Does Michaels Allow Dogs? 2024 Pet Policy & Exclusions
By Brooke Bundy
Updated on
If your dog is your creative muse, you’ll be happy to learn that they’re usually welcome at Michaels arts and crafts stores. As long as they’re well-behaved and on a leash or in a cart, your dog can go with you to gather supplies for your next project. Michaels has a speakeasy approach to their pet-policy. There’s no official company statement saying pets are allowed. However, it’s generally understood that they’re safe to shop if you’re “in the know” and the manager seems amiable.
Are Dogs Allowed in Michaels?
As long as they’re well-behaved and under your direct control, dogs are usually allowed in Michaels. Since there’s no official policy, though, a grumpy employee or frazzled manager may ask you to leave, even if they’re sitting quietly in their cart or walking peacefully. Unfortunately, you’ll need to respectfully comply since there’s no policy to defend your case.
Where Else Can I Take My Dog Shopping?
If Michaels doesn’t have what you need to complete your project, you can pop on over to Hobby Lobby or Joann. Better yet, you don’t even have to take your dog home first! Like Michaels, Hobby Lobby unofficially allows pets, but it’s really up to the individual store (and store employees) to make the rules. On their website, Joann states that their stores are officially pet-friendly, with a few exceptions. If you’re in doubt, you can find your local store on their website. Look for the pet-friendly icon, which is also proudly displayed on their storefront window if dogs are allowed.
Most home improvement stores allow dogs, especially in outside areas such as garden centers. And of course, you can always take your dog to the pet store or outdoor emporium such as Bass Pro Shops. A handful of retail chains such as T.J. Maxx also welcomes dogs through their doors. You can even take your well-behaved dog shopping at certain clothing stores such as Foot Locker and Old Navy. Other retailers are often hit-or-miss, and it’s generally a no if the store has a grocery section.
Restaurants and grocery stores are usually the most restrictive because of local health codes that deny animals access to indoor areas selling food. Even outdoor cafe areas may not be open to your dog depending on your city’s health codes and the restaurant’s policy.
Why Do More Places Not Allow Dogs?
They eat with us, sleep in our beds, and even follow us to the bathroom. Dogs want to go wherever we are, and we like it when we’re able to take them places. So why are more places not dog-friendly? Unfortunately, there’s still a stigma that dogs aren’t clean or may cause problems by being unruly. Many places simply deny dogs because they don’t want to deal with limited situations where these concerns might be real problems. Additionally, health codes in places like the United States often prohibit animals in eateries, although this isn’t as common in Europe.
What About Service Animals?
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), certified service animals that perform a task, such as guiding vision impaired individuals or monitoring blood sugar, must be allowed into any stores or restaurants, no further questions asked. Unfortunately, emotional support animals aren’t given the same legal protections under the ADA. Except for limited situations regarding renting houses, ESAs generally must abide by the same rules and regulations as pet dogs.
Conclusion
If you’re still dreaming up your next art project, you can take your dog with you to Michael’s for inspiration. Most art supply chains are fairly pet-friendly, although the final decision can be up to the individual store. Joann is the only art supply store with an official pet-friendly policy, as stated on their site and posted in shop windows. Pet stores, garden centers, and outdoor supply stores are generally the safest places to take your dog to shop. Otherwise, you may need to call the store ahead of time to make sure they’re welcome.
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Featured Image Credit: Michaels – Mishawaka, IN (Ambrosia LaFluer_Wikimedia Commons CC 2.0 Generic)
