Short answer: In many Build-A-Bear Workshop locations, dogs are allowed under certain conditions, but policies vary by location and context. If you plan to visit with a dog, check the specific store’s rules or call ahead to confirm. Details
- General pattern: Some Build-A-Bear locations permit leashed dogs to accompany customers while they shop, often during non-peak hours, and with the dog not entering the actual workshop areas or interfering with the bear-building process. This is commonly described as pet-friendly shopping rather than an official walk-through for animals in the workshop itself. Location-specific implementations exist, so policies are not uniform across all stores.
- Special cases: Certain venues adjacent to Build-A-Bear or shopping centers may advertise pet-friendly access, but this does not automatically translate to every Build-A-Bear Workshop store, particularly during busy times or inside the workshop stations. Always verify with the local store.
- Service animals: As with most retailers, service animals are generally allowed to accompany their handlers in stores where pets are restricted, but requirements can vary; the store staff can provide guidance on compliant access.
What to do before you go
- Call or check the store’s Plan a Visit page for that location.
- Ask about: leash requirements, peak vs. non-peak hours, whether dogs can accompany you into the workshop area, and any restrictions on the “stuff me” or “heart ceremony” stations.
- If your dog is a service animal, bring any necessary documentation or signals of status, and expect staff to accommodate under applicable laws.
If you’d like, share your city or the specific Build-A-Bear location, and the assistant can check the latest in-store policy for that store.
