Is Habitat for Humanity Dog Friendly? Are Dogs Allowed In?
If you have ever wondered, “are Dogs Allowed in Habitat for Humanity?” the answer is yes and no.
Habitat for Humanity permits dogs to be brought into the ReStore by customers, but otherwise, pets are not allowed at their build sites.
This helps them to provide a safe and welcoming shopping environment for all of its customers.
Official Dog Policy for Habitat for Humanity
If you are wondering whether or not you can bring your dog to Habitat for Humanity with you, expectations are outlined in their pet policy.
According to their policy, “Pets are not allowed at the ReStore or Build Site (by volunteers). But, “dogs can be brought into the ReStore by customers.”
Homing the Hounds
Habitat for Humanity Restore, located in Illinois, offers many opportunities to bring the community together for many different projects, including their annual Homes for the Hounds event.
Participants in Homes for the Hounds get to be creative as they build doghouses from recycled materials so that pups can be warm, cozy, and even eco-friendly.
A little friendly competition inspires some of the most high-tech and unique doghouses.
Some even feature solar-powered lights to help reduce our carbon footprint on the environment. All proceeds for auctioning the dog houses go towards Habitat ReStore.
Does Habitat for Humanity’s Dog Policy Vary By Location?
Although Fido is allowed in Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore locations, store policies can vary by location, so it doesn’t hurt to check with your local store’s manager just in case.
Tips For When Going to Habitat for Humanity With A Dog
If you get the go-ahead to bring your furry companion with you, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First, no one knows your pooch as well as you do, so if you know that your dog doesn’t do well in large crowds or over-stimulating environments, try to time your shopping trip so that you go when it is less busy.
In other words, avoid going at busier times such as lunchtime or after 5 O’clock, when many people get off work.
If your dog has never been in a store before, and you really don’t know what to expect, you may want to try a short trip (about 10 minutes). Better yet, plan a short trip to a pet-friendly pet store and then work your way up to more stores or a longer shopping trip.
Keep your dog on a short or expandable leash as well so that you can restrain your doggie if needed. There are also various carriers that you can use if your dog is smaller or a puppy.
There are doggie backpacks, handbags, and even slings that you can use to tote your pup with you. You should also make sure that your dog has had the chance to have a potty break.
This will reduce the likelihood of your dog having an accident, either from nervousness or simply because they couldn’t hold it any longer.
Help Your Dog Become a Pro Shopper
Some dogs get anxious when they are away from the comfortable environment of their home. Still, you can help them to overcome any negative feelings with a little encouragement and, of course, some experience.
Some dog owners try to avoid situations where their dog gets uncomfortable. Still, it can be beneficial to gently push your dog out of its comfort zone once in a while so that it can overcome its feelings of anxiety.
Talk to your dog throughout your shopping trip and reassure your pooch to help create a calm atmosphere.
If your dog doesn’t particularly like having strangers come up to it and pet it, you may want to get a sweater that says something along the lines of, “please don’t pet me.”
If your dog doesn’t like to wear clothes, you could always wear a shirt that communicates the message or simply intervene if anyone tries to pet it.
Most people will ask if it’s alright beforehand, but sometimes small children or even adults won’t think to ask. Don’t forget to reward your dog when you have a good experience at the store.
Praise, a special treat, or even a trip to the park are all great ways to reward your dog for stellar behavior. If your first trip to the store wasn’t celebration-worthy-don’t worry or get discouraged.
Most dogs need time to adjust and learn how to handle the hustle and bustle of a busy shopping center.
Be patient and understanding, and your dog will eventually behave on your outings. If you don’t seem to be making any progress on your own, you may want to enlist the help of a professional trainer.
At the same time, you may want to address any other undesired behaviors as well. When choosing a trainer, be sure to interview potential candidates so you will be on the same page.
You may want to also want their training style is, and by talking with them, decide whether or not they are someone with whom you can develop a good relationship.
Since you will both be working together to achieve the same end result (a well-behaved pooch), you want to communicate and work together to achieve the best results.
You also want to be sure that their training methods will be enforceable at home since a lot of the training will need to be continued at home.
Final Thoughts
If you have ever wondered, “are dogs allowed in habitat for humanity,” they are only allowed in their ReStores, as long as you are there to be their chauffeur.
If you are planning on going to a ReStore together, be sure to plan ahead and bring your pooch will need to be happy and comfortable on your shopping trip together.
Your dog may have a favorite toy or blanket, or you could bring a treat or two to encourage good behavior.
