We have come a long way baby! More and more stores and restaurants are allowing our most cherished kids to join us. And no, they do not have to have a service dog vest on. According to BarkPost there are 33 stores that are dog friendly; http://stories.barkpost.com/dog-friendly-stores/?utm_campaign=barkboxfb&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social.

So no one ruins it for the rest of us, let’s go over the etiquette you and your kid should have which includes basic obedience to begin with. Use a four foot leash, not an expandable one that could trip someone or topple a display. This is what I tell each of Rover’s kids: There is absolutely no potty inside, there is no helping yourself to anything and there is absolutely no barking or biting! Be nice to everyone. Of course, that means we clean up after our own kids if they do have an accident. As April demonstrates in the photo, she went to Home Depot and with her blanket in the bottom to protect her from the wire basket, she rode in the electric cart. She was a perfect little girl! When we go to Starbucks we take a pad to sit/lay on and enjoy all the people coming by to see us.

Of course, if you have never socialized your kid you should start out slow and not stay all day shopping, give them time to get accustomed to all the noises and crowds and things that are strange to them. Be extra cautious that they might go potty from being frightened. It won’t be long and they will be perfect shoppers!

If your dog is not a service dog, do not bring them into a store that is not dog-friendly. Additionally, many chain stores (including ones on this list) leave it up to the manager to decide whether their individual locations allow dogs or not. The best way to ensure you can bring your kid inside is to call ahead and find out that specific store’s policy.

These are a few of the pet friendly stores: Half Price Books; Abercrombie and Fitch; Michael’s; Hobby Lobby; Ross; Sephora; Ann Taylor/Ann Taylor Loft; Tiffany & Company; Bath & Body Works; Hallmark; Home Depot; Pottery Barn; Macy’s; Bass Pro Shop; Barnes and Noble; LUSH Cosmetics; Restoration Hardware; Gap; Anthropologie; Bloomingdale’s; Urban Outfitters; Foot Locker; Bebe; Nordstrom; Old Navy; Sacks Fifth Avenue; Tractor Supply Co.; Apple Store; Strand Bookstore; and Lowe’s (Lowe’s update 5/29/15 – According to their Facebook page, Lowe’s is no longer a dog-friendly store; however, I have been taking Rover’s Dogs to my local Lowe’s. Call the manager before you go.) Happy shopping!

If you would rather not take your kid with you, Rover’s Rest Stop and Ranch is more than happy to let them hang out with our kids for a day of fun! See you all Saturday, December 10 from 9:00 a.m.-noon at Cottonwood by the Administration Building. Hug their necks for me!