I don't have a problem with an owner's animal being in the store. Their store, their animal. I am a huge animal lover. That being said, I don't have allergies so can well understand your feelings. Several years ago, went to a quilt shop that was an extension of a person's home. She had 4 cats in there. It was not a good situation. They all looked sickly. Runny eyes, scruffy coats. That's okay, no one is forcing you to interact. What was really nasty though was piles of cat hork/furball spitup on the rugs, on bolts of some fabric. No thanks. I didn't stay long and wouldn't be back. If you have an animal in the public eye, you must be very vigilant.