Costco has decided not to allow therapy or emotional support dogs in its stores, despite these animals providing comfort and emotional support to their owners. Unlike service dogs, which are trained for specific tasks that help people with disabilities, therapy and emotional support dogs do not fit this classification.
Costco's policy states that only service dogs are welcome in its facilities, aiming to avoid confusion and streamline processes in the store. Service dogs are trained to perform tasks that assist individuals with physical or mental disabilities in their daily activities, unlike therapy or emotional support dogs.
The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) allows the entry of service animals specifically trained to assist individuals with disabilities, while therapy dogs do not meet the requirements of the law. Therefore, Costco staff are authorized to ask questions to individuals entering with animals to determine if they are service dogs and what specific tasks they can perform.
Although most major supermarket chains allow pets under certain conditions, Costco has chosen to follow a stricter policy aligned with the ADA, which clearly establishes access guidelines for service dogs and prohibits the presence of therapy or emotional support dogs in its facilities.
According to Remi Martin, an activist, the ADA was enacted in 1990 to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities, ensuring equal access in various aspects of life, including access to public service establishments. Service dogs play a crucial role in assisting individuals with disabilities in various everyday tasks, thus complying with the established regulations.
