If you’re wondering whether Total Wine & More allows dogs in their stores, you won’t find an answer on their website. The company doesn’t have a pet policy for their stores online, so I decided to do a little digging and discovered that most Total Wine & More stores are pet-friendly. But this could vary based on your location.
What Is Total Wine & More’s Pet Policy?
Total Wine & More doesn’t have an official pet policy. Their website does state that anyone under the age of 21 must be accompanied by an adult when in the store, but what about fur children?
When I reached out to their corporate customer service to find out, I was told that it's at the discretion of the local stores whether or not they allow pets. So, I phoned my local store and was greeted with an enthusiastic, “Bring ‘em on in!” The customer service representative confirmed, “We’re very pet-friendly here.”
Before throwing in the towel or walking in there with your pooch in tow, I’d definitely suggest calling your local Total Wine & More to ask about whether dogs are allowed first. Hopefully, your store loves pups as much as mine does!
Rules Around Service Dogs In Total Wine & More
Service dogs are welcome in all Total Wine & More stores. As stated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), “Generally, businesses and non-profits that are open to the public as well as state/local government must allow service animals to go most places where the public can go. This is true even if they have a “no pets” policy.”
In order to qualify as a service animal, your dog must be trained to perform a specific task to aid with a disability. These trained working dogs are distinct from emotional support dogs.
Emotional Support Dogs In Total Wine & More
If you want to bring your emotional support dog into Total Wine & More, you’re in luck! Since most locations allow all dogs in their stores, your ESA is welcome, too. Just make sure they’re well-behaved, housebroken, and socialized — and that your local store allows dogs.
Related: Target's Dog Policy for a Woof-Worthy Retail Experience
When It’s Best to Leave Your Dog at Home
Even if your local Total Wine & More store welcomes dogs with open arms, that doesn’t necessarily mean you should stroll on in there with your pooch. Some dogs don’t do well in public places or crowded areas, and taking them in could be more harmful than helpful.
Dogs Best Left at Home:
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Dogs that are too boisterous and could knock over bottles.
- Dogs that aren’t on leash.
- Dogs that become frightened around loud noises.
- Dogs that aren’t housetrained.
- Dogs that aren’t good with strangers.
- Puppies that aren’t fully vaccinated.
- Dogs that are sick or contagious.
- Dogs that are fearful or become stressed easily.
What To Do Instead
It takes a lot to say, “My dog just won’t do well in the store,” so kudos to you if that’s where you find yourself! But if you find yourself with your dog and need to run into Total Wine to grab a few things, there are other options.
- Get a pet sitter to care for your dog while you’re out.
- Take them to a boarding kennel or a doggy daycare facility for a few hours.
- Have a friend or family member sit in your air conditioned car with your dog while you run into the store.
- Check to see if your Total Wine & More offers curbside pickup so neither of you has to go in.
Related: Home Depot's Dog Policy for Home Improvement Hounds
Is Total Wine & More Dog-Friendly? Yes! (Usually)
Most Total Wine & More stores appear to be dog-friendly, even if they don’t have a definitive pet policy published on their website. It’s best to call the location ahead of time to find out about their store policy, then go from there. If you’re as lucky as I am, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how pet-friendly your local Total Wine really is!
