statement on Walmart’s website states that the store does not allow pets, although service animals as defined by the ADA are allowed.
The World Animal Foundation says that approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur each year, and many of the victims are children. Not all of these bites are serious, but 370,000 require emergency attention, and there were 58 deaths from dog bites in 2023.
Some dogs that bite people have a history of aggression, but in other cases, the owners are surprised. According to the American Kennel Club, all dogs can bite under the right (or wrong) circumstances. When dogs bite, it’s often because they’re afraid, startled, frustrated, in pain, protecting something or even playing. To avoid dog bites, it’s important not to overwhelm dogs.
Now think about the grocery store setting. There are bright lights and an abundance of aromas. There may be crowds and loud noises. If dogs are allowed inside – or if the no-pet policy is not enforced – there may be multiple dogs in the store at a time, and they may not get along. It may be overwhelming for many dogs, and as the recent incident in Vancouver shows, dog bites are possible.
Other Risks Associated with Pets
Dog bites are not the only possible risk associated with allowing pets in grocery stores. Other potential hazards include:
- Messes. People who disregard no-pet policies aren’t always careful about training or cleaning up after their pets. If a pet has an accident in the store, it’s not just an unpleasant sight. It’s a potential health hazard, and it could contribute to a slip and fall accident.
- Allergies. Many people are allergic to pets. Having pets in a store, where people are often in close quarters, could be difficult for people with allergies.
- Contamination. Even if the animal doesn’t have an accident in the store, it could contaminate the food by biting or licking it. Fleas and other parasites are another concern.
The Law on Pets in Stores
In some jurisdictions, allowing pets in a grocery store may be a violation of state or local laws. State and local laws may also prohibit pets in restaurants, so grocery stores with restaurant areas also need to keep these restrictions in mind.
Some states are more pet-friendly than others, and there may be specific laws that allow pets in some circumstances. According to Tri-City Herald, Washington allows pet dogs in certain food establishments with prior approval. However, this is very limited and applies specifically to food establishments that offer prepackaged foods or beverages that don’t require temperature control.
But what if your state doesn’t have any laws banning pets from grocery stores or restaurants? Then you need to look at federal law. The FDA says that food establishments can allow pet dogs in OUTDOOR dining areas if the local regulatory authority permits it, but that it’s important to consider the public health concerns associated with this and to create an appropriate setup. That’s for outdoor areas. Inside, pets are generally a no-go.
Service Animals vs. Pets
When discussing animals in grocery stores and other establishments, it’s important to distinguish between pets and service animals. The line should be clear, but it often gets blurred, especially when people claim their pets are service animals in order to get around the rules.
Service animals are not considered pets, so prohibitions against pets don’t apply. The ADA defines a service animal as a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for someone with disabilities. Miniature horses can also be service animals. Businesses are generally required to allow service animals anywhere the public is allowed to go.
So what happens when a person brings a dog into a grocery store, and you don’t know if the dog is a pet or a service animal? Your workers cannot ask about the person’s disability or require any sort of medical documentation or service dog documentation, but they can ask whether the dog is a service animal required because of a disability. They can also ask what work or task the dog has been trained to perform, although they cannot ask for a demonstration.
Download our animals in grocery stores tip sheet for more information on managing your risks and share it with your team.
Grocery stores face many unique risks. That’s why you need a partner who understands your business. Contact RiskPoint’s grocery team:
| Joe Scarpello | Melissa Johnson |
| 253.444.5584 | 253.444.5654 |
