Are Dogs Allowed In Menards?

In response to the question, are dogs allowed in Menards? The answer is currently no. Only trained service animals are able to enter the store. Although it may be disheartening, it is essential to honor and respect this revised policy. In particular, please never falsely claim that your dog is a trained service animal simply for the sake of getting them through the door, as doing violates ADA laws and causes harm.

For a little historical context, President George H.W. Bush signed the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law in 1990. Widely celebrated as landmark civil rights legislation, it prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability – enhancing and mandating social opportunities and access across all aspects of public life. To this end, dogs who facilitate human mobility and safety earn special privileges. And for good reason.

According to the ADA, trained service animals have learned to perform tasks or do work for a human with a disability. From guiding the visually-impaired to alerting for diabetic attacks – service dogs greatly enhance the ability of people with disabilities to live active, independent lives. So it is no wonder that they enjoy the freedom to accompany their humans anywhere that is accessible to the general public. This obviously includes all retail stores. While it may be tempting to sneak your dog in under this guise, it is important to maintain the integrity of ADA guidelines and definitions.

NOTE:

To be clear, Menards does not explicitly state their no-dog policy on their website. Therefore, individual stores may have different regulations. You might call your local Menards to ask. But it is probably safer to leave your dog at home during your next outing to Menards – even if you are buying dog treats.

Menards is Still Canine-Friendly

Menard’s revised no-dog policy may surprise many of you. Especially those of you who have taken your canine BFFs for adventures in this home-improvement retail giant in the past. However – as I mentioned earlier – they altered their rules in 2020.

Despite this change, Menards continues to support our canine friends. Their robust selection of dog supplies – including toys, treats, collars, beds, crates, doors, grooming and training tools, and food – certainly caters to our dogs’ diverse needs. Moreover, Menards’ Pet Center Archive offers an abundance of helpful articles about how to train, care for, spoil, and protect your furry companions.

Finally, while it may be tempting to ask your dog to wait in the car while you shop, please keep in mind that cars can easily become death traps when temperatures rise. Winter weather can likewise bring its own hazards. So until and unless they revise their pet policy, you may want to go solo to Menards.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © skrotov/iStock via Getty Images