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Does Starbucks Allow Dogs Inside? Is It Dog-Friendly? (2024 Cafe Pet Policy)

Love Starbucks? What about your dog? If you always order a Puppuccino for your dog at Starbucks, you’re probably aware of their dog policy.

I used to think it could be a great experience if my dog, Rudy, and I could go to our local Starbucks together. However, things didn’t go as planned the day I took her to the store.

Are Dogs Allowed in Starbucks?

One morning, I woke up a bit early and decided to take Rudy to our local Starbucks. I have never taken my dog to Starbucks before because I am always in a hurry, except on weekends.

However, this time, I was free until later in the afternoon.

I strolled with Rudy to the nearest Starbuck, walked in, and ordered my cup of coffee and Puppuccino for her. Instead of offering me services, the barista – a kind lady – informed me that dogs are not allowed into the coffee shop.

I was dismayed.

She explained that although Starbucks has a dog-friendly policy, customers can’t get into the shop with their dogs. Customers can either leave their dogs outside or at home.

According to the barista, Starbucks Division Senior Vice President had talked about the brand’s animal policy in 2014.

“Starbucks always welcomes service animals to our stores, and we want every customer who spends time in our stores to enjoy their visit.”

What Will Happen If You Take Your Dog Into the Coffee Shop?

Although the barista helped me understand the Starbucks dog policy quite well, she asked me to take the dog out before serving me coffee. This felt a bit inappropriate because I had to go back home and then come back for my coffee.

I explained myself to her calmly, and lucky enough, I got my coffee and one Puppuccino for Rudy. I felt some relief.

It’s important to note that there were only two customers in the store throughout the whole time.

Why Are Dogs Not Allowed Into Starbucks?

Most people agree that although pets are a source of joy and companionship, they pose a greater risk of spreading unwanted ailments and bacteria – however healthy and clean they are.

Starbucks customers, especially those who enjoy the shop’s atmosphere while taking coffee, may find it weird for a dog to be allowed into the store.

Therefore, if the staff doesn’t ask you to leave your dog outside to get their services, customers are more likely to ask you to leave.

Here is a reaction from a customer at Starbucks on Reddit:

“Did I miss a memo? When did it become okay for people to bring their dogs in Starbucks and treat it like their living room.”

Throughout the world, stores have stretched the rule of allowing animals into their premises. And the number of pet owners taking their dogs to these stores seems to be increasing each year.

That’s why the issue of bringing dogs into establishments still seems debatable.

According to the coffee shop’s staff, some dog owners never want to leave their dogs outside – not even in their cars. They have improvised ways to get into the store with their dogs.

Some customers pretend that their pets are service dogs and even refuse to prove that their dogs are service dogs.

Here is how a Starbucks barista reacted to this issue on Reddit.

 “I’m so fed up with people pretending that their pets are service dogs. There is one particular woman who does this at my location, and it’s so frustrating. We’ve had to ask her to leave because her dog was barking at other people… That led to her getting snippy with me when we ran out of gift card envelopes over Easter and saying, “maybe you guys should pay more attention to your stock and less attention to my dog.”

Another reason Starbucks may not be allowing dogs into the premises is that some customers are allergic to dogs. For instance, there were reports that a Starbucks shop in Seattle restricts dogs from the store because one of their employees is allergic to dogs.

However, research studies indicate that less than 15% of US citizens are allergic to dogs – which means that allergies may not be the main reason for the restriction.

What Is the Starbucks Official Dog Policy?

Well, Starbucks doesn’t have an official dog policy that states whether dogs are allowed into their shops or not. Have you ever seen the sign “Dogs Not Allowed” in any Starbucks store?

I believe this is why some stores can allow you in with your dog while others may not.

However, as you enter the sore, you might need to answer a few questions if your dog isn’t a service dog.

What Is the Starbucks Service Dog Policy?

Service dogs are usually not considered pets because they’re professionally trained to perform various disabled persons’ tasks. For instance, a service dog can reliably inform a disabled person that it’s time to take their medicine.

Moreover, the American Disability Act (ADA) states that service animals do work for people with disability, and thus retail stores should allow them into their stores. However, the ADA also set a condition:

“A service animal must be under the control of its handler. Under the ADA, service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless the individual’s disability prevents using these devices or these devices interfere with the service animal’s safe, effective performance of tasks.”

Therefore, even if Starbucks would want to restrict dogs from their premises, including service and guide dogs, people would still enter their stores with service dogs.

Do Other Countries Allow Dogs Into Starbucks?

Starbuck’s dog-friendly rules work both in the United States and the UK. The coffee shop’s dog policy extends to other countries since the effects of a dog in the United States are more or less the same as those in other countries.

If you live in the UK and you’re wondering if you can take your ordinary dog to Starbucks the next time you pop in for a cup of coffee, it’s important to note that dogs are not allowed.  However, just like in the United States, guide and service dogs are allowed.

What Can I Buy My Dog At The Coffee Shop?

Have you seen cute videos of dogs joining their owners outside a Starbucks store for a tasty Puppuccino? I bet you’ve also seen them at the Starbuck’s drive-thru.

So, what is Puppuccino? Is it safe for your dog?

A Puppuccino is a small espresso cup that contains whipped cream. Puppuccino is part of a Starbucks secret menu, and you can order one Puppuccino along with your cup of coffee. Puppuccino is the most common dog order in the coffee shop’s secret menu.

Other than a Puppuccino, you can also get your dog a babyccino. A babyccino is a cup filled with frothy milk and some chocolate shavings.

Get a cup or two for your pup the next time you visit your local Starbucks store.

Most people prefer Puppocino because they don’t have any added extras, flavoring, or sprinkles that usually raise dog safety concerns. The Puppoccino you get is completely safe for your dog.

However, you can also seek advice from your veterinarian because some dogs are sensitive to dairy.

Conclusion

Coffee lovers in the US and the UK turn to Starbucks for a unique kind of coffee each morning. With thousands of people visiting this store because of their favorite beverage and a pleasant atmosphere, there will be mixed reactions whenever you take your dog into these coffee shops.

If you see a sign that says, “Dogs are not allowed,” it’s wise that you leave your dog outside.

Otherwise, talk to the store manager or any other staff to find out if dogs are allowed. This sign will help you avoid awkward and humiliating situations.

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National Canine Research Association of America