What the North Carolina law says about dogs in grocery stores

Heading to the grocery store in North Carolina and wondering if you can bring your pet with you?

Before you stop at the supermarket to pick up a few more items for that recipe you've been wanting to try, it might be a good idea to leave your furry friend at home as many states, including North Carolina, don't allow pets inside food establishments.

What does North Carolina law say about dogs and other animals in grocery stores?

You can't bring any animal, including dogs, into a retail food store. It is a violation of federal and state food safety rules for pets to be in grocery stores. Guard or guide dogs may be allowed in some areas of a store if their presence is unlikely to result in contamination of food, food-contact surfaces or food-packaging materials, according to the N.C. Depart