Is Value Village Pet Friendly?

Ever been out running errands and thought, “Hey, maybe I’ll swing by Value Village with my pup?”
If you’re a dog parent who loves thrift shopping, it’s a fair question. But before you clip on that leash and head to the car, let’s unpack whether Value Village is truly pet-friendly—or if it’s better to leave your furry friend at home.

So, Is Value Village Pet Friendly?

Let’s get straight to it:

No, Value Village is not generally considered pet-friendly.

Unless your animal is a certified service dog, most Value Village locations in Canada do not allow pets inside. This is a pretty standard policy across many retail chains that sell used goods, clothing, and home items—mostly for hygiene, allergy, and liability reasons.

That said, it’s not always super clear on their website or store signage. So if you’re ever in doubt, it’s worth calling your local store to double-check.

But What About Service Dogs? Are They Allowed?

Yes—service dogs are legally permitted inside Value Village stores across Canada.

This is in line with provincial human rights codes and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) or its equivalents in other provinces. Employees are trained to recognize that service dogs (even if not wearing a vest) must be allowed, and they are not supposed to ask intrusive questions—just a confirmation that the dog is indeed a service animal.

Important note: Emotional support animals (ESAs) do not have the same legal status as service animals in most provinces, so they may still be denied entry.

Why Aren’t Pets Allowed at Value Village?

It’s not about being anti-pet—it’s usually about:

• Hygiene concerns (especially since it’s a second-hand store)
• Allergies (previous items may already carry allergens)
• Safety (not all dogs are great with crowds or other shoppers)
• Store insurance policies (some insurers restrict pets for liability reasons)

So, while you and your pup might be harmless, stores need to apply a consistent policy across the board.

What Other Shoppers Are Saying

Some dog owners online say they’ve occasionally brought in small dogs in carriers or strollers without issues, but this is more of an exception than a rule—and it really depends on the store manager.

On Reddit and Google Reviews, you’ll find mixed anecdotes:

• ✅ “My service dog was welcomed with no issue in Halifax.”
• ❌ “Was told at the door in Mississauga that my dog had to stay outside.”

Bottom line: It’s best not to risk it unless your animal is a service dog.

Looking for Pet-Friendly Shopping Alternatives?

Don’t worry—there are stores in Canada where your four-legged friend is more than welcome. Here are a few:

🛍️ Pet-Friendly Stores in Canada:

• HomeSense, Winners, Marshalls – Some locations allow leashed pets.
• Canadian Tire – Pet-friendly in many areas.
• Bass Pro Shops – Often welcomes dogs (and gives them treats!).
• Indigo (select locations) – Small dogs in carriers sometimes allowed.
• Many local thrift stores – Especially small-town or independent ones.

Always call ahead, because policies can vary by location and even by manager.

Tips for Shopping with Pets in Canada

If you’re heading out with your pet, keep these quick tips in mind:

• 🐶 Leash up – Even small dogs should be securely leashed or in a carrier.
• 🧼 Pack cleanup essentials – Just in case.
• 😌 Be mindful of stress – Busy stores can overwhelm some animals.
• ☀️ Never leave your dog in a hot car – Even for “just 5 minutes.”

See also: Is Staples Pet Friendly?

The Verdict: Should You Bring Your Pet to Value Village?

If your animal is a certified service dog, absolutely—go ahead.
But if it’s your everyday pup or cat, it’s best to leave them at home or take them to a truly pet-friendly shop instead.

Value Village might be full of vintage treasures, but unfortunately, it’s not one of the places that rolls out the red carpet for your furry sidekick.