Does Menards Allow Dogs?

‍As a dog owner, it's important to me to be able to bring my furry friend along when I'm out shopping. But does a place like Menards allow dogs?

Menards does not allow dogs at all of their store locations. The policy was changed in 2020 during the pandemic and they have not changed the policy back to allow dogs at every store location. Service animals are allowed but we recommend calling an individual location to confirm if they allow pets.

If you're a dog owner, you know that leaving your furry friend at home while you run errands can be a difficult choice. You want to make sure they get enough exercise and fresh air, but you also don't want to leave them in the car or tied up outside. We’ve outlined the Menards pet policy below based on accurate information they’ve released to the public.

‍Does Menards Allow Dogs? Is Menards Dog Friendly?

Currently, Menards does not generally allow dogs inside their stores, except for service dogs. Before the change in policy, many Menards stores were pet-friendly; as long as our furry friends were on a leash and well-behaved, they were welcome.

However, there was no published pet policy for all stores to follow. Now, Menards only permits service dogs as they understand that people with disabilities should have the right to bring their support animals wherever they go.

Their primary concerns are the protection and safety of their customers. The policy change happened during the COVID-19 pandemic and they’ve yet to revert back to being a pet friendly store across all locations.

Individual stores could have different rules regarding pet access. For example, some Menards stores might still be pet-friendly, allowing all dog breeds inside, provided they follow specific store requirements.

On the other hand, other locations may have a strict no-pets policy, with service dogs being the only exception. If you're unsure whether your local Menards store is pet-friendly, it's always a good idea to give them a call and inquire about their specific policy.

Menards Store Policies on Pets

Menards pet policy is a little confusing because they have not communicated much about it lately. After changing the rules, they’ve yet to issue any new announcements about the store-wide policy so it’s up to the discretion of the individual store manager.

Service Animals

In my experience, Menards generally make exceptions for service animals. These dogs, trained to assist individuals with disabilities, are usually allowed inside the stores.

It's a good idea to have your service dog wear a vest or other identification to avoid confusion and make your shopping experience smoother.

Pet-Friendly Locations

I've learned that some Menards locations are pet-friendly, allowing well-behaved dogs inside the store. However, it's important to note that there seems to be no standard pet policy across all Menards stores, as rules may vary between different locations.

Some stores may have specific requirements for dogs visiting, so it's a good idea to call your local store ahead of time to confirm their pet policy.

Policy Exceptions

While some Menards stores are pet-friendly, others may enforce a no-pets policy, only allowing service animals inside. It's vital to respect each store's individual rules and make sure you're aware of their policy before bringing your furry friend along.

If a store has a no-pets policy, and your dog isn't a service animal, it's best to leave them at home. The pet friendly locations are known to stash dog treats behind the front desks if dog owners forget them.

Etiquette at Menards When Shopping With a Service Animal

Understand the difference between a service animal and a pet. Service animals are specially trained to assist individuals with disabilities, while pets are not.

Menards is strict about their dog policy. So don’t take it lightly and follow the rules. And remember, emotional support animals are not considered service animals.

Leash Requirements

When I bring my service dog to Menards, I always make sure they're on a leash. This not only keeps them close to me but also ensures they don't wander off or cause any issues for other shoppers.

In fact, Menards allows service dogs in every location, making it important for me to be responsible and maintain control of my service animal at all times. A responsible pet owner should never let their dog off the leash in the store.

Try to avoid other dogs when possible too. This can create an uncomfortable environment for other guests in the store.

Cleanliness

As a responsible pet parent, I make sure to keep my dog clean before entering Menards. Additionally, if my pet has an accident inside the store, I always clean it up promptly. It’s best to bring dog poop bags with you.

It's essential to be aware of the store's cleanliness standards, as well as being considerate of other customers and staff. By keeping my service dog clean and well-behaved, I ensure a positive experience for everyone at Menards.

Dog Behavior

All dogs should be on their best behavior in the store. Even in stores with only service dogs, a pet showing aggressive behavior will be asked to leave.

Why Did Menards Change Their Policy To Not Allow Pets?

Menards changed its policy due to the health crisis outbreak of 2020. On April 1st, they made a press announcement stating that they could no longer allow children under the age of 16, nor pets, in their stores due to the current health crisis.

This change was likely implemented to protect their customers' and employees' health and safety. There are other reasons too that Menards might have taken this decision. One reason could be the potential for dog attacks in the store.

A dog attack could result in a hefty lawsuit and negatively affect the brand's reputation. Another reason could be concerns about hygiene since pets can sometimes carry germs that might affect products or other customers.

It's essential to understand that the updated Menards policy only permits service dogs in their stores. This ensures that individuals with disabilities can still receive assistance from their service animals while shopping at Menards.

Service animals are specifically trained to provide necessary support and assistance to their handlers, so they're allowed in the stores even with the updated policy.