Are Dogs Allowed in Five Below? A Complete Pet Parent’s Guide

Hey there, fellow dog lovers! If you’re anything like me you probably enjoy taking your furry bestie along for shopping adventures whenever possible. One question I get asked a lot is whether Five Below – that awesome store where everything’s $5 or less – welcomes our four-legged friends. Let’s dig into this topic and find out if your pup can join you while you hunt for those amazing bargains!

The Short Answer: It Depends on the Location

The simple truth is that Five Below doesn’t have a company-wide policy about dogs in their stores. Instead, they leave this decision up to individual store managers and locations This means some Five Below stores are totally dog-friendly, while others might ask you to leave Fido at home.

When asked directly on Facebook about their pet policy, Five Below responded “We do not have a specific policy that addresses dogs in our store we do ask anyone with a dog to be mindful of other customers who may have an allergy or fear of dogs. We also ask that they are kept with their owner at all times.”

How to Find Out if Your Local Five Below Allows Dogs

Before you grab the leash and head out with your pup, here’s what I recommend:

1. Call ahead – The easiest way to avoid disappointment is to simply call your local Five Below and ask if dogs are welcome
2. Check the store locator – Visit the Five Below website to find your nearest location and their contact info
3. Ask at the door – If you’re already out and about, you can always pop your head in and ask a staff member before bringing your dog inside

Service Dogs Are Always Welcome

It’s important to note that service dogs are ALWAYS allowed in Five Below stores, regardless of the location’s pet policy. This is protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which ensures that service animals can accompany their owners in public places.

However, there’s an important distinction here: the service dog must be with the person they are trained to serve. As a quick reminder, service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to perform specific tasks for people with disabilities.

My Personal Experience with Five Below

Last summer, I brought my Lab mix, Charlie, to our local Five Below. The staff were super welcoming and even offered him a little pat on the head! However, when visiting a different location while traveling, I was politely informed that pets weren’t allowed in that particular store.

This inconsistency is exactly why calling ahead saves both you and your doggo from potential disappointment.

Tips for Shopping with Your Dog at Five Below

If your local Five Below does welcome pets, here are some tips to make it a positive experience for everyone:

• Keep your dog leashed – Even the most well-behaved pup should stay on a short leash in retail environments
• Bring water – Shopping can be tiring for dogs too!
• Watch for signs of stress – Some dogs don’t enjoy bright stores with lots of people
• Clean up accidents immediately – Accidents happen, but being prepared shows respect for the store
• Be mindful of other shoppers – Not everyone is comfortable around dogs, so give people space

Dog-Friendly Alternatives if Your Five Below Says No

If your local Five Below isn’t dog-friendly, don’t worry! There are plenty of other retail chains that typically welcome well-behaved pups:

• Home Depot – Most locations are dog-friendly
• Petco and PetSmart – Obviously!
• Bass Pro Shops – Great for outdoor enthusiasts and their dogs
• Tractor Supply Co. – Usually very welcoming to dogs
• Nordstrom – Many locations allow well-behaved dogs

Awesome Dog Items You Can Find at Five Below

Even if your dog can’t come shopping with you, Five Below has tons of great pet items you can bring home as a consolation prize! I’ve found some incredible bargains there, including:

• Dog toys (squeaky toys, plushies, balls)
• Dog beds and blankets
• Cute dog sweaters and outfits
• Food and water bowls
• Leashes and collars
• Treat jars and containers

A few years back, I personally shopped at Five Below for dog toys and beds for a shelter donation drive. They had so many cute and affordable options that I was able to donate way more items than I initially planned!

The Importance of Being a Responsible Dog Owner

Whether Five Below or any other store allows dogs, it’s on us as pet parents to make sure our dogs are good retail “customers.” This means:

• Making sure they’re properly socialized
• Training basic commands like “sit” and “stay”
• Being aware of their bathroom needs
• Respecting that not everyone loves dogs as much as we do

When we demonstrate responsible pet ownership, more stores might be willing to welcome our furry friends in the future!

Common Questions About Dogs in Five Below

Are emotional support animals allowed in Five Below?

Unlike service dogs, emotional support animals don’t have the same legal protections under the ADA. Their admission would depend on the store’s pet policy.

What if my dog misbehaves in Five Below?

If your dog shows signs of stress, fear, or misbehavior, it’s best to cut your shopping trip short. This protects both your dog and ensures stores remain willing to be pet-friendly.

Can I bring my dog in a carrier or stroller?

Many Five Below locations that don’t allow dogs walking around might be more accepting of dogs in carriers or strollers. It’s still best to call ahead and ask.

Does Five Below sell dog food?

While Five Below has many pet items, they typically don’t carry dog food or treats. They focus more on toys, accessories, and clothing for pets.

Final Thoughts: To Bring or Not to Bring?

In conclusion, whether dogs are allowed in Five Below really depends on which location you’re visiting. The company doesn’t have a blanket policy against dogs, but they leave it up to individual stores to decide.

Your best bet is always to call ahead before bringing your furry friend along for a shopping spree. And remember – even if your local Five Below isn’t dog-friendly, you can still pick up some awesome doggy treasures to bring home to your waiting pup!

Have you taken your dog to Five Below? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments! And if you know of other surprisingly dog-friendly stores, share those too so we can all expand our shopping-with-dogs horizons!

Until next time, happy shopping with (or for) your furry friends!

P.S. – Supporting Dog-Friendly Businesses

We can help encourage more businesses to become dog-friendly by being excellent ambassadors when we do bring our pups shopping. Always thank staff who welcome your dog, clean up after your pet, and be respectful of other shoppers. The more positive experiences businesses have with dogs in their stores, the more likely they’ll be to continue allowing them!