Why do people bring their dogs into stores?

[oddstray]

Originally Posted by RosieSD

No, it was not one of those pet strollers. It was one of those collapsable light weight baby strollers. This wasn't a small dog -- It was hanging over the edge of the stroller, weighed maybe 30 pounds or so? The woman actually seemed to be struggling a bit to push the stroller around with the dog in it. The dog was not in any way leashed. But the sun glasses were kind of cool.

Many older large dogs have issues with their hip joints. The stroller might be a way to cope with something like that. I could see a vet recommending sun glasses for a pet - if our eyes need protection from the sun then why don't pets' eyes need it also. The sparkly clothing on the dog ... I dunno ...

[LaJollaEast]

Nothing can ever top my mom (she lives in Riverside) seeing a woman pushing a chicken in a dog stroller at the mall!

[Tulemutt]

Originally Posted by LaJollaEast

Nothing can ever top my mom (she lives in Riverside) seeing a woman pushing a chicken in a dog stroller at the mall!

Rotisserie chicken? Fried (w/ jo-jo's)?

[RosieSD]

Originally Posted by oddstray

Many older large dogs have issues with their hip joints. The stroller might be a way to cope with something like that. I could see a vet recommending sun glasses for a pet - if our eyes need protection from the sun then why don't pets' eyes need it also. The sparkly clothing on the dog ... I dunno ...

Possibly, but this dog did not look old, and wasn't a "large" dog like a german shepard. The dog had no problem hoisting himself up over the side of the stroller. A dog with hip trouble probably shouldn't be put in a cheap baby stroller.

And, I've had several dogs with bad hip issues, and never felt the need to cart them around to department stores dressed in sparkly clothing and sunglasses. (The sunglasses looked more like clown glasses to attract attention than eye protection).

[RosieSD]

Originally Posted by LaJollaEast

Nothing can ever top my mom (she lives in Riverside) seeing a woman pushing a chicken in a dog stroller at the mall!

Oh that's a hoot! Perhaps it was a service chicken?

[janellen]

Originally Posted by David A Stone

my kids never licked their private parts.


There...IS..a difference between animals and humans !

Anatomical differences. If it were as easy for kids to do as it is for animals, it might be their favorite pastime.

[1AngryTaxPayer]

Originally Posted by rosiesd

oh that's a hoot! Perhaps it was a service chicken?

yum

[RosieSD]

Well, I was curious so I emailed Kohl's corporate to see what they had to say about their dogs in store policy. Here's what they said (clearly the Santee Kohl's is not enforcing the stated policy since I saw the lady walk in and right past the cashiers and customer service and no one said anything to her but maybe that is "Discretion of store management"):

It is Kohl's general practice to exclude pets and other domestic animals from its stores, at the discretion of store management. There are several reasons for this. These animals may intimidate or become hazardous to Kohl's customers and associates. In particular, our associates and customers may have allergies and other health issues surrounding exposure to animals. Kohl's has also found that prohibiting pets protects merchandise from damage and destruction while preserving store cleanliness and hygiene.

An exception is made for service animals assisting persons with disabilities, as that term is defined in the American with Disabilities Act and similar state and locate statutes Kohl's is committed to providing equal access to persons with disabilities and in compliance with public accommodation laws. With respect to service animals, Kohl's will allow the animal if one of two separate criteria is met:

1) First, an animal will be admitted if it is visually identifiable as a service animal by the presence of an apparel item, apparatus or other visual evidence that the animal is a service animal. Examples include a collar or leash identifying the animal as a service animal, OR
2) Second, if the animal is without visual evidence that it is a service animal and it is not obvious what service the animal provides, the customer must state that the animal is required because of a disability and identify what work or task the animal has been trained to perform.

If a Kohl's associate encounters a customer without visual evidence that the animal is a service animal under number 1, AND it is not obvious what service the animal provides, the associate should inquire of the customer:

1) Is the animal a service animal required because of a disability, and
2) What work or task has the animal been trained to perform.

The associate CANNOT ask about the customers disability; require medical documentation; require a special ID card or training documentation for the animal, or ask that the customer have the animal demonstrate its ability to perform the work or task.

If the owner provides a reasonable response indicating that the animal performs a service, the animal may accompany the customer in the store provided the animal does not disrupt the store or threaten the safety of other customers or associates. If the animal disrupts the store (including but not limited to urinating or defecating in the store, barking or biting customers or associates, or not being in close physical proximity to the customer), store management retains discretion to exclude the animal from the store.

If the owner is unwilling to provide this information, the animal will not be allowed to enter the store.

[4SR]

I'm not one for bringing dogs into stores, but it looks like Kohls is saying its up to individual store management. I think non-service dog owners can survive without their dogs during a trip to Kohls, but if they're not bothering me or anyone else, then to each their own.