Are you shopping for handicrafts and want to take your dog with you? With very few exceptions, we’re happy to announce that your dog is welcome to shop with you at Michaels stores. Read on to learn when you should NOT take your dog to a pet-friendly Michaels store – and the best ways to help your dog enjoy the shopping experience.
Are dogs allowed in Michaels?
As we mentioned, dogs are allowed in Michaels stores. I love bringing Barli to our place; the shops are quieter than many others dog-friendly stores like Lowe’sso they are a great shop for beginners to shop if your dog is new to shopping!
While Michaels doesn’t have a pet-friendly policy on their website, they do welcome pets in numerous social media posts:
Yes, this is happening at all Michaels stores and yes, we are pet friendly 🐾 Looking forward to seeing your photos! – Sarah
– Michaels Store (@MichaelsStores) February 21, 2018
NOTE: Dogs will not be allowed in classes involving food preparation. For example, our local Michaels has a number of food preparation classes including fondant cookie making and gingerbread house creation. Because food preparation is involved, dogs will not be allowed to join you at such events or in the area where the activity takes place.
However, dogs can accompany you on regular shopping trips–but we always have a suggestion no matter how pet-friendly the store is: Call ahead! If you’ve never been to this particular Michaels store with your dog (or if it’s been a while), give them a quick call to ask if your dog is allowed in the store.
Why? Because the rules change.
If there is a city regulation that prohibits dogs from entering the store, your dog will not be able to go shopping with you unless your dog is an assistance dog. (See more about that below.)
And there’s always the possibility that a management change could lead to a change in that individual store’s pet policy.
So let’s check Michaels . store locator and give your local store a quick call before you do. That’s what I did the first time I led Barli, then I could shop knowing that the store was dog-friendly – and that made me (and therefore Barli) more comfortable to enjoy. our shopping!
How to make sure your dog loves to shop
Are you the new dog to shop? A few steps before and during a shopping trip can make the trip more successful for both of you!
- Pack a leash no longer than 6 feet. This will help keep your dog from getting tangled up on display and minimize tripping risks for other shoppers. You’ll want your dog to be by your side throughout the shopping process.
- Leave a retractable lanyard at home. Retractable leashes can actually pose a tripping hazard in stores (not to mention the potential for tipping over who knows).
- Pack a cleaning kit. Along with the poop bag, bring some tissues and hand sanitizer. You never know.
- Pack a small blanket or throw for the stroller if your dog will be traveling in the car. If you have a small dog that will be riding in your cart, PLEASE pack the throw to give him a rest. This will prevent his feet from going through the bottom of the cart’s mesh.
- Stop the potty before entering the store. Even if your dog pees before leaving the house, take a few minutes to stop before entering Michaels.
- Keep your dog close. For the safety of both your dog and other shoppers, leave your dog with you when shopping.
- Watch out for potential accidents and deal with accidents immediately. If your dog is in an accident, pick it up immediately. Especially if you have a male dog that loves to mark, pay special attention and if you can’t always tell if your dog is about to mark, consider having your dog wear a belly band. for the trip.
Should you take your dog to Michaels?
Okay, we’ve determined that Michaels will allow dogs in the store – but SHOULD you take your dog to Michaels to shop with you?
Well, the answer depends on your dog.
If your dog shows any form of aggression—to people or other dogs—dog friendly shop Not for your dog.
If your dog is extremely shy, they may enjoy shopping later on – but start with dog training classes first to get your dog used to being outside.
Can Service Dogs Go to Michaels?
Yes, a trained service dog needed to assist you is allowed into any regulated Michaels Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):
“Service animals are defined as dogs that are specifically trained to work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Examples of such work or duties include instructing the blind, warning the deaf, towing a wheelchair, warning and protecting a person having a seizure, reminding a mentally ill person take medication as prescribed, calm a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack, or perform other tasks. Service animals are working animals, not pets. The job or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA. ” – Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Please note that this includes trained service dogs ONLY; It does not include emotional support dogs.
If your dog is not a trained service dog, do not try to misrepresent your dog as a service dog. Depending on where you live, misrepresent your dog as a service dog may be fined up to $1000.
Pin it to remember is Michaels pet-friendly?
