There is no “safe” way to leave a dog tied up outside a store. Not even for five minutes.
What may seem like a quick stop to us can become an experience of fear, stress, or even danger for them.
As an animal welfare organization with many years of experience, we have heard about, witnessed, and been called to help with situations involving dogs that were temporarily tied up outside, including cases where a dog:
• Was attacked by another dog.
• Panicked and chewed through the leash, resulting in injury and/or getting lost.
• Was stolen.
• Experienced abusive behavior from a person.
• Reacted out of fear and bit a passerby (person or dog).
• Injured themselves.
We would never leave a child alone and tied up outside a store.
So why would we do it to a dog who depends entirely on us for their safety and well-being?
Dogs need walks, exercise, and socialization, but these experiences should happen together with their guardian and in environments where they feel and are safe.
If our outing includes a stop somewhere that does not allow our dog to accompany us, the best choice is to leave them at home rather than bring them along. Their time for walking, playing, exploring, and socializing can happen later, when we can truly be present with them and provide the attention, care, and security they need.
No dogs left tied outside stores.
We call on all animal-friendly businesses to replace tethering points with a more welcoming approach that allows animals inside their stores, or to remove them entirely.
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