Are you a dog lover who enjoys browsing the aisles of Hobby Lobby for crafts and home decor? You might be wondering if your furry friend can join you on your shopping adventures. This article will explore Hobby Lobby’s pet policy, providing a clear answer to the question: are dogs allowed in Hobby Lobby?
Hobby Lobby’s Pet Policy: A Quick Overview
Hobby Lobby’s official policy is that pets, other than service animals, are not permitted in their stores. This applies to all locations, regardless of size or location.
Understanding Service Animals
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines service animals as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for individuals with disabilities. These tasks might include:
- Guiding people who are blind or visually impaired
- Alerting people who are deaf or hard of hearing
- Providing emotional support or calming individuals with anxiety or other mental health conditions
Service Animals vs. Emotional Support Animals
It’s important to note that emotional support animals are not considered service animals under the ADA. They may provide comfort and emotional support, but they are not specifically trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities. Therefore, emotional support animals are not allowed in stores that have a “no pets” policy, including Hobby Lobby.
Identifying a Legitimate Service Animal
To ensure you are not mistakenly denying access to someone with a service animal, it’s crucial to understand that:
- Businesses cannot ask about the nature of a person’s disability.
- They can only inquire about the service animal’s task. For example, they can ask, “Is this dog trained to help you with your disability?”
- If you have any doubts, it’s best to err on the side of caution and assume the animal is a legitimate service animal.
Why Hobby Lobby Restricts Pets
There are several reasons why Hobby Lobby may choose to restrict pets in their stores:
Safety and Hygiene Concerns
- Pets can be unpredictable. Even the most well-behaved dog can become startled or agitated in a busy store, potentially leading to biting or other aggressive behavior.
- Pets can pose a health risk to other customers and employees. They can carry germs and parasites, potentially spreading illness.
- Pets can cause damage to merchandise. A playful tail wag could knock over displays, or a curious nose could damage delicate items.
Customer Comfort
- Some customers may be allergic to pets or simply uncomfortable around animals.
- Pets can create a distraction for other customers. This can make shopping less enjoyable for everyone.
Alternatives for Pet Owners
If you can’t find a pet sitter or leave your dog at home, you can consider these options:
- Shop online: Hobby Lobby offers a wide selection of products online, allowing you to shop from the comfort of your own home.
- Utilize curbside pickup: Order your desired items online and pick them up at the store, avoiding any potential pet policy issues.
Final Thoughts: Respecting Store Policies
While it’s understandable that pet owners want to bring their furry friends everywhere, it’s important to respect the policies of businesses, including Hobby Lobby. Their decision to restrict pets is based on safety, hygiene, and customer comfort concerns. By following their policy, you contribute to a safe and enjoyable shopping experience for everyone.
Remember, if you need assistance with shopping or have concerns about your pet’s behavior, don’t hesitate to ask a Hobby Lobby employee for help. They are there to ensure a positive experience for all customers.
FAQs
1. Is it allowed to bring my dog to Hobby Lobby?
Generally, Hobby Lobby does not allow pets inside their stores, with the exception of service animals. Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities. Emotional support animals are not considered service animals and are not allowed in Hobby Lobby stores.
If you have a service animal, you will need to have documentation from a qualified professional verifying the animal’s training and purpose. It’s a good idea to keep this documentation with you in case you are asked to provide it.
2. Are there any exceptions to the pet policy?
There may be some exceptions to the pet policy, depending on the specific location and local regulations. For example, some stores may allow pets in designated outdoor areas, such as patios or outdoor seating areas. It’s always best to check with the specific Hobby Lobby store you plan to visit to inquire about their policies.
However, it’s important to remember that even if a store allows pets in certain areas, it’s still important to be respectful of other customers and keep your dog under control at all times.
3. What are the risks of bringing my dog to Hobby Lobby?
Bringing your dog to Hobby Lobby, even if it is allowed, can pose some risks. The store can be busy and crowded, which can be overwhelming for some dogs. There are also potential hazards, such as spills, sharp objects, and other dogs that may not be friendly.
Additionally, some people are allergic to dogs, and bringing a pet into a store can make them uncomfortable. It’s important to consider the well-being of your dog and other customers before bringing your pet to Hobby Lobby.
4. What are some alternatives to bringing my dog to Hobby Lobby?
If you’re looking to shop at Hobby Lobby without bringing your dog, there are several alternatives available. You can always leave your dog at home with a pet sitter or dog walker, or ask a friend or family member to watch them.
You can also consider using a pet-friendly delivery service, such as Instacart or Amazon Prime Now, to have your Hobby Lobby purchases delivered to your doorstep.
5. What should I do if I see someone with a pet in Hobby Lobby?
If you see someone with a pet in Hobby Lobby, you can politely inform them about the store’s pet policy. However, it’s important to do so in a respectful and non-confrontational manner. If you’re concerned about the animal’s well-being, you can also contact a store employee or manager.
Remember, it’s important to be respectful of all customers and their pets, and to follow the store’s policies.
6. What are the benefits of bringing my service dog to Hobby Lobby?
For individuals with disabilities who rely on service dogs, these animals are crucial for their independence and safety. Service dogs can perform a variety of tasks, such as guiding their handlers, alerting them to danger, and retrieving items.
Bringing a service dog to Hobby Lobby allows individuals with disabilities to access the same shopping experience as anyone else. It’s important to remember that service dogs are trained to be well-behaved and respectful of others, and they are legally allowed to accompany their handlers in most public places.
7. Can I bring my dog to other craft stores?
Many other craft stores, such as Michaels and Joann Fabrics, have similar pet policies to Hobby Lobby. They typically allow service dogs but not pets. It’s always a good idea to check the specific policy of each store you plan to visit, as they may have different rules.
You can find this information on their websites or by calling the store directly. Remember to always be respectful of the store’s policies and consider the well-being of your dog and other customers.