Can You Bring Your Dog to Bed Bath & Beyond?

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 of its nationwide locations. Some stores even went above and beyond by offering special amenities for canine shoppers.

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.

Emotional Support Dog Policy at Bed Bath & Beyond

Bed Bath & Beyond does not publish a nationwide corporate policy specifically addressing emotional support dogs. Because of this, policies can vary by location rather than being uniform across all stores.

Many Bed Bath & Beyond locations are considered pet-friendly and may allow well-behaved dogs inside. In some cases, this may include emotional support dogs. However, entry is typically determined at the discretion of the individual store manager and may depend on local regulations or shopping center rules.

Emotional support dogs do not have automatic access rights to retail stores. Unlike housing protections under the Fair Housing Act, retail access for ESAs is not federally guaranteed. As a result, each store location can set its own guidelines.

What to Expect if Emotional Support Dogs Are Allowed

If a store permits emotional support dogs, basic behavior expectations usually apply:

• Dogs must remain leashed or carried at all times
  
• The animal must stay calm and under control
• The dog should not disrupt other customers
• Owners must clean up after their animal
• Staff may ask you to leave if the dog becomes disruptive

Best Practice Before Visiting

Because policies vary, it is strongly recommended to call your local Bed Bath & Beyond store ahead of time to confirm whether emotional support dogs are permitted. This helps avoid confusion and ensures a smooth shopping experience.

Bed Bath & Beyond’s Service Dog Policy (2026)

In 2026, Bed Bath & Beyond will allow service dogs in its stores in accordance with federal disability access laws. A service dog is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to perform specific tasks directly related to a person’s disability.

This includes a psychiatric service dog, which is trained to assist individuals with mental health conditions by performing task-based support such as interrupting panic attacks, grounding during dissociation, or reminding handlers to take medication.

What Service Dogs Are Allowed to Do

• Service dogs that assist individuals with disabilities are permitted to accompany their handlers inside the store.
• This allowance applies regardless of the store’s pet preferences or internal retail policies.
• The handler may enter and remain in the store with the service dog while shopping, moving through aisles, and accessing services.

Interaction During the Visit

• Service dogs should remain under the handler’s control at all times.
• They should be well-behaved and not interfere with store operations, other customers, or staff.
• The handler is responsible for keeping the dog safe and contained during the visit.

What Store Associates May Ask

In accordance with standard practice for service dog access (which applies to most retail environments):

• Store staff may ask two specific questions only if it is not obvious what the dog does:
  
  
1. Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
2. What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?

These questions help staff understand whether the dog qualifies as a service animal. Staff are not permitted to request documentation or ask about the nature of the disability.

Staff may not ask for documentation, medical records, or details about the person’s disability.

When a Service Dog May Be Asked to Leave

A service dog may be asked to exit the store if:

• It behaves in an out-of-control manner and the handler does not take effective action to control it.
• It poses a direct threat to the health or safety of other customers or staff.
• It engages in repeated disruptive behavior that interferes with store operations.

In these cases, the handler is still welcome to shop on their own or make alternate arrangements.

No Documentation Required In-Store

Service dog handlers are not required to provide certifications, identification cards, or special vests for their service animals. Store staff may not demand proof of training or medical records.

How Bed Bath & Beyond’s Dog Policy Varies by Location

While Bed Bath & Beyond is generally considered dog-friendly, the policy is not uniform across every store. Access rules can vary depending on the specific location.

Here are the main factors that influence whether dogs are allowed:

1. Store Management Discretion

Individual store managers may decide whether to permit pet dogs based on store size, customer traffic, and operational concerns.

2. Shopping Center or Mall Rules

If a Bed Bath & Beyond store is located inside a mall or shopping plaza, it may be required to follow the property owner’s pet policy. Some malls prohibit non-service animals entirely.

3. Local Health Regulations

Certain cities or counties may have retail health codes that affect whether animals can enter commercial spaces.

4. Store Format Differences

New “Bed Bath & Beyond Home” locations are significantly smaller than the original big-box stores. Smaller layouts may influence how comfortable management is with allowing dogs inside.

Because of these variables, one location may welcome dogs, while another location in a different city may not.

Best practice: Always call your specific store ahead of time to confirm their current dog policy before visiting.

Tips for Shopping with Your Dog  at Bed Bath & Beyond Store

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.

Not all locations follow identical rules, so confirming with your local Bed Bath & Beyond store before your visit is always recommended.

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 Decor 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 its 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 it isn'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 it is 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.