I would get a discrete dog carrier that you can fit under your arm if you get a small enough dog. I think stores are getting more lax in enforcing the no dog rule other than service dogs. However, I would never take a dog into any store that sells food and certainly not a restaurant. If you are discrete and don’t display your dog in a store or public transportation then chances are no one will notice. We have Yorkies and used to take our first one pretty much everywhere with us. That is until he got bigger than he was supposed to be!

I’m in a wheelchair with a service dog. If your dog is legitimately a service dog with training and u have documentation then state and federal laws state that dog can go anywhere and that includes stores and restaurants. My Golden Retriever can go anywhere a human can go. And by law if u state this is a service dog for medical reasons u do NOT have to provide any proof, unless u wish. Since u r able to walk I would suggest for public travel or in stores or restaurants having your dog in a comfortable carrier. Remember though service dogs r expected not to bark or cause commotion. Also be prepared for many that will want to meet and greet your dog. U can nice say no I’m sorry he/she is working right now and can’t be distracted from me. U may get questions with so many falsely claiming their dog is a service dog. But their r laws. Just google service dogs and the Americans with disabilities act if u want to read the full laws. But basically it will say what I told u. #1 they can go anywhere a human can. #2 they can ask for proof but u don’t have to provide. Just make sure u have your medical note with u in case someone is a jerk, and there r jerks out there. #3 if u r getting your dog from a trained school, and there r many which charge little or no fees, I paid $300 for my pure bred golden trained for 3 years, they should provide u with a pack with the school logo on it and that is all the ID u need them. Good luck. Hope this helps. Don’t let uninformed people get to u, just politely respond this is my service/therapy dog and u don’t need to answer anymore questions. With more Veterans getting dogs for PTSD people r getting used to other then people in wheelchairs needing service dogs.

I know this response is late but hopefully still helpful. I don’t know what city you live in, but in NY dogs and cats are allowed on trains and buses as long as they are in a carrier. Only service animals are allowed to be loose.

If the rules/laws where you live are different, I second the earlier recommendation to buy a discrete carrier. I also suggest you train your dog to feel safe and comfortable in the carrier so he/she doesn’t cry and bark the whole time they are in it. Try leaving the carrier out in the open and accessible to the dog. Put their favorite toy in it, let them sleep in it. If you decide to give him/her a daily treat, do so inside the carrier. Most importantly, don’t ever use the carrier to punish the dog. Good luck and congrats on your new pup.