Cover photo credit: Joann Fabric and Craft Store Facebook
While we’ve written about other craft stores before (including Michaels, Hobby Lobby, and Blick Art), Joanns is one of my favorites. I’ve never considered bringing my dog there before–to be honest, I think she’d be bored–but as it turns out, it’s allowed!
One of the best things about Joanns dog policy is that you can verify it for each store online, without having to pick up a phone.
This post covers details on Joann’s dog policy, and what to expect. Additionally, before you head to the store, you should read the section with disclaimers and reminders on how to be a considerate customer while letting your pup tag along.
In short, Joanns has an official dog-friendly policy, and you can check your individual store online (as some business complexes have their own restrictions). The stores require dogs to be leashed and well-behaved, and you are responsible for messes.
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Is JOANN Fabric Dog Friendly?
Verdict: officially pet friendly!
JOANN Fabrics is the only store on this list to have an official dog-friendly policy. Their website states that dogs make people happy and inspire creativity, so of course customers are welcome to bring their pups!
All pets should be well-behaved, on a leash or in a container, and vaccinated. Joann’s also reminds you that you are responsible for pet messes, and that other customers may be allergic or afraid of dogs, so please be considerate.
To verify that your Joann’s store is dog-friendly (as some stores are part of a mall or other building with dog policies that overrule Joann’s policy), go to the Store Locator.
Type in your location, then under the results, click “Store details”. The Store Features will show you whether pets are allowed or not.
To summarize, Joann has an official pet-friendly policy but some stores may be exceptions. However, you can check online without having to call!
Before Your Bring Your Dog Into Joanns
While bringing your pup with you while you shop at Joann’s, there are a few things we should cover first.
Check again beforehand
Yes, Joann has a stated dog-friendly policy, unlike several stores that don’t necessarily state one way or the other. However, some stores have exceptions (typically having to do with outside regulations) so it’s a good idea to either call ahead, or check online. We’ll talk about how to check online later in this post. If you haven’t visited a store in a while that you previously knew to be dog-friendly, it doesn’t hurt to check again in case policies have changed.
Leash training and obedience
Before considering bringing your dog to Joanns, your dog must be well-mannered! Much like a child, you want your dog to be well-behaved in public, which means no jumping on people or pricey merchandise, or making a mess in the aisle. Chances are you’ll be the one cleaning it up, and paying for broken products.
So make sure your pup is leash trained and knows some basic training such as “sit”. They should also be well-socialized around other dogs and people, as you may encounter other customer’s pets or service animals.
Vaccinations
Much like bringing your dog to a dog park or kennel, you want to make sure you’re being a good citizen and not bringing or spreading common diseases or parasites. Make sure that your dog is up to date on all vaccines and preventative treatments for ticks, fleas, etc before going out.
Don’t be in a rush
If you are in a big hurry, chances are it’s not a good time to be shopping with a dog. Much like kids, dogs can derail your plans or make messes. Don’t put yourself in a situation where you are already short on time, and then get fed up dealing with an accident or delay.
Use the lawn first
Before you go in, find some grass and let your dog relieve themselves. This goes hand-in hand with the previous point about not being in a rush. If you know your dog has already gone to the bathroom, you don’t have to be running around the store trying to check out before they make a mess.
Be considerate
It may surprise you but not everyone is a fan of dogs. Some people may be allergic, or simply afraid of dogs. Be sure to give other people plenty of space, while keeping your dog contained with a leash, carrier, or cart. If your dog is making a lot of noise or otherwise causing a scene, take them outside and calmly address the behavior. Don’t make other Joann customers deal with your pup’s unruliness.
Additionally, don’t lie about whether your dog is a service dog. Service dogs are not subject to the same rules as pets, because they are crucial for the well-being and functioning of their owner. Please respectful to ADA guidelines and answer honestly if you are in a store that only allows service animals.
Conclusion
Are you planning on taking your pup to Joanns? If so, what craft project are you going to shop for? Let us know!
By the way, you can also shop at most Michaels and Blick Art Materials stores with your pup.
