ALGONQUIN – Algonquin Commons will allow dogs to its outdoor spaces and in 20 of its stores starting June 1, the shopping center announced last week.
The dog-friendly stores will have stickers denoting their status, and there will be water bowls outside such stores, the mall said. There also will be pet waste stations throughout the mall’s outdoor spaces.
Stores that have agreed to allow dogs are: 2nd Wind, American Eagle, Bath & Body Works, Charming Charlie, Chico’s, Clark’s, DSW Shoes, GNC, Half Price Books, Hollister, J. Jill, Jared, Old Navy, Pottery Barn, Tillys, Ubreak Ifix, Victoria’s Secret, White House/Black Market, Yankee Candle and Zales.
Dogs at the shopping center must remain on a leash and with their owners at all times. Pets must be at least 8 weeks old, and shots must be current.
The pets must be odorless, harmless, well-behaved and flea-free, and should not be disruptive, destructive, loud or aggressive to people.
Customers must clean up after their pets and should not let their dog approach other customers unless it is mutually agreeable.
Retailers may use their own discretion in welcoming or asking pets to leave their store or restaurant, the shopping center said.
The mall will have a dog ribbon-chewing event at 10 a.m. June 11 in front of the mall offices, and all dogs and owners are welcome to attend. Anderson Animal Shelter in South Elgin will host a dog adoption event after the event.
Participating stores also will have a limited supply of dog treats and paw print bandanas for the June 1 kickoff.
Algonquin Commons spokeswoman Kim Gilmore said the decision follows a national trend of stores allowing pets. She said Geneva Commons has been dog-friendly for more than 10 years.
“Being a lifestyle center instead of a mall, there are outdoor areas anyway,” Gilmore said. “We thought, ‘Why not have the dogs be able to wander around outside?’ And if stores want to let them in, they can.”