Home

Are Dogs Allowed At Bed Bath Beyond

Written by

Harper Jefcoat

Are Dogs Welcome at Bed Bath & Beyond Stores?

9 min read

Are Dogs Welcome at Bed Bath & Beyond Stores?

On This Page

Yes, Bed Bath & Beyond allows service dogs in all stores, as required by federal law. Regular pets, however, are not universally permitted, and pet policies may vary by location due to changes in store ownership and management.

Understanding the difference between service animals, emotional support animals, and pets is important before bringing your dog inside and it's worth noting that an ESA letter does not grant the same public access rights as service dog certification. This guide explains Bed Bath & Beyond's dog policy in 2026, what animals are legally allowed, and what to expect when shopping with your dog.

Bed Bath & Beyond's Current Status in 2026

Before diving into pet policies, it's important to understand Bed Bath & Beyond's current retail landscape. The beloved home goods chain filed for bankruptcy in 2023 and closed all 365 of its original locations. However, the brand didn't disappear entirely.

In 2023, Overstock.com acquired Bed Bath & Beyond's intellectual property from bankruptcy courts. Since then, the brand has been operating primarily online while planning a strategic return to physical retail. Starting in August 2025, Bed Bath & Beyond began reopening under a new format called "Bed Bath & Beyond Home" through partnerships with The Brand House Collective (formerly Kirkland's).

These new stores are significantly smaller than the original big-box locations, typically ranging from 5,000 to 15,000 square feet. The first location opened in Nashville, Tennessee, with additional stores planned across the country (notably excluding California due to regulatory concerns cited by company leadership).

Historical Dog Policy at Bed Bath & Beyond

Historically, Bed Bath & Beyond earned a reputation as one of America's most dog-friendly retail chains. Before the bankruptcy, the company welcomed well-behaved dogs at most locations nationwide. Some stores even went above and beyond by offering special amenities for canine shoppers.

Previous Pet-Friendly Features

The original Bed Bath & Beyond stores implemented several dog-friendly initiatives, including a pilot "canine cart" program in select New York City locations that provided comfortable shopping carts designed specifically for dogs. Many stores also kept dog treats at checkout counters to reward four-legged visitors.

Store managers typically allowed leashed, well-behaved dogs to accompany their owners while shopping. This informal but widespread policy made Bed Bath & Beyond a favorite destination for pet parents seeking home goods, bedding, bath supplies, and pet-related products.

Current Pet Policy for Bed Bath & Beyond Home

As of 2026, the pet policy for the new Bed Bath & Beyond Home stores is still taking shape. Since these locations are operated through The Brand House Collective partnership and each store is being treated as a learning opportunity, policies may vary by location.

What We Know About the New Stores

Based on current information, here's what pet owners should understand about bringing dogs to Bed Bath & Beyond Home locations:

Store-by-Store Variation: Unlike a corporate-wide mandate, individual store managers may have discretion in setting pet policies based on local regulations, mall requirements (if located within a shopping center), and store-specific circumstances.
Service Animals Always Welcome: Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service animals must be permitted in all public accommodations, including retail stores. This federal protection applies regardless of individual store policies.
Informal Pet-Friendly Approach: Given the brand's historical reputation and the retail industry's growing acceptance of pets, many locations may continue the tradition of welcoming well-behaved dogs, though this isn't officially confirmed for all new stores.

Shopping Mall Considerations

If a Bed Bath & Beyond Home location opens within a shopping mall or plaza, the mall's overarching pet policy will typically supersede individual store preferences. Many indoor malls prohibit pets (except service animals) due to shared common areas, food courts, and health code regulations. Always check with the specific mall management if the store is located within a larger retail complex.

Tips for Shopping with Your Dog

If you plan to bring your dog to a Bed Bath & Beyond Home location or any pet-friendly store, following proper etiquette ensures a positive experience for everyone.

Preparation Before Your Visit

Call Ahead: The most reliable way to confirm a store's pet policy is to call the specific location directly. Ask to speak with a manager and inquire about their dog policy, any restrictions, and their busiest hours (quieter times may be better for your first visit).
Assess Your Dog's Readiness: Not all dogs are suited for retail environments. Your dog should be comfortable on a leash, socialized with strangers, and able to handle busy, unfamiliar settings without excessive barking, jumping, or showing signs of stress.
Check Vaccination Records: While stores rarely ask for proof, have your dog's vaccination records accessible on your phone. This demonstrates responsible pet ownership and may be requested in certain situations.

During Your Store Visit

Keep Your Dog Leashed: Always use a secure, non-retractable leash that keeps your dog close to you. Retractable leashes can create trip hazards and make it difficult to maintain control in crowded spaces.
Watch for Stress Signals: Monitor your dog for signs of anxiety, fear, or overstimulation, including excessive panting, whale eye (showing whites of eyes), tucked tail, pulled back ears, or attempts to hide. If your dog seems uncomfortable, cut the trip short.
Respect Other Shoppers: Not everyone loves dogs, and some people have allergies or fears. Keep your dog from approaching other customers unless they explicitly ask to interact. Never allow your dog to sniff products or display items.
Clean Up Immediately: Carry cleanup supplies including waste bags and paper towels. In the unlikely event of an accident, clean it thoroughly and notify store staff immediately.
Keep Visits Short: Especially for your first few trips, keep shopping visits brief to avoid overwhelming your dog. Gradually increase duration as your dog becomes more comfortable with the environment.

Alternative Options If Dogs Aren't Allowed

If a particular Bed Bath & Beyond Home location doesn't permit dogs, or you prefer not to bring your pet shopping, several alternatives exist.

Online Shopping

The Bed Bath & Beyond website offers the complete product catalog with home delivery options. Many locations provide same-day or next-day delivery, particularly in urban areas. This allows you to shop from home where your dog is most comfortable.

Curbside Pickup

Check if your local store offers buy-online-pick-up-in-store (BOPIS) services. You can complete your shopping online, then quickly pick up your order without leaving your dog alone in the car for an extended period.

Pet-Sitting Solutions

Consider these options when you need to shop without your dog:

Dog Daycare: Many facilities offer hourly or half-day rates for socialized dogs
Rover or Wag: On-demand dog walking and sitting services through apps
Friend or Family: Trade pet-sitting duties with another dog owner
In-Home Pet Cameras: Modern pet cameras allow you to check on your dog and even dispense treats remotely

Never leave your dog alone in a parked car, even for quick errands. Temperatures inside vehicles can become dangerous rapidly, regardless of outdoor temperature.

Other Dog-Friendly Home Goods Stores

While you're exploring options for shopping with your dog, several other home goods retailers have established pet-friendly policies.

Home Improvement Stores

Home Depot: Known for being extremely dog-friendly, with leashed dogs welcome at most locations. The company culture embraces pets, though individual franchises may vary.
Lowe's: Generally permits well-behaved, leashed dogs at most locations. Store managers have discretion, so policies may differ by store.
Ace Hardware: As independently owned franchises, policies vary significantly. Many locations welcome dogs and even keep treats at the counter.

Home Décor Retailers

Michaels: The craft supply chain officially welcomes leashed dogs at all locations, making it popular for pet-friendly shopping trips.
HomeGoods/TJ Maxx/Marshalls: These TJX Companies stores often allow dogs, though policies can vary by location and mall regulations.

Department Stores

Nordstrom: Known for their customer service excellence, most Nordstrom locations welcome well-behaved dogs.
Macy's: While not officially stated, many locations allow dogs. Mall stores may follow stricter policies.

Always verify with individual locations, as franchise ownership, mall regulations, and local health codes can create variations in pet policies.

Shopping for Pet Supplies at Bed Bath & Beyond

One reason many pet owners want to bring their dogs to Bed Bath & Beyond is the store's selection of pet-related products. The retailer stocks various pet supplies that dogs might enjoy helping select.

Pet Products Available

Bed Bath & Beyond Home locations typically carry:

Pet waste bags and dispensers
Food and water bowls
Pet feeding mats
Cleaning supplies specifically formulated for pet messes
Pet-friendly furniture covers and protectors
Pet beds and comfort items
Seasonal pet accessories

Having your dog with you while shopping for these items can help ensure proper sizing and your dog's acceptance of new products (like beds or bowls). However, even without your pet present, most products include detailed measurements and return policies.

Legal Considerations and Responsibilities

Understanding your legal rights and responsibilities as a dog owner helps create positive experiences for everyone involved in retail settings.

Liability Issues

As a dog owner, you remain fully responsible for your dog's behavior in public spaces. This includes:

Any injuries your dog causes to people or property
Damages from destructive behavior
Cleanup of waste or accidents
Control and restraint at all times

Most homeowners or renters insurance policies include liability coverage for dog-related incidents, but coverage limits and exclusions vary. Consider umbrella liability insurance if you frequently bring your dog to public spaces.

Misrepresenting Your Dog as a Service Animal

Falsely claiming your pet is a service animal when they aren't is illegal in many states and undermines the legitimacy of actual service animals. Penalties can include:

Fines ranging from $500 to $10,000 depending on jurisdiction
Potential criminal charges in some states
Civil liability if your dog causes problems
Damage to the reputation and access rights of legitimate service dog teams

Only represent your dog as a service animal if they are specifically trained to perform disability-related tasks for you.

Health Code Regulations

Certain types of businesses have strict prohibitions on animals due to health codes:

Grocery stores and supermarkets (except service animals)
Restaurants (except service animals; some allow pets in outdoor seating)
Food preparation areas
Healthcare facilities (except where specifically allowed for therapy)

These restrictions exist to protect public health and food safety. Even if a business wants to welcome pets, they may be prohibited by local or state health regulations.

In summary, shopping at Bed Bath & Beyond with your dog is possible in many cases, but policies depend on the type of animal, individual store rules, and local regulations. Service animals are always allowed under federal law, while pet and emotional support animal access may vary by location. Although the brand has a history of being pet-friendly, acceptance of dogs is not guaranteed at every store.

Successful shopping with a dog requires preparation and consideration for others. Calling ahead, keeping your dog well trained and leashed, and leaving if your dog becomes stressed help ensure a positive experience. As Bed Bath & Beyond continues reopening locations, policies may change, so checking with your local store and staying flexible remains the best approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my emotional support dog to Bed Bath & Beyond?

Emotional support dogs do not have automatic access rights to retail stores under federal law. Individual Bed Bath & Beyond Home locations may allow well-behaved pets at the manager's discretion, but this varies by store. Service dogs are always permitted under the ADA, regardless of store policy. Contact your specific location to inquire about their pet policy before visiting.

Will Bed Bath & Beyond ask for proof that my dog is a service animal?

Under ADA guidelines, businesses may only ask two questions: whether the dog is a service animal required because of a disability, and what task the dog is trained to perform. They cannot require documentation, certification, or ask about the nature of your disability. They also cannot require the dog to demonstrate their task.

Are dogs allowed in all Bed Bath & Beyond locations?

With the new Bed Bath & Beyond Home format, policies may vary by location since stores are operated through partnerships rather than corporate ownership. Some locations may continue the brand's historical pet-friendly reputation, while others may have restrictions based on mall regulations or local ordinances. Always call your specific store location to confirm their current pet policy.

What should I do if my dog has an accident in the store?

If your dog has an accident, clean it up immediately using supplies you've brought. Notify store staff so they can properly sanitize the area and ensure safety for other shoppers. Take responsibility calmly and apologetically. Consider whether your dog is ready for public shopping experiences, as frequent accidents indicate stress or inadequate training.

Can Bed Bath & Beyond refuse entry to my service dog?

Businesses cannot deny access to legitimate service dogs except in rare circumstances where the dog is out of control and the handler cannot regain control, or if the dog is not housebroken. They cannot exclude service dogs due to allergies or fears of other customers. If you believe your service dog was wrongfully denied access, you can file a complaint with the Department of Justice.

How can I get my dog ready for shopping trips?

Start with training and socialization in lower-stress environments. Practice loose-leash walking in increasingly busy areas. Expose your dog to various surfaces, sounds, and people. Ensure your dog responds to basic commands like sit, stay, and leave it. Begin with very short store visits and gradually increase duration. If your dog shows significant stress, consider whether retail environments are appropriate for them.

WRITTEN BY

Harper Jefcoat

Harper Jefcoat is a licensed mental health professional with over a decade of experience in emotional support animal (ESA) evaluations, counseling, and ESA-related legal guidance. With a strong background in therapy and mental health advocacy, Harper has helped thousands of clients receive legitimate ESA letters while promoting emotional well-being. As the official blog author for RealESALetter.com, Harper is dedicated to educating the public on ESA benefits, laws, and mental wellness.

Get Approved Quickly by Real Doctors.

Fully Legitimate and Safe.