Are Dogs Allowed in Nordstrom? 3 Important Rules to Know

Pets are a big part of the family for many Americans. In fact, over half of pet owners consider their pets to be as much of a family member as a human relative, according to a study by Pew Research Center. Perhaps that’s why many retailers now allow pet owners to bring their pups when they shop. It’s well known that stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s typically allow dogs to accompany their owners. Likewise, most malls now allow dogs to stroll alongside their owners as they shop. But what about department stores? In particular, higher-end retailers like Nordstrom? Good news for dog owners. Dogs are allowed in Nordstrom.

Nordstrom doesn’t list an official policy on their website, but the store is widely recognized for letting dogs of all sizes accompany their owners. So no, your dog does not have to only be a tiny pocket-sized dog who fits in a purse! That being said, it may be a good idea to check in with your local store and give them a call before bringing along your dog. Some stores may even have signage that says whether dogs are allowed.

Rules for Dogs in Nordstrom

You may wonder why Nordstrom, which offers higher-priced luxury items, would allow dogs to come along shopping. Like several other retailers, Nordstrom welcomes well-behaved dogs. However, the store is certainly not meant to be treated like a dog park. The retailer expects that dogs who shop with their owners will be under control and leashed. Though again it does not specifically list this in the store’s policies, Nordstrom likely reserves the right to ask any dog that is not a service dog (more on that shortly) to leave if they are disrupting the environment. Here are other things you should do if you plan to take your dog along with you to Nordstrom.

Be prepared for accidents. Make sure your pup goes to the bathroom (outside) before entering the store. But even the best-behaved animals may have a bathroom mishap. Don’t just leave it. Carry doggy bags with you and be prepared to clean up a mess.

Don’t let your dog disturb merchandise or customers. If your dog starts to bark or react to other people or animals in the store, be respectful and take them out. Likewise, if your dog can’t keep their paws to themselves and is getting into merchandise, it’s time to leave.

Know your dog. Some dogs simply aren’t cut out for department store shopping, as much as you want to bring them. If they don’t do well with crowds, strangers, unknown animals, or unfamiliar environments, it’s best to leave your pup at home.

What About Service Dogs?

It’s the law to allow service dogs to enter Nordstrom even if that particular location isn’t dog-friendly. Employees are not legally allowed to ask for documentation for the service dog, question the handler’s disability, or ask the dog to perform what it is trained for. However, employees do have the right to ask for the service dog to be removed if they aren’t acting like a service dog. It’s never okay to have a disruptive animal in a retail store.

Before bringing your dog along for some luxury shopping, think long and hard about whether it’s a good environment for your pet. Some animals thrive in public scenarios, but others may be uncomfortable. As dog-friendly as Nordstrom can be, it’s not always worth it to bring your pet.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © CandyRetriever/Shutterstock.com