Can you take your dog into a grocery store in Texas? Here’s what state law says

For dog owners, their four-legged friends make good road trip companions -- even if the journey is to run a few errands or grab a bite to eat.

There are many bars, restaurants and even shops in Fort Worth that are dog-friendly. Retail stores such as Home Depot, Tractor Supply Co. and Bass Pro Shops allow dogs in most locations, according to the pet website Rover. Pets are also welcome in stores such as Petco and PetSmart.

But can you take your dog with you anywhere, such as to H-E-B or Walmart, to shop for groceries? Here is what Texas law says.

Can you take your dog into a grocery store in Texas?

While there is no statewide law prohibiting dogs from entering grocery stores, individual stores may have their own policies.

The only dogs usually allowed in most stores are service animals.

The Americans with Disabilities Act defines service animals as animals that are “individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.”

According to the ADA, “a public entity may ask if the animal is required because of a disability and what work or task the animal has been trained to perform. A public entity shall not require documentation, such as proof that the animal has been certified, trained, or licensed as a service animal.”

The ADA does not require service animals to wear special vests or collars, but it is recommended to avoid problems with businesses that don’t allow pets.

Federal law prohibits all other dogs from grocery stores to prevent “contamination from dog drool, urine, feces and other material that dogs carry.”

Texas Food Establishment Rules previously prohibited animals from being on the premises of a food establishment with the exception of K-9 police and service dogs as defined by ADA regulations.

What Texas grocery stores do not allow dogs?

Grocery stores that prohibit non-service dogs inside include:

• Costco
• Target
• Walmart
• Whole Foods
• Sam’s Club
• Trader Joe’s
• Kroger
• Sprouts
• Albertsons (policies vary by location)
• H-E-B

How to register your dog as a service animal in Texas

The state of Texas does not require service dogs to be registered or certified. The Americans with Disabilities Act is a federal law that clearly states that service dogs are allowed to accompany their handler in public places by simply saying the animal is a service dog.

If you want to register your dog as a service animal, you can follow these steps, according to Service Dogs Certifications:

• Establish your need for a service dog for your disability.
• Train your service dog to provide a task for your disability.
• Register your service dog with a reputable organization.