Shopping carts for dogs: is this a thing in the U.S.?

[betsuni]

Today the husband and I (in Japan) went to four different home centers in search of an electric fan (I refuse to use an air conditioner, prefer the old-fashioned way of cold towels and fans), but couldn't find one that wasn't white and expensive and went home fanless. It was the first time I've seen special dog shopping carts. They were very popular: dogs wheeled around the store looking either very happy, wagging tails, or nervous and freaked out. Occasionally vigorous barking heard from around the store when dog worlds collide. Far more dogs in shopping carts than small children. I thought it was funny, but what if someone's afraid of dogs? What if a dog bites someone? I can't imagine special dog shopping carts being a thing in the U.S.

Then we stopped by a supermarket where there was only one human cashier and everybody used the self-check-out machines. I'm glad that in my neighborhood there are lots of old people who, like me, can't deal with machines and prefer humans.

[femmocrat]

1. The only place that I ever see dogs in stores are in the pet stores.

Pretty sure they are forbidden in other places, except for therapy dogs.

[niyad]

20. you could come and have a drink at the PubDog here in fundieville

PUB DOG COLORADO
2207 BOTT AVENUE, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO

Pub dog Colorado is the first and only restaurant in the State of Colorado that allows patrons to Dine indoors with their dog(s). This new restaurant/bar building houses two separate dining experiences with the large dining hall seating 48 people without their dogs, and the dog dining part of the restaurant seating 34 with their dogs. For the first time in Colorado, you can come indoors with your dog, and extend your social experience with your dog to a year round activity. As part of the Pub Dog experience, we will also have a 1,300 SF south facing patio area that accommodates another 60 people with their dogs. With over 300 days of sunshine annually in Colorado Springs, this south facing patio is comfortable even in the winter when the sun is shining. In the summer, existing trees and a large shade sail will help keep the patio comfortable for the dogs and their service humans. As an added bonus, Pub Dog provides a 3,000 SF fully fenced off leash area were your dog can safely socialize with other dogs while you enjoy a bite to eat and an ice cold local craft beer. The location for this flagship restaurant was chosen for several reasons. 2207 Bott Avenue is in a quiet area of the midland neighborhood on Colorado Springs west side, allowing for comfortable conversation with friends and family and no major noise issues our furry friends will have to deal with. This location is also situated walking distance from the Bear Creek Dog Park and Red Rocks Open Space. As an added bonus, Garden of the Gods City Park is only 2 miles away. Colorado Springs west side has the best weather in all of Colorado Springs allowing the outdoor patio to remain comfortable most of the year. Pub Dog Colorado is a full service restaurant and bar featuring local craft beer on tap. Enjoy individual pizzas, deli sandwiches, appetizers, and salads. Pub Dog is a one of a kind neighborhood restaurant and bar where people can enjoy each other’s company and the company of each other’s dogs.

http://pubdogcolorado.com/

[blaze]

2. I worked for a short time at Home Depot (another story)

and dogs were frequent visitors. There weren't special carts for the dogs, but owners of smaller dogs usually put a flattened card board box or towel on the bottom of the cart. Larger dogs were on leashes. Quite a few of the employees would keep dog biscuits in their aprons and the regular dog visitors absolutely knew who they were!

[dawg]

3. ...

[eppur_se_muova]

10. That's actually what I thought this post was about ... nt

[CozyMystery]

4. Saw one at Home Depot

I've seen one dog in a shopping cart, one time in my life -- at Home Depot. She was a wonderful dog -- calm, very friendly, much like her family.

This assertion doesn't include the dogs I've seen in carts at Petco.

[hlthe2b]

5. I've shopped many dog-friendly stores and have yet to ever see a problem.

Dog owners know that if the dog is a problem, they are the (primary) ones liable so that tends to mean that only the better behaved dogs come in. Yeah, occasional bark from one dog to another, but really, it (to me) is a delight.

And, though I'll get some hate, I'd frankly prefer an occasional barking dog to the multiple crying toddlers-- nap-deprived and therefore primed for a temper-tantrum. I love kids, but I can feel my blood pressure spiking when that happens and typically have to abandon my shopping plans and leave.

[betsuni]

7. Oh, agree.

Crying toddlers, worst. My next door neighbor's little girl screams for hours in the morning and late at night, it's horrible but typical. Every apartment I've lived in here has screaming-for-hours kids in the building. I don't have children so I don't really know, but I don't think screaming for hours every day is normal. I, and my husband, have no memory of screaming at all as children because we were terrified of our mothers. And our bedtimes were at eight o'clock, period.

[Skittles]

12. my new apartment neighbors, I kept hearing a screaming child

I even pressed my ear to the door a couple of times, concerned that it was abuse

then I saw him throwing a tantrum in the parking lot, with his exasperated parents......the same screaming

I cannot imagine acting like that when I was a kid - my dad was quite strict

but then, I was never an only child

[procon]

6. I'm seeing lots more little dogs being brought into So Calif stores these days.

They are sometimes carried in their owner's arms, or they are well behaved and sit nicely in a soft-sided pet carrier or large purse that is placed in the child seat of the shopping cart. There are more people shopping and carrying their little dogs (and the occasional cat or even birds) around in backpacks or snuggled in shoulder slings, and rarely, even dogs on leashes.

Now, full disclosure, I do have a pet stroller that I bought just because it seemed to be an easier method to get my two cats into the vet's office rather than trying to lug around two awkward carriers and my purse. They love that stroller BTW, so much so that I've left it open and one of them is always napping in it, but I would not stress them out by taking them out shopping.

I see dogs in all kinds of stores from grocery to restaurants, and even when signs are posted barring non-service animals, no one seems upset or complains, and sometimes other shoppers stop to pet the dog and strike up a conversation. It's certainly better than leaving a pet locked in a hot car, although it still seems more practical to leave the pets at home where they are comfortable. I guess I don't mind, as long as they are quiet and contained, and most dogs act better behaved than kids.

[NightWatcher]

8. Was just at Home Despot and noticed the same. I like it

We don't take our Maltese because she's older and has anxiety but we used to take our old terrier.

I've seen a hundred different dogs this week and I'm really wanting another one.

I'm liking most dogs way more than I like most people.

[Laffy Kat]

18. Me too, NightWatcher, me too.

The old saying, "The more I'm around people, the more I love my dog." or something like that, fits.

[Laffy Kat]

9. In Europe there were dogs in restaurants, shops, etc.

It was the norm in some countries. I remember seeing a lot of cats in bakeries, curled up in the windows next to the cakes and loaves of bread. Someone told me that cats are a sign of cleanliness and are kept in bakeries to eliminate mice.

Here in Lafayette and Boulder, it is a good idea to advertise your shop as "dog-friendly" if you want business. You still don't see dogs in restaurants here due to health regulations, but many eateries have an outside patio where you can dine with your four-legged family member.

[betsuni]

15. In Japan it's been a long struggle to get even service dogs allowed inside places.

Took years for people to understand the difference between pets and service animals. That's why suddenly seeing dogs all over the place inside is so strange to me. Since dogs are the new kids it certainly is good for business.

[Laffy Kat]

16. It's all cultural. It's all different. It's all beautiful.

I've hosted two Japanese exchanged students and they were taken aback by our dogs. At that time we had two indoor dogs, medium sized. One dog loves to kiss; it really grossed them out. I didn't apologize. It's America and we love our dogs!

[betsuni]

19. I'm glad Japan is becoming more like Europe/North America about pets.

Used to be usual to see dogs on short chains left outside no matter the weather. I'd take plastic bottles filled with water with me in summer to fill up the poor doggies bowls because it was too sad to see them panting and thirsty under that broiling sun. Even now, there's a guy in my neighborhood who keeps four big dogs in tiny cages, literally no room to turn around in. They live for the times he takes them out to run around in the park across the street. I can't do anything but say hello to them from the sidewalk.

[eppur_se_muova]

11. It keeps people from locking their dogs in their cars, which get very hot.

The obvious solution, really, is to leave your dog at home. I don't really understand why some people drive their dogs everywhere.

[betsuni]

14. Oh yeah, I forgot about that. True.

But also true -- why not leave the dog at home. Unless it's going to bark for hours and bother the neighbors.

[Laffy Kat]

17. Because our dogs want to be with us and we want to be with them.

I would never leave my dog in the car for more than five minutes, hot or not. It stresses them out.

[yellowdogintexas]

13. take a trip to Canton Texas for First Monday

and you will see more dogs riding around in carts, strollers, and other carriers than you would have thought possible. It's a thing there that's for sure.

[milestogo]

21. Most likely scenario - what if my dog eats something without paying for it?