Are dogs allowed in Costco? (2023 store policy updates)

Costco is the perfect destination for pet owners looking for affordable and high-quality pet supplies. The store has a wide variety of products, ranging from food and toys to grooming supplies and medication. They offer top brands at a fraction of the price found at other pet supply stores, making it an excellent choice for pet owners who want to save money without compromising on quality.

In addition, Costco’s bulk purchasing options make it easy to stock up on necessities like food and litter. This is especially convenient for pet owners with multiple pets or those looking to save money in the long run.

Costco’s extensive selection of pet products, competitive prices, and convenience make it a top choice for pet owners looking for a one-stop shop for all their pet supply needs,  but are dogs allowed to accompany their owners in Costco stores?

Are dogs allowed in Costco stores?

As of 2023, Costco’s policy does not allow dogs inside their stores. The sole exception to this rule is service dogs, as Costco has adopted a service animal policy in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The policy helps to ensure that those in need of a service animal can be accompanied by their service animal within Costco stores. According to the Costco Customer Service FAQ, Costco is permitted to “ascertain whether the animal is a service animal,” which could entail employees at your local Costco location asking one of two approved questions used to determine whether the animal is a service animal:

1. Is that a service animal?
2. What task or function is it trained to perform?

Costco’s policy in place is designed to effectively provide notice to all shoppers who encounter the service animal that:

"The allowance of a service animal into our warehouse is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act"

"The animal is trained to perform a task or function"

"Health and safety laws are not being broken"

Why are dogs not allowed in Costco?

The reason only service animals are allowed in Costco stores is due to the fact that most state and local laws generally prohibit animals in grocery stores. These regulations are put into place as the presence of an animal could pose a sanitation risk to the food being prepared, stored, and sold in the store. It’s not uncommon for grocery stores to not allow pets within their facilities for these reasons with the only exceptions to the regulations often being for service animals.