Hepper is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.
Does Sam’s Club Allow Dogs? 2026 Store Policy and Advice
Many dog owners like to share their shopping experiences with their canine companions. This is likely one reason that stores have been adjusting their policies to welcome well-behaved dogs. However, not all stores are pet friendly. For example, Sam’s Club does not welcome all dogs. They do, however, welcome service dogs (and miniature service horses too!). Read on to learn more.
The Sam’s Club Dog Policy
Service animals help people with disabilities maintain their independence, so these animals are allowed inside Sam’s Club stores. However, companion animals are not. The company maintains that a service animal has been specifically trained to perform some type of task or a variety of tasks for their disabled companions.
These include:
Owners of service animals that visit Sam’s Club do not have to register with the company or submit any paperwork that proves their animal’s training or status. A service dog can be professionally trained or trained by an individual owner without certification. Therefore, it seems that the company works on the honor system when it comes to animals entering its stores.
Why Emotional-Support Dogs Are Not Officially Allowed at Sam’s Club
As far as the ADA is concerned, emotional support dogs are not the same as service animals. They are not trained to do specific actions for their companions, and they are not tasked to aid anyone with disabilities. That said, they can help alleviate anxiety, loneliness, and depression.
Under the law, emotional support dogs don’t have access to all public spaces like trained service dogs do. In fact, as of 2021, airlines are no longer required to cater to customers with emotional support dogs. They are simply considered companion animals, like pets, which means they are not officially welcome at Sam’s Club.
Why Companion Animals Are Not Officially Allowed at Sam's Club
Sam’s Club has not made it clear why they do not welcome companion dogs in its stores, but it’s likely due to a variety of reasons, including:
- Health code violations
- Customer complaints
- Bathroom accidents
- Possible fights and/or attacks
- Flea infestation
It does not matter why the company doesn’t allow pet dogs in its stores. Since they are legally allowed to refuse entry to dogs unless they are service animals, they can do so without offering a reason to the public. If you’d like to bring your pet dog with you to Sam’s Club, you’ll have to submit a request in writing so it is on record.
How Does Sam’s Club Verify That Only Service Animals Enter Its Stores?
Sam’s Club recognizes that service animals may not always wear identifying gear. It also does not require any paperwork or registration for service animals that accompany customers into its stores. So, how does a store verify that a dog coming in is a service animal? The short answer is that it doesn’t. The company seems to rely on the customers to be honorable and do the right thing.
Not all dogs that enter Sam’s Club are service animals. Some people sneak in their pet dogs and pretend that they are service animals. If they are not caught and their dogs do not cause any problems, they will likely go about their business and even visit again with their dogs. However, those who are caught may be asked to leave the store and might not be allowed back to shop in the future, even without a dog. So, it’s not worth taking the risk, and we highly advise against violating Sam’s Club pet policies.
In Conclusion
Sam's Club does not allow pets to shop with their human companions inside its stores. Pets are allowed in some parking lots, depending on the shopping center's policies, so you may be able to take your dog on a walk before or after you shop at the store. If you have a service dog, you are welcome to bring them along while you shop at any Sam's Club store throughout the United States.
Related Reads:
Featured Image Credit: aerogondo2, Shutterstock
Get Hepper In Your Inbox
Pet care tips from our vets and experts, straight to your inbox.
You may opt-out at any time. View our Privacy Policy for more information.
Rachael has been a freelance writer since 2000, in which time she has had an opportunity to research and write about many different topics while working to master the art of fusing high-quality content with effective content marketing strategies. She lives off the grid in Hawaii with her husband, her garden, and her rescue animals including 5 dogs, a cat, a goat, and dozens of chickens. She is an artist at heart and loves to read, paint, and make jewelry in her spare time. As a vegan, Rachael is obsessed with helping animals in need both in her community and anywhere in the world where she feels she can make a difference. Animals also happen to be her favorite topic to write about!
Join the conversation
Ask a question, share your story, or send private feedback.
