I agree it's not okay to sneak a dog in. And if the store doesn't allow it then don't bring the dog. Simple as that. If the place (nail salon or whatever) allows it then that's on the store owner.

We went to Alcatraz Island last month and as you walk around on the audio tour you tend to be with the same people all the way through. There was a woman who appeared to be with her mother and her young son. I saw them several times and finally almost toward the end of the tour I noticed she had a small black dog in her jacket with it's head peaking out. I never even noticed it most of the time. And me being the dog/animal freak I am would have noticed that right away. But because it was so tiny, black (it blended in with her sweatshirt), and didn't make a peep I didn't see it. But after I did notice it I just kept thinking....she brought that thing over on the boat. She's walking all over this island with it. Mind you, the island doesn't even allow you to eat or drink in certain areas. I kept watching her to see if she let the dog out to potty. Never saw it. That bothered me a little. I'm sure the staff never even saw the puppy either. I can't imagine they'd allow it.

But I did see a person with a puppy in the shopping cart in a Safeway. I thought it was cute, but I can see how that shouldn't be allowed. Then again, I saw a woman who was training a service dog (puppy) in a grocery store too. I asked if I could pet him and she made him sit first. That's different because they need to be exposed to all types of things.

Just thought of something else. I have a friend that is TERRIFIED of any animal big or small. I've posted about her here in the past. I'm sure she doesn't expect to run into a dog (other than service animals of course) in a nail salon or grocery store. I mean, she will run and hide if she see's a cockatiel!!! That's another thing to think of when allowing animals in public places, unless it's obvious they are allowed.

Wow, I was all over the place with this post. Sorry.