I rarely take Pepper in anywhere. First, it's not fun for him to sit buckled in during the drive - he hates being closed in his carrier or even open car seat. And it's not fun for me to drive when he barks, whines and squeals. Then, he gets nervous being carried in stores and I can't really pretend I have a jumping and barking purse -the new design? LOL.
Then there are those people, bumping into you, rushing, and how on Earth can you hold the carrier AND look at stuff? When I go shopping I like to unfold everything, have a close look and take my time... Doing it while balancing my jumping carrier IS NOT EASY and far from fun. For both Pepper and me. So, I take Pepper with me shopping if hubby goeas along and we take turns walking the dog around the store and going in. Oh, I take him to the bank sometimes -they don't mind at all, and pet stores, but I just walk him in...