Can I Bring My Dog Into Hobby Lobby? Everything You Need to Know About Their Pet Policy
- Published on:
- By: ASP Team
Hobby Lobby is a well-known arts and crafts retailer offering a wide selection of home decor, party supplies, and DIY materials. With over 900 locations across the United States, it’s understandable that many pet owners may wonder if they can bring their dogs along while shopping.
In many cases, dogs are allowed in Hobby Lobby stores, but it’s important to note that policies may vary by location. While Hobby Lobby does not maintain a corporate-wide pet policy, numerous reliable sources and customer experiences indicate that the chain is generally dog-friendly. However, the final decision is left to individual store management, meaning not all locations may permit pets.
This article explores the specifics of Hobby Lobby’s dog policy, considerations for emotional support animals (ESAs), how these policies compare to other retailers, and tips for training your dog for public access through the American Service Pets’ 100% online iTrain Academy.
What Is Hobby Lobby’s Pet Policy?
Hobby Lobby does not provide an official pet policy on its website. However, it is widely known that many of their stores do allow pets, including dogs, as long as they are well-behaved and kept on a leash.
This approach differs from retailers like Target, Walmart, and Costco, which explicitly limit entry to service animals only. Hobby Lobby, on the other hand, grants store managers the discretion to determine whether or not pets are permitted.
Here’s what this typically entails:
- Dogs may be allowed at the manager’s discretion
- Entry may be denied if the dog is loud, disruptive, or appears aggressive
- Policies can vary depending on store location, foot traffic, or local regulations
Best Practice: Call ahead to your local Hobby Lobby before bringing your dog, especially if it’s your first visit.
Are Service Dogs Allowed in Hobby Lobby?
Yes. Service animals are always allowed in Hobby Lobby, as required by federal law.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), all businesses open to the public—including retail stores like Hobby Lobby—must allow access to dogs that are:
- Individually trained
- Performing tasks for a person with a disability
This includes:
- Guide dogs for the visually impaired
- Seizure alert dogs
- Psychiatric service animals trained to assist with PTSD or anxiety attacks
You are not required to show documentation, but you must be able to answer two ADA-allowed questions:
- Is this a service animal required because of a disability?
- What task is the dog trained to perform?
Get Your ESA Today
Are Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) Allowed in Hobby Lobby?
Sometimes—but not guaranteed. Emotional support animals (ESAs) are not protected under ADA public access laws. This means Hobby Lobby is not legally required to let them in.
That said, because Hobby Lobby is more pet-friendly than most chains, some managers may allow ESAs as long as:
- The animal is leashed and under control
- The animal is not disruptive
- The handler is respectful and cooperative
If you rely on an ESA for anxiety, depression, PTSD, or another condition, consider upgrading your dog’s training to meet Psychiatric Service Animal (PSA) qualifications for guaranteed access.
What’s the Difference Between a Service Dog and an ESA?
| Feature | Emotional Support Animal (ESA) | Psychiatric Service Animal (PSA) |
|---|---|---|
|
Legal Access to Hobby Lobby |
Maybe (not protected by law) |
Yes (protected under ADA) |
|
Training Requirement |
None |
Must be trained to perform specific tasks |
|
Documentation |
ESA letter only |
PSA letter + obedience/task training |
|
Public Behavior Standard |
Expected to be calm |
Required to be under control |
If your dog helps with emotional or psychological symptoms and you’re looking for reliable access to stores like Hobby Lobby, training for PSA status is a smart investment.
Why Obedience Training Is Essential—Even in Dog-Friendly Stores
Taking your dog to places like Hobby Lobby can be a lot of fun, but it’s definitely easier if your dog is well-behaved. A misbehaving pup can make things tricky for you, the staff, and other customers.
A trained dog is much easier to handle in busy aisles, less likely to cause accidents, and more likely to get a warm welcome from staff. Public places are full of distractions—like squeaky carts, kids running around, new faces, and loud noises—so it’s super important for your dog to stay calm and predictable.
That’s where obedience training comes in, especially for emotional support animals (ESAs). With the right training, your dog will be ready to handle these environments and stay focused on you. A well-trained dog not only makes your outings stress-free but also keeps things pleasant for everyone around you!
What Is iTrain Academy and How Can It Help?
iTrain Academy is an online dog training system created by American Service Pets to help dog owners:
- Improve public behavior
- Build task-based training for service dog certification
- Establish long-term control and calmness in real-life environments
Program Features:
- 100% online and mobile-friendly
- 15-minute video-based daily lessons
- Covers basic obedience and advanced task work
- Designed for both beginners and experienced handlers
Whether you’re preparing for a day at Hobby Lobby or a lifetime of public outings, iTrain Academy helps turn your dog into a confident, capable companion.
Can I Obtain a Psychiatric Service Animal (PSA) Letter Online?
At American Service Pets, we streamline the process of obtaining a PSA letter through a fully digital platform. Our service connects you with a licensed mental health professional in your state who will assess your need for a psychiatric service animal (PSA). If deemed eligible, you will receive an official PSA letter confirming your rights and protections under the ADA.
With a properly trained service animal and your PSA letter, you are granted full ADA public access protections, allowing you to bring your service animal to public spaces, including stores, restaurants, and more.
Whether it’s a national retailer or your local grocery store, these protections ensure you can navigate daily life with the support you need. Our goal is to provide a seamless process to connect you with the resources you deserve.
Common Questions About Hobby Lobby’s Dog Policy
Will Hobby Lobby staff ask me questions?
Possibly. If your dog isn’t wearing a service vest, staff may ask whether it’s a service dog and what tasks it performs.
What happens if my dog misbehaves?
If your dog causes disruptions—barking, jumping, knocking over items—you may be asked to leave, even at pet-friendly locations.
Can I bring more than one dog into Hobby Lobby?
That’s up to store discretion. Most locations prefer single animals to maintain control and reduce risk.
What if another customer complains?
If your dog is behaving properly, staff should support your presence. But disruptive animals may still be removed, regardless of status.
What to Do If You’re Denied Entry to Hobby Lobby
If your trained service dog is denied entry to Hobby Lobby, calmly explain your rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Let them know your dog is specially trained to assist with your disability. If things still aren’t resolved, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice to address the issue.
However, if your dog is an emotional support animal (ESA) or a pet, keep in mind that Hobby Lobby is allowed to deny access since ESAs aren’t covered under the ADA. If you rely on an ESA, you might want to consider upgrading your dog to a professionally trained service animal (PSA) for a more reliable long-term solution.
Service animals are legally protected and recognized, making it easier to access public spaces like stores without worry!
Summary: Can I Bring My Dog Into Hobby Lobby?
Many Hobby Lobby locations allow dogs, including emotional support animals, but this ultimately depends on the store manager’s discretion.
However, service animals are always permitted under federal law. If you plan to bring your dog to Hobby Lobby, it’s important to ensure they are well-behaved and properly trained to handle public spaces.
By focusing on training, proper etiquette, and having any necessary documentation, you can feel confident taking your dog to Hobby Lobby or other public places. With preparation, you and your dog will be ready to enjoy outings together while ensuring a positive experience for everyone around you.
Final Thoughts: Embrace Confidence and Freedom
Hobby Lobby’s pet policy may vary by location, but your ability to access public spaces with your dog doesn’t have to be uncertain.
At American Service Pets, we provide the tools and resources you need to properly train your dog and obtain a PSA letter, allowing you and your companion to navigate life with greater ease. From shopping trips to daily errands, the right certification ensures peace of mind and a stress-free experience.
Whether you’re visiting stores like Hobby Lobby, traveling, or managing everyday routines, we’re here to support you in achieving a more liberated lifestyle. With proper training and certification, your dog can be prepared to assist you wherever life takes you. Equip yourself with the right solutions to enhance your quality of life alongside your loyal companion.
The benefits of an Emotional Support Animal certification and a Psychiatric Service Dog certification are drastically different. Fortunately for you, American Service Pets’ network of active board certified doctor or other licensed mental health providers can help you find the right path to certification. To find out whether you need an ESA or PSD letter, take our easy, three-step Pet Owner Survey!
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