Can I Bring My Dog Into Total Wine? Full Guide to Their Pet Policy
- Published on:
- By: ASP Team
Total Wine is a well-known retail chain offering an extensive selection of wine, beer, and spirits. For pet owners, a common question is whether pets are allowed inside while shopping.
This article will outline Total Wine’s approach to pets and service animals, clarify the distinctions between Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) and Psychiatric Service Animals (PSAs), and explain how American Service Pets can assist in preparing your dog for public access through the iTrain Academy and PSA letter service.
What Is Total Wine’s Pet Policy?
Unlike larger chains with strict no-pet policies, Total Wine & More offers some flexibility when it comes to bringing dogs into their stores.
While there is no official corporate pet policy listed on the company’s website, most locations allow dogs, especially if they are small, leashed, and well-behaved. However, the final decision is left to the store manager, so policies may vary by location.
Since Total Wine primarily sells alcohol and not unpackaged food, health code restrictions don’t always apply as they do in grocery stores like Whole Foods or CVS. To avoid any inconvenience, it’s a good idea to call ahead and confirm your local store’s pet policy before visiting. This ensures a smooth shopping experience for both you and your furry companion.
Are Emotional Support Animals Allowed in Total Wine?
Whether you can bring your dog into Total Wine largely depends on the specific store and what they allow. Overall, understand that emotional support animals (ESAs) do not have protected public access rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This means:
- Total Wine is not required to allow ESAs
- Some store managers may allow them, especially if the animal is well-behaved
- Others may limit entry to service animals only
Since many Total Wine locations are known to be dog-friendly, well-trained ESAs are often welcomed—but this is a courtesy, not a legal obligation.
If you want guaranteed access, you’ll need to transition your ESA into a task-trained Psychiatric Service Animal (PSA).
Get Your ESA Today
What Is the Difference Between a Service Animal and an ESA?
Understanding the legal distinction is essential when entering public businesses:
| Feature | ESA (Emotional Support Animal) | PSA (Psychiatric Service Animal) |
|---|---|---|
|
Recognized under ADA |
❌ No |
✅ Yes |
|
Public access rights |
❌ Not guaranteed |
✅ Fully protected |
|
Required training |
❌ None |
✅ Must be task-trained |
|
Documentation helpful |
✅ ESA letter (optional) |
✅ PSA prescription (proof of need) |
|
Allowed in Total Wine |
❓ Sometimes (store discretion) |
✅ Yes (if trained and well-behaved) |
If you’re looking for consistent access to places like Total Wine, it’s best to train your ESA to become a full-fledged Psychiatric Service Animal.
What Qualifies as a Service Animal Under the ADA?
The Americans with Disabilities Act defines a service animal as:
A dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability.
This can include:
- Alerting a handler to panic attacks
- Performing deep pressure therapy
- Retrieving medication
- Guiding a person during episodes of dissociation
- Providing balance and stability
Note: Dogs that are only present for emotional comfort do not qualify, even if well-behaved.
Why Training Is Critical, Even in Pet-Friendly Stores Like Total Wine
Bringing your dog to public places, such as Total Wine, can present challenges even in pet-friendly environments. These spaces are filled with distractions, including crowds, shopping carts, narrow aisles, unfamiliar smells, and noises. Interactions with strangers can also create stress for your dog. Without proper training, this may result in behaviors such as barking, whining, pulling, or jumping on other customers.
This highlights the importance of obedience and task-specific training, particularly if your dog provides emotional support. A well-trained dog can remain calm and composed in such environments, reducing stress for both you and your pet. Training equips your dog to handle distractions confidently, allowing you to enjoy public spaces with greater ease and peace of mind.
At American Service Pets, we simplify the process of obtaining a valid ESA letter by connecting you with licensed mental health professionals in your state. This letter confirms your need for emotional support and can be invaluable in housing or when visiting pet-friendly places like Lowe’s.
How iTrain Academy Helps You Train Your Dog for Public Access
At American Service Pets, we created iTrain Academy to help dog owners train at home without needing expensive in-person sessions.
What Is iTrain Academy?
iTrain is a fully digital dog training platform that:
- Focuses on daily obedience and public behavior
- Provides task-based training for PSA qualification
- Requires only 15 minutes a day
- Is perfect for any breed or age
What You’ll Learn:
- Basic commands: sit, stay, heel
- Focus and desensitization in public
- Specific task performance (for PSAs)
- Public access preparation and etiquette
How to Qualify for a PSA Letter
In addition to training, a PSA letter from a licensed provider confirms your need for a Psychiatric Service Animal. It’s not legally required for ADA access, but it helps clarify your condition and streamline interactions with staff.
How It Works:
- Complete a brief online intake form
- Get matched with a licensed therapist in your state
- Have a short digital evaluation
- Receive your PSA letter (if approved)
Together with task-based training, this letter proves you’ve taken the steps to responsibly prepare your dog for legal public access—including to stores like Total Wine.
Tips for Bringing Your Dog to Total Wine
Here are some best practices to follow:
Call First
Before heading out, give your local store a quick call to ask about their current pet policy. Policies can vary by location, with some stores being more lenient or pet-friendly than others. This saves you from any surprises or being turned away at the door.
Use a Short Leash
For everyone’s safety, keep your dog on a fixed-length leash (4–6 feet) instead of a retractable one. Short leashes give you better control, prevent tangles, and ensure your dog stays close to you in crowded or busy areas.
Avoid Busy Hours
Shopping during peak hours can be overwhelming for both you and your dog. Try visiting the store midweek, in the morning, or during quieter times to create a calmer, stress-free experience. This way, your dog can explore without feeling anxious or overstimulated.
Bring Cleanup Supplies
Even the best-trained dogs can have accidents in new environments. Always bring waste bags, paper towels, and wipes just in case. Being prepared shows responsibility and helps keep the store clean and welcoming for other shoppers and pets.
Wear a Vest (Optional)
While an ESA vest or PSA vest isn’t legally required for pets, it can help reduce questions and confusion from employees or customers. A vest signals that your dog is there for a specific purpose, which can make your visit smoother and more hassle-free.
Summary: Can I Bring My Dog Into Total Wine?
Many Total Wine & More stores are happy to welcome well-behaved, leashed dogs, but keep in mind that policies can vary by location. Just a quick note—only task-trained service animals are legally protected under ADA law. Emotional support animals, while super helpful, don’t have the same legal protections in public spaces like Total Wine.
If your furry friend provides emotional or psychological support, there are ways to make things easier for both of you! Training programs like iTrain Academy can help sharpen their skills, and getting a PSA letter can give you some extra peace of mind.
With the right tools and knowledge, you can confidently shop at Total Wine (and other public places) while making it a great experience for you and your pup!
Final Thoughts: Turn ESA Access Into Service Dog Rights
Total Wine’s dog-friendly policy is a great benefit for pet owners, but proper preparation is essential. Upgrading your pet from an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) to a Psychiatric Service Animal (PSA) provides far more than store access—it offers legal protections, greater peace of mind, and the confidence to navigate public spaces with ease.
At American Service Pets, we streamline the process. From helping you qualify for a PSA letter to connecting you with iTrain Academy for professional training, we ensure you can access stores, restaurants, and public spaces legally and confidently.
With these resources, you and your companion can enjoy a smooth, worry-free experience wherever life takes you. Don’t settle for access alone. Gain the full protections and advantages that come with PSA status.
The benefits of an Emotional Support Animal certification and a Psychiatric Service Dog certification are drastically different. Fortunately for you, American Service Pets’ network of active board certified doctor or other licensed mental health providers can help you find the right path to certification. To find out whether you need an ESA or PSD letter, take our easy, three-step Pet Owner Survey!
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