Walmart ESA Rules 2025: Can You Bring Your Emotional Support Dog?

It's about your ability to navigate daily tasks with the support you need. Unfortunately, the answer isn't what many ESA owners hope to hear.

Walmart's policy on emotional support animals is clear and, as of September 2025, more strictly enforced than ever. Understanding these rules, the legal framework behind them, and your alternatives will help you plan your shopping trips without frustration or confrontation.

In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn exactly what Walmart's ESA policy states, why emotional support animals aren't allowed, what the new 2025 enforcement means, and most importantly, what options you have as an ESA owner.

Quick Answer: Are ESAs Allowed in Walmart?

No, emotional support animals are not allowed in Walmart stores. Walmart's official policy permits only service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Since ESAs are not classified as service animals under federal law, they do not have public access rights to retail stores like Walmart.

However, you have several alternatives:

• Use Walmart's curbside pickup or delivery services
• Shop at pet-friendly stores that welcome ESAs
• Consider training your ESA as a psychiatric service dog for full access rights

Read on for complete details about Walmart's policy, the new 2025 enforcement rules, and legitimate solutions for ESA owners.

Walmart's Official Animal Policy

Walmart's pet policy is straightforward and publicly available on their corporate website. The official statement reads:

"Walmart welcomes service animals as defined by the ADA in our stores, and we recognize the important role they play in many of our customers' lives. We do not allow pets in our stores."

This policy applies to all Walmart locations across the United States, including Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets, and Sam's Club stores.

What This Means for ESA Owners

Because emotional support animals are not classified as service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Walmart categorizes ESAs as pets. This means:

• ESAs are not permitted inside any Walmart store
• Having an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional does not change this policy
• The policy applies regardless of how well-behaved your ESA is
• It doesn't matter if your ESA is small, in a carrier, or in a shopping cart

The policy exists to maintain hygiene standards, ensure customer safety, and comply with health regulations in areas where food is sold.

New September 2025 Enforcement: What Changed

In August 2025, Walmart locations across Washington State announced they would begin strictly enforcing their ESA policy starting September 1, 2025. This enforcement effort addresses growing concerns about individuals misrepresenting pets as service animals.

Why the Increased Enforcement?

According to the announcement from Walmart locations in Washington:

1. Sanitation concerns in stores that sell food products
2. ADA compliance to protect the rights of legitimate service animal handlers
3. Customer safety and comfort for all shoppers
4. Growing frustration from disability advocates about fake service animals undermining trust

What the New Enforcement Means

While Walmart's policy hasn't technically changed (ESAs were never allowed), the company is now:

• Training employees to recognize the difference between service animals and ESAs
• Empowering store managers to enforce the policy consistently
• Educating customers about ADA definitions and requirements
• Taking a firmer stance on denying entry to non-service animals

This stricter enforcement began in Washington State but may expand to Walmart locations nationwide as the company addresses ongoing issues with fake service animals.

💡 Important Note: This enforcement isn't targeting people with legitimate service animals. It's designed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities who depend on trained service dogs while preventing abuse of the system.

Service Animals vs Emotional Support Animals: The Critical Difference

Understanding why ESAs aren't allowed in Walmart requires understanding the legal distinction between service animals and emotional support animals. This distinction is defined by federal law, not individual businesses.

What Is a Service Animal Under the ADA?

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, a service animal is:

"A dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability."

Key requirements:

• Must be a dog (or in rare cases, a miniature horse)
• Must be trained to perform specific tasks related to the handler's disability
• The tasks must directly mitigate the effects of the disability
• Must be under the handler's control at all times

Examples of service dog tasks:

• Guiding individuals who are blind or have low vision
• Alerting individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing
• Pulling a wheelchair
• Alerting to seizures or diabetic emergencies
• Retrieving items or providing mobility assistance
• Providing deep pressure therapy during panic attacks (psychiatric service dogs)
• Interrupting self-harming behaviors
• Reminding handler to take medication

What Is an Emotional Support Animal?

An emotional support animal is:

"An animal that provides comfort and emotional support to an individual with a mental health condition, but is not trained to perform specific tasks."

Key characteristics:

• Can be any species (dog, cat, bird, etc.)
• Not required to have any training
• Provides comfort through companionship and presence
• Prescribed by a licensed mental health professional
• Protected under housing laws (Fair Housing Act) but NOT under the ADA

Why This Distinction Matters at Walmart

The ADA only grants public access rights to service animals, not emotional support animals. This means:

Walmart follows federal ADA guidelines, which is why they must allow service animals but are not required to allow ESAs.

Questions Walmart Employees Can Ask

If you enter Walmart with a dog, employees are trained to assess whether the animal is a service animal. However, the ADA strictly limits what questions they can ask.

The Two Permissible Questions

Walmart employees may only ask:

1. "Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?"
2. "What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?"

That's it. These are the only two questions allowed under federal law.

What Walmart Employees CANNOT Ask

• The nature of your disability
• For medical documentation
• For proof of service animal training or certification
• To see an ID card or vest
• For the dog to demonstrate its tasks

What If Your Animal Is an ESA?

If an employee asks the two permissible questions and you cannot identify a specific trained task (because ESAs are not task-trained), Walmart has the right to deny entry.

Truthful responses that may result in denial:

• "He provides emotional support."
• "She helps with my anxiety."
• "He's my comfort animal."
• "I have a letter from my therapist."

None of these describe specific trained tasks, which means the animal does not meet the ADA's definition of a service animal.

⚠️ Warning: Misrepresenting an ESA as a service animal may violate state laws in many jurisdictions and can result in fines or criminal charges.

Are Psychiatric Service Dogs Allowed in Walmart?

Yes, psychiatric service dogs (PSDs) ARE allowed in Walmart because they are legitimate service animals under the ADA.

What Is a Psychiatric Service Dog?

A psychiatric service dog is a service animal trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with mental health disabilities such as:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Severe anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

How PSDs Differ from ESAs

Examples of PSD Tasks

Legitimate psychiatric service dog tasks include:

• Deep pressure therapy (DPT) during panic attacks or flashbacks
• Medication reminders at specific times
• Interrupting self-harming behaviors like skin picking or hair pulling
• Reality checking during dissociative episodes
• Crowd control/creating space in crowded environments
• Guiding handler to exit during anxiety attacks
• Waking handler from nightmares
• Providing tactile stimulation during anxiety or dissociation

If your dog is trained to perform these or similar tasks, they qualify as a psychiatric service dog and have full access rights, including at Walmart.

💡 Considering PSD Training? Many ESA owners don't realize their animal could be trained as a psychiatric service dog. Learn more about our psychiatric service dog letter process to see if you qualify.

Can You Bring Your Dog in a Carrier or Stroller?

No. Walmart does not allow dogs in carriers, strollers, purses, or shopping carts unless they are service animals.

Common Misconceptions

Some ESA owners believe that if their dog is contained in a carrier or stroller, Walmart might allow entry. This is incorrect.

Walmart's policy states:

• Leashed dogs: Not allowed (unless service animals)
• Small dogs in purses: Not allowed
• Dogs in carriers: Not allowed
• Dogs in strollers: Not allowed
• Dogs in shopping carts: Not allowed

The method of containment doesn't change the policy. If the animal is not a service animal as defined by the ADA, it cannot enter the store regardless of how it's transported.

The Grocery Section Myth

You may have heard that dogs aren't allowed in stores with grocery sections due to health codes. While this is true for pets, service animals are allowed in all areas of stores, including grocery sections, because the ADA supersedes local health regulations for service animals.

However, this exception only applies to legitimate service animals, not ESAs.

What Happens If You Try to Bring an ESA Into Walmart?

If you attempt to enter Walmart with an emotional support animal, here's what you can typically expect:

Scenario 1: You're Asked the Two Questions

A Walmart employee may approach you and ask:

1. Is this a service animal?
2. What tasks is it trained to perform?

If you cannot provide a specific trained task, the employee will likely explain that only service animals are permitted and ask you to leave the animal outside or in your vehicle.

Scenario 2: You're Not Questioned

Due to the challenges of identifying service animals and the legal risks of denying access to legitimate service animals, some Walmart locations may not question every customer with a dog.

However, relying on not being questioned is risky because:

• With the new 2025 enforcement, employees are more vigilant
• Store managers have discretion to enforce the policy
• Other customers may complain
• You could face embarrassment if asked to leave

Scenario 3: Store Manager Discretion (Rare)

In very rare cases, particularly during non-peak hours and with an exceptionally well-behaved animal, a store manager might allow an ESA inside. However, this is not guaranteed, not company policy, and should never be expected.

Potential Consequences

While Walmart typically handles these situations with courtesy, potential consequences include:

• Being asked to leave the store
• Being escorted out by security
• Being banned from the location if you become confrontational
• In some states, fines or criminal charges for misrepresenting an ESA as a service animal

🛒 How to Shop at Walmart with an ESA

Just because you can't bring your ESA inside doesn't mean you can't shop at Walmart. The retailer offers several convenient alternatives that allow you to get what you need without separating from your emotional support animal for long.

1. Curbside Pickup (Best Option)

Walmart's free curbside pickup service is ideal for ESA owners:

How it works:

1. Order your items through the Walmart app or website
2. Select a pickup time slot
3. Drive to the store with your ESA
4. Park in designated pickup spots
5. A Walmart employee brings your order to your car
6. Your ESA stays safely with you the entire time

Benefits:

• Completely free service
• No minimum purchase required
• Available for groceries, household items, and more
• Typically available within 2-4 hours
• Your ESA never has to be separated from you

2. Home Delivery

Walmart offers delivery services through Walmart+ or third-party services:

Walmart+ Delivery:

• Unlimited free delivery on orders $35+
• Subscription: $12.95/month or $98/year
• Same-day or scheduled delivery
• Shop from home with your ESA beside you

Third-Party Delivery:

• Instacart, DoorDash, or Uber Eats
• Pay-per-order basis
• Grocery and essential items
• Tips and service fees apply

3. Plan Quick Trips

If you need to make a quick in-store purchase:

• Leave your ESA at home in a safe, comfortable environment
• Shop during off-peak hours for faster trips
• Make a detailed list to minimize time away
• Consider asking a trusted friend or family member to stay with your ESA

4. Shop Online at Walmart.com

For non-urgent purchases, Walmart's website offers:

• Millions of products available
• Free shipping on orders $35+
• Ship to home or store
• Shop at your own pace with your ESA by your side

💡 Pro Tip: Download the Walmart app to make curbside pickup and online ordering even easier. You can reorder frequently purchased items with just a few taps.

🐾 Pet-Friendly Stores That Welcome ESAs

While Walmart doesn't allow emotional support animals, many other retailers have more flexible policies. If you prefer shopping in person with your ESA, consider these alternatives:

Pet Supply Stores

Petco ✅

• Officially pet-friendly
• ESAs welcome at all locations
• Browse pet supplies with your companion

PetSmart ✅

• Welcomes all well-behaved pets
• ESAs included
• Great for pet shopping trips

Tractor Supply Co. ✅

• Most locations welcome leashed dogs
• Confirm with your local store
• Rural/farm supply focus

Home Improvement Stores

Lowe's ✅

• Most locations allow dogs
• Call ahead to verify local policy
• Keep your ESA leashed and controlled

Home Depot ⚠️

• Pet-friendly at many locations
• Policies vary by store
• Always confirm before visiting

Ace Hardware ✅

• Many locations welcome dogs
• Smaller format, often more accommodating
• Check with your local store

Other Retailers

Bass Pro Shops ⚠️

• Some locations allow dogs
• Varies by location
• Outdoor/hunting focus

Michaels ⚠️

• Policies vary by location
• Small dogs sometimes welcome
• Arts and crafts supplies

HomeGoods/TJ Maxx/Marshalls ⚠️

• Policies vary significantly
• Some locations more lenient than others
• Always ask first

Important Guidelines for Pet-Friendly Stores

Even at pet-friendly retailers, follow these rules:

✅ DO:

• Keep your ESA leashed at all times
• Ensure your animal is well-behaved and non-disruptive
• Clean up any accidents immediately
• Respect other customers and their personal space
• Bring waste bags and supplies

❌ DON'T:

• Allow your ESA to approach other customers or their animals
• Let your ESA relieve itself inside
• Bring an aggressive or poorly socialized animal
• Place your animal in shopping carts (hygiene concerns)
• Assume all locations of a chain have the same policy

⚠️ Always call ahead to verify the specific location's pet policy before visiting. Policies can vary by state, region, and individual store management.

🎓 Converting Your ESA to a Psychiatric Service Dog

If having your animal with you in public spaces like Walmart is important to your mental health management, you may want to consider training your ESA as a psychiatric service dog (PSD).

Can Your ESA Become a PSD?

Not every emotional support animal can become a psychiatric service dog, but many can with proper training. Consider these factors:

Good PSD candidates:

• Dogs (must be a dog, not other species)
• Calm temperament and good with distractions
• Non-aggressive toward people and other animals
• Able to focus and learn commands
• Physically capable of performing required tasks
• Age-appropriate (typically 1-8 years old)

May not be suitable:

• Overly anxious or reactive dogs
• Aggressive or unpredictable animals
• Dogs with health issues preventing task work
• Cats or other non-dog species (cannot be service animals under ADA)

What's Required for PSD Training?

To qualify as a psychiatric service dog, your animal must be trained to perform specific, identifiable tasks that directly relate to your disability.

Examples of PSD tasks for anxiety/PTSD:

1. Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT)
• Applying body weight to chest during panic attacks
• Provides grounding and reduces anxiety symptoms
2. Tactile Stimulation
• Nudging or pawing to interrupt anxiety spirals
• Licking hands or face during dissociation
3. Medication Reminders
• Alerting at specific times
• Retrieving medication containers
4. Crowd Control
• Creating physical space in crowded areas
• Positioning between handler and others
5. Nightmare Interruption
• Waking handler from PTSD nightmares
• Turning on lights upon waking
6. Reality Checking
• Providing grounding during dissociative episodes
• Interrupting flashbacks with tactile input
7. Guiding to Exit/Safety
• Leading handler out of overwhelming situations
• Finding exits during panic attacks

How to Get Your ESA Trained as a PSD

Option 1: Professional Training

• Work with a certified service dog trainer
• Typically costs $5,000-$20,000
• Takes 6-18 months
• Most thorough approach

Option 2: Owner Training

• Train your own dog with professional guidance
• More affordable ($500-$2,000 for training materials)
• Takes 1-2 years
• Requires dedication and consistency
• Legal in all 50 states

Option 3: Online Training Programs

• Structured training courses with expert guidance
• More affordable than in-person training
• Work at your own pace
• Combine with occasional professional consultations

Do You Need to "Register" or "Certify" Your PSD?

No. This is a common misconception. Under the ADA:

• No official registration or certification is required
• No ID cards, vests, or documentation is legally required
• Service dogs are identified by their training and behavior, not paperwork

⚠️ Beware of scams: Websites selling "service dog registration," "certification," or "ID cards" are not legitimate and do not grant any legal rights. These are often scams targeting people unfamiliar with ADA requirements.

What You DO Need

To have a psychiatric service dog, you need:

1. A qualifying mental health disability (anxiety, PTSD, depression, etc.)
2. A dog trained to perform specific tasks related to your disability
3. Control over your dog in public settings
4. A letter from a licensed mental health professional (recommended but not legally required) stating:
• You have a mental health disability
• A psychiatric service dog would help mitigate your disability
• The dog performs specific trained tasks

💡 Ready to explore PSD training? Our licensed therapists can evaluate whether you qualify for a psychiatric service dog and provide the necessary documentation. Schedule a consultation with a licensed mental health professional to discuss whether a PSD is right for you.

Conclusion

Walmart's ESA policy is clear: emotional support animals are not allowed inside stores because they don't qualify as service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act. With the new strict enforcement beginning in September 2025, this policy is being more consistently applied across locations.

Key takeaways:

✅ Only ADA-compliant service animals are allowed in Walmart
✅ ESAs don't have public access rights under federal law
✅ Psychiatric service dogs (task-trained) ARE allowed
✅ Walmart offers curbside pickup and delivery as alternatives
✅ Many other stores are pet-friendly and welcome ESAs
✅ You may be able to train your ESA as a psychiatric service dog

While it can be disappointing to learn you can't bring your ESA into Walmart, understanding the legal distinctions and exploring your alternatives ensures you can still meet your needs without frustration or conflict.

If you're considering having your emotional support animal trained as a psychiatric service dog, or if you need a legitimate ESA letter for housing accommodations, our licensed mental health professionals can help.

🐾 Need an ESA Letter for Housing or a PSD Evaluation?

Frequently Asked Questions

Are emotional support animals allowed in Walmart?

No, emotional support animals are not allowed in Walmart stores. Walmart's official policy only permits service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Since ESAs do not qualify as service animals under federal law, they are considered pets and are not permitted inside.

What is Walmart's new ESA policy for 2025?

Beginning September 1, 2025, Walmart locations (starting in Washington State) began strictly enforcing their existing ESA policy. While the policy hasn't changed, Walmart is now training employees more thoroughly and taking a firmer stance on denying entry to non-service animals to address sanitation concerns and protect the rights of legitimate service animal handlers.

Can I show my ESA letter to get into Walmart?

No. An ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional provides housing and certain workplace accommodations under the Fair Housing Act, but it does not grant public access rights. Walmart is not legally required to accept ESA letters, and having one will not change their policy.

Are psychiatric service dogs allowed in Walmart?

Yes, psychiatric service dogs ARE allowed in Walmart. PSDs are legitimate service animals under the ADA because they are trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with mental health disabilities like PTSD, severe anxiety, or depression. If your dog is task-trained (not just providing emotional support), it qualifies as a service animal.

Can Walmart employees ask for proof of my service dog?

No. Walmart employees cannot ask for proof, documentation, certification, or ID cards for service animals. Under the ADA, they may only ask two questions: (1) Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? and (2) What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?

What questions can Walmart ask about my service dog?

Walmart employees may ask only two questions:

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

They cannot ask about the nature of your disability, request documentation, or ask for demonstrations of the tasks.

Can I bring my small dog in a purse or carrier to Walmart?

No. Walmart does not allow dogs in purses, carriers, strollers, or shopping carts unless they are service animals. The method of containment does not change the policy. If the animal is not a service animal, it cannot enter regardless of how it's carried.

What stores allow emotional support animals?

Several stores are more pet-friendly and may welcome ESAs, including:

• Petco (officially pet-friendly)
• PetSmart (officially pet-friendly)
• Lowe's (most locations)
• Home Depot (many locations)
• Tractor Supply Co. (most locations)
• Ace Hardware (many locations)

Always call ahead to verify the specific location's policy as it can vary by store and region.

How can I shop at Walmart if I have an ESA?

Walmart offers several alternatives for ESA owners:

1. Curbside pickup (free) - Order online and have items brought to your car
2. Home delivery - Walmart+ or third-party delivery services
3. Online shopping - Free shipping on orders $35+ at Walmart.com
4. Quick in-store trips - Leave your ESA safely at home for brief visits

Can Walmart kick me out for bringing my ESA?

Yes. If Walmart employees determine your animal is an ESA and not a service animal, they can ask you to leave the store. If you refuse, you could be escorted out by security or potentially banned from the location. In some states, misrepresenting an ESA as a service animal carries fines or criminal penalties.

Are therapy dogs allowed in Walmart?

No. Therapy dogs are not service animals under the ADA. While therapy dogs provide important emotional support in hospitals, schools, and care facilities, they do not have public access rights and are not permitted in Walmart stores unless the store is hosting a specific therapy visit event.

Does Walmart allow service animals in all locations?

Yes. All Walmart locations in the United States must allow service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This includes Walmart Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets, and Sam's Club stores. Service animals are permitted in all areas of the store, including grocery sections.

What if my ESA is very well-behaved?

Unfortunately, behavior alone does not grant public access rights. Even the most well-trained ESA is still not a service animal under the ADA if it hasn't been trained to perform specific tasks related to a disability. Walmart's policy applies regardless of how well-behaved your ESA is.

Can I train my ESA to become a service dog?

Yes, if you have a dog (not another species), you can potentially train it to become a psychiatric service dog. This requires training the dog to perform specific tasks related to your mental health disability. Owner training is legal in all 50 states, though it requires dedication, time, and often professional guidance. Learn more about converting your ESA to a PSD.

Is it illegal to bring an ESA into Walmart?

Bringing an ESA into Walmart is not federally illegal, but it violates store policy and you can be asked to leave. However, misrepresenting an ESA as a service animal may violate state laws in many jurisdictions. States including California, Colorado, Florida, and many others have laws that impose fines or criminal penalties for falsely claiming an animal is a service animal.