in MI it is pretty much understood, if food is served or sold no pets allowed. Most places sell food even the hardware stores. I also would venture to say that just about every chain store with the exception of pet stores have a no pet policy, because it makes sense. Most of us on here have little dogs and I enjoy sneaking Lola in but I would hate it if there were lots of big dogs walking around everywhere I shop, so it is easier to say no pets at all. To bad they did not just say no pets on the floor.
That being said I have taken Lola in tons of places and tend to hide her or just take a chance. I would only chance it if I knew it was not too hot or cold to leave her in the car while I did a quick in and out. I have taken her into the grocery store and Costco many times. I bring boxes to pack my groceries in along with some canvas grocery bags, I put a box in the childs seat and a bag inside of that, Lola goes in the bag and I drape a few other bags around her. I have even put her in the bottom of the Kohls shopping cart on a throw that I "borrowed" from their bedding department. If carts are not available then she gets carried in an oversized purse, I now have a custom over the shoulder sling type purse ordered to make it easier. The Lowes around here has always been dog friendly so I will be curious to see what happens the next time I go, Home Depot on the other hand are like the gestapo when it comes to dogs, another place that was nasty about carrying the dog in was the post office.
Lola is about 5.5lbs and I think about the max size I would want to try to sneak anywhere, I am lucky she never barks but she does like to pop out and see what is going on so pushing her back down when we need to go undercover can be stressful. I have two albums on here that show us out and about shopping at places like Pottery Barn, Ulta's, Chico's, the Dollar store etc, feel free to take a look |