Are dogs allowed in Cabela’s?
Dogs are welcome at Cabela’s. And because the same organization owns Cabela’s and Bass Pro, dogs are also welcome at Bass Pro. There are Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops outlets across the United States, which is good news if you’re an outdoorsy person with a dog who enjoys shopping.
In this article:
- Are Cabela’s and Bass Pro dog friendly at every location?
- What to do if your local Cabela’s says no pets
- Are service dogs allowed in Cabela’s?
- Why Cabela’s can be a good store to bring your dog to
- Tips for a successful dog visit to Cabela’s
- Dog-friendly store etiquette
Are Cabela’s and Bass Pro dog friendly at every location?
Not every dog is welcome in every part of every shop. Local ordinances may exclude pets from retail shops in general or from food-related areas of shops. As a result, it may be worth your while to double-check by phone before heading to your local outlet. For example, as of 2019, Cabela’s stores in Maine were required to suspend their pet-friendly policy because of the deli at their locations.
It’s also important to consider your dog’s personality and behavior, as only “well-behaved” dogs are allowed. A well-behaved dog is usually comfortable staying close to their owner on a leash, is comfortable with other dogs and small children, and is unlikely to bark or growl. If you’re concerned that your dog won’t follow these guidelines, it may be best to leave them at home.
What to do if your local Cabela’s says no pets
If your local Cabela’s or Bass Pro says no to bringing your dog, there’s a good reason. It’s fine to ask the reason, but there’s nothing to be gained by arguing the point with a staff member who is simply following local store policy. If you’re told no pets are allowed, the right thing to do is to leave your dog at home or with a pet sitter so you can enjoy a hassle-free shopping experience.
Are service dogs allowed in Cabela’s?
Service dogs are always allowed in public places, regardless of any local ordinances. So yes, your service dog will always be allowed at both Cabela’s and Bass Pro. Emotional support dogs, however, may or may not be allowed depending on local laws.
If you are bringing your service dog to Cabela’s, it’s smart to dress your dog in an appropriate identifying vest, so that it’s clear they’re not a pet. It’s also wise to have answers ready in case you’re asked one of the two questions shop staff are allowed to ask you regarding your service animal:
- Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
- What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
In addition, if you have a service dog, get helpful documentation to show they’re on duty, or provide a simple explanation to overzealous fellow shoppers. While this isn’t a legal requirement, it can make your shopping experience much more pleasant.
Why Cabela’s Can Be a Good Store to Bring Your Dog To Cabelas
Whether you’re shopping locally or stopping at a Cabela’s or Pro Bass shop on the road, it could be a great choice for your dog. The shops are thoughtfully laid out to make it easier for pets on leashes to move around the spacious store layouts and wide aisles. There’s also a lot to see and explore, so your pet may find it more pleasant to just nose around.
Cabela’s and Pro Bass are also generally dog-friendly settings. Not only are dogs allowed, but they’re welcomed. Staff and other shoppers are likely to be dog lovers. Products are geared toward outdoorsy people, who are often dog owners. And both shops are well-stocked with dog-oriented products, ranging from kennels and dog beds to toys, training devices, and dog treats. Would your dog prefer a toy duck to a toy sheep? You can ask him in person if you bring him shopping with you!
Because they are so pet-friendly, Cabela’s and Bass Pro can be good places to bring a dog that’s just getting used to human-focused environments. Of course, a dog that’s likely to bark or bite shouldn’t be in a store at all. But a younger dog or a good-natured dog in training could benefit from a trip to a Cabela’s, especially at uncrowded times of day or week. In fact, some Cabela’s actually offer dog day and sport dog day events, which can be great fun for you and your pet. You’ll need to check with your local store to find out exactly when these events occur in your area.
Tips for a Successful Dog Visit to Cabela’s
Before bringing your dog along to Cabela’s or Bass Pro Shops, you’ll want to answer a few questions.
- Is my dog fully potty trained? The last thing you (or anyone else!) wants is a dog that soils the merchandise!
- How does my dog respond to other dogs? Some dogs are great with people, but may get agitated around other dogs. As these are dog-friendly shops, there’s a good chance there will be other dogs around.
- Can my dog be calm in crowds? While Cabela’s and Pro Bass are rarely crowded, they can be busy on certain days and at certain times. If crowds are overstimulating, opt for mellow times of the day or week.
- Is my dog able to walk with a loose leash without pulling or yanking? If not, it’s best to teach those skills before bringing them to a store.
- How does my dog handle children? Remember that some children (and even some adults) are dog-wary, especially around bigger dogs or certain breeds. It’s very important that your dog can be calm and will avoid jumping on people or chasing children.
Dog-Friendly Store Etiquette
Even in a dog-friendly store, there are certain rules of etiquette you’ll want to abide by to ensure a positive experience for all.
- Keep your dog on a short leash. Dogs get curious, but some shoppers are uncomfortable when a dog rubs against them or peers into their cart.
- Respect shoppers’ preferences and fears. You may know that your dog is friendly and calm, but if a shopper seems anxious or a child seems frightened, it’s appropriate to pull your dog away and even move to a different part of the store.
- If your dog needs to “go,” leave the store immediately, find a grassy spot, and clean up after it. By waiting, you risk an accident that could get your dog banned from the store.
- Have a plan for responding if someone wants to pet your dog. If you have concerns about how your dog will respond to a stranger petting it, be sure to communicate those concerns right away, or leave your dog at home until it feels more comfortable.
About the Author: Lisa Jo Rudy, M.Div. has been writing on developmental disabilities and mental health since the early 2000s, when her son was diagnosed with autism. Lisa lives on Cape Cod, where she is the proud "mom" of two beautiful cats.
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