Can You Bring Cats Into Petco – Policies & Options

Pulling yourself away from your cat to go run errands can be incredibly difficult. Sometimes it is so difficult that we choose to push off our errands to another day for a couple more hours of snuggling our cat. Wouldn’t it be great to always bring your cat shopping with you? Some stores have strict rules against this, but other stores, like pet stores, are usually more flexible. So, can you bring cats into Petco?

Yes, you can bring cats into Petco if they are licensed and vaccinated. Cats must be secured, properly leashed, and not excessively loud while in the store.

Petco allows you to bring your cat in as long as they are domesticated, fully updated on their vaccines, and on a leash. Petco does reserve the right to ask any pets and their owners to leave if they are causing a disturbance and potentially threatening the safety of the guests and other animals in the store.

How Do I Bring My Cat Into Petco

You know your cat better than anyone. When preparing to take them to a store, make sure it is enjoyable and comfortable doing. Just because you want to bring your cat everywhere does not mean that they want to as well. If the situation is going to stress them out, then it is much better to leave them at home.

If you have determined that your cat will enjoy a trip to Petco, all you have to do is get them ready and bring them with you! Getting your cat ready is going to look different for every cat.

Some cats have been trained to walk on leashes with harnesses, so if your cat is comfortable on a leash, you can walk them inside. Other cats enjoy going outside but still prefer to be enclosed in a carrier. There are even some backpacks and strollers made for cats. You could look into getting one of these to travel with them throughout the store.

Bottom line, make sure there is something securing your cat to you so they will not get out of your reach.

Is It Safe To Take My Cat to Petco

If you are starting to think about taking your cat with you to Petco and other stores, it may be a wise decision to consult your veterinarian beforehand. Your vet may have noticed certain personality traits or aspects of your cat’s behavior that signify taking them in public would not be a good idea. Maybe they have noticed your cat is aggressive with other cats and people when they are taken to the back of the veterinary office for testing. Since this isn’t a behavior you get to see from your cat directly, their opinion would help determine how safe it is for your cat to travel in stores.

A visit to your vet will also verify that your cat is up to date on all of its vaccines. If they are not, they can put their life at risk and risk the lives of other animals in the store. Some diseases and illnesses can very easily transfer through the air, so it will keep everyone safest to have your cat checked out and up to date on vaccines.

This visit will also tell you if your cat has any health issues that could be extenuated by visiting Petco. Say your cat has a heart condition that can be strained when they become excited and overstimulated. Taking a cat with a condition like this to Petco could be life-threatening for them.

Beyond examining your cat’s health, maintaining their safety in Petco will be up to you and your vigilance. Do not let your cat out of your sight, and be very careful when introducing them to other pets in the store. Pay attention to your cat and how they are reacting to things. If something is making them tense or if they start crying like they are distressed, then it is best to remove them from the situation entirely.

5 Reasons Why You Should Bring Your Cat To Petco

Before taking your cat into Petco, consider the following reasons for why you’re doing it.

1. Socializing Your Cat Is Important

Usually, cats do not socialize with other pets and people unless they are in their own home. Some cats are much more social than others, and taking them to a store is a great way to get them the interaction that they need.

2. You Can Receive Better Advice When Your Cat Is Present

Instead of describing an issue to one of the employees, you can physically show them on your cat. Many Petco employees have in-depth knowledge of various issues and immediately know which products to recommend. This saves you time and also ensures a more accurate solution to your cat’s problem.

3. Going To Petco Is A Great Way To Prepare For New Pets

If your cat is currently the only pet in your home and you are thinking of getting more pets, there is going to be an adjustment period. You can help this adjustment go more smoothly by socializing your cat with other animals so they won’t be so surprised when a new animal is in their home. 

4. Less Time Apart

Some cats develop deep attachments to their owners and get stressed out when their owner leaves for even a short amount of time. Taking them with you to Petco and possibly even other stores can alleviate this stress. Plus, if you also experience some separation anxiety when leaving your cat at home, bringing them with you will help to alleviate your stress as well.

5. Picking Out Toys Is Much Easier

It is so much easier to choose a toy for your cat when they get to choose it themselves! You can walk your furry friend by all of their options and see which one they gravitate towards.

Whatever your reason may be, bringing your cat into Petco is a fun experience. It feels like you have a new friend to shop with. You also get to focus on entirely being in the moment with your cat because you are not busy being worried about what they are doing at home without you.

Can I Bring Multiple Cats Into Petco

You can bring multiple cats into Petco as long as you have a firm control over them. All of your cats must be healthy and up to date on their vaccines. If you consider bringing multiple cats to Petco and other stores, this is another excellent point to touch on with your veterinarian.

All cats are different, so you may have one cat that loves going to the store and one that doesn’t. Or you maybe have a healthy cat to bring to Petco and another one that is not. Never force all of your cats to go to Petco if it is not the right choice for all of them.

All of the cats you bring in must be properly leashed or in a carrier to ensure their safety. If they start to rile each other up by meowing and making a loud noise, an employee may ask you to leave if they cannot be calmed down. So if you are considering bringing more than one cat into Petco, make sure they will all be on their best behavior.

Things To Consider

Your cat may not want to go to Petco, depending on their mood that day. You always want to check in with your cat and make sure they are currently in a good mood to take to the store. Just because they have enjoyed it in the past does not mean that they will enjoy it every time.