When you are planning a trip to Target, you may want to bring your dog with you.

While some stores do allow dogs and other pets inside, Target stores do not allow dogs inside.

Service dogs are permitted and must be on a leash when inside the store, but therapy dogs, emotional support dogs, and companion animals are not allowed to enter the store.

Are Dogs Allowed In Target?

No, dogs are not allowed in Target.

Because the company wants to make sure the store is a comfortable and safe place for everyone to shop, they do not allow pets inside the store.

They do, however, allow service dogs.

The service dogs must be certified as regular service dogs.

Emotional support animals and therapy animals are not permitted in Target stores.

However, it is best to call the local Target in the area to be sure of the store policy.

Does Target Allow Service Dogs?

Target does allow service dogs.

Stores are not allowed to ask pet owners if their dogs are service dogs.

Service dogs are not required to wear any vests or collars that say that they are service dogs, but all service dogs do need to be on a leash and well-behaved.

If a dog is not on a leash, is disrupting the store, damaging merchandise, or intimidating customers, the owner of the dog may be asked to leave.

What Kind Of Service Dogs Are Allowed In Target?

Target allows regular service dogs to enter stores.

This applies to all registered service dogs who are assisting those with a disability or medical disorder.

The different types of service dogs are as follows:

1. Regular Service Dogs

The most common types of service dogs are those that assist their owners with their handicaps.

These may include dogs that escort people who are blind, those who cannot hear, people who have mobility issues, and people who need help reaching things or navigating certain areas.

These dogs are trained to assist their owners in any way needed to help them live an independent and safe life.

2. Medical Alert Dogs

Medical alert dogs are dogs that accompany people with medical disorders.

Dogs are trained to know when a person may have a stroke, when their blood sugar drops, or even if they are going to faint.

These dogs are not only trained to alert their owners when something is wrong but may also be able to alert those around them so they can call for help.

Do Service Dogs Have To Be On A Leash In Target?

Service dogs do have to be on a leash while they are inside a target.

Dogs are not allowed in the store without a leash.

The owner must also be able to control the dog properly while it is in the store.

The dog should not be able to approach people and should be well-trained and well-behaved.

Are Dogs Allowed In Target If They Stay Out Of The Grocery Area?

Many stores do not allow dogs inside because they don’t want them around the food areas.

Since there is no way to create a barrier that keeps the dogs out of the food aisles, many stores simply do not allow dogs.

This is the case for Target.

Target has a grocery section, and it can be a health hazard to allow dogs to be around the grocery section.

Even though you may not plan to take your dog to the grocery section, Target still does not allow pets or any dogs other than service dogs to enter the store.

What Is Target’s Official Dog Policy?

The official dog policy of Target is pretty simple.

They only allow service dogs in their stores.

While this isn’t easy to find online, you can call any Target store near you and ask them about their official dog policy.

You can also look on the doors of your local Target, and you will likely see a sign that says “Service Dogs Only” or something similar.

Do You Have To Show Service Dog Papers At Target?

You do not ever have to present papers or proof of your service dog to a Target employee or any store employee for that matter.

It is illegal for someone to ask you to prove that you have a disability or require a service dog.

Target employees are trained to be aware of this and will not question your dog.

If a Target employee does ask for proof that your dog is a service dog, you do not have to provide them with it.

Instead, ask to speak with a manager and inform the manager that you know your rights.

Are Emotional Support Animals Allowed At Target?

Emotional support animals are considered service dogs by many people.

They provide a service of providing comfort and calmness to someone who suffers from various issues such as anxiety or PTSD.

While some stores and businesses do consider emotional support animals service animals, Target does not.

They do not allow therapy dogs or emotional support dogs in their stores.

Does Target Allow Dogs In Strollers?

Target does not allow dogs in strollers.

Target only allows dogs that are service animals, and since these dogs need to be on a leash and able to move around and guide their owner, there is no reason a service dog would ever be in a stroller.

If you attempt to enter a Target with a dog in a stroller, you will likely be asked to leave.

Are Dogs Allowed In Target In A Bag?

Dogs are not allowed in Target in a bag.

Service dogs are the only dogs that are allowed in Target stores, and they must be on a leash.

Service dogs cannot perform a service while they are in a bag, so dogs in bags are not permitted inside Target stores.

Are Dogs On A Leash Allowed Inside Target?

The only dogs that are allowed inside Target stores are service dogs, and those dogs must be on a leash.

Just because you have a dog on a leash does not mean it is allowed in the store.

You can learn more about Target’s dog policy by calling your local store.

What Aren’t Dogs Allowed In Target?

There are many reasons Target doesn’t allow dogs inside.

The store does not offer specific reasons, but some of the most common reasons a store may not allow dogs inside are listed below.

1. Allergies

Pet allergies are common, and you never know who may have them.

Contrary to popular belief, most people are not allergic to pet hair, but their dander, saliva, and urine instead.

The allergy is to a protein found in their bodily fluids, and the dander of pets can trigger allergies.

While many people only have mild reactions when exposed to pet allergens, some people can be dangerously allergic and could become very sick if they are exposed to them.

Since it’s impossible to know which customers may have pet allergies and stores want to make sure all shoppers are comfortable while shopping with them, they may decide it’s best to prohibit pets from entering the store.

2. Harm Others

Even if your dog is well-behaved, it doesn’t mean other dogs are.

Some dogs are not as well-behaved as they seem.

Some have not been properly trained, and while their owners might think they are able to go into a store, they may not do well once inside.

When dogs are in new places and feel anxious or scared, they can become aggressive.

When people see dogs in a store, they tend to want to approach them.

If a dog is scared by them, it could be aggressive and harm them.

Stores don’t want to risk someone being injured while shopping, so they will not allow dogs inside.

3. Scare Shoppers

Some people have a fear of dogs.

It can be hard to shop and enjoy your shopping trip if you are terrified by dogs.

Not everyone enjoys being around dogs, and some people may refuse to enter a store if they know there could be dogs inside.

Most stores are not willing to lose business over dogs and other pets, so they prefer to just prohibit dogs from entering the store to ensure all customers are comfortable.

4. Act Aggressive Towards Service Dogs

Service dogs are permitted in most stores, and while they are trained to behave properly, not all dogs have the same training.

Service dogs need to be able to help their owners navigate the store easily.

If other dogs in the store are not well-trained and act aggressively towards service dogs, it could prevent them from being able to perform their duties, which could cause problems for their owners and other people in the store.

5. Damage Inventory

Some dogs are curious and like to chew on things to see what they are or learn more about them.

Others are simply playful and rambunctious.

While these behaviors are fine when dogs are at home, they are not acceptable in stores.

Dogs can chew on merchandise, knock things off shelves and out of baskets, and even paw or chew at the carpet and flooring in a store.

Stores do not want to risk a lot of damage caused by dogs, so they simply don’t allow them inside the store.

6. Messes

Most stores don’t want to clean up after dogs and know that even dogs that are potty trained at their homes can get overly excited and pee or poop in the store.

Not only is this unhygienic, but it can also be dangerous.

If someone doesn’t see the mess on the floor, someone else could slip and fall on it.

Items from the shelves and racks could also fall into the dog’s bodily waste on the floor.

The more people and things that move through it, the more it spreads to other areas of the store.

It can also cause a store to smell and look bad.

Most people won’t want to shop at a place where there’s dog poop and pee on the floor, so a dog “doing its business” there could prevent customers from doing their business there.

7. Sanitary Issues

Dogs are messy, and it’s just not sanitary for stores to allow them.

If stores do not have the manpower or the ability to clean up after a lot of pets.

Pets can slobber, shed, sneeze, and urinate throughout the store, and being able to clean it up can take a lot of time.

Stores have to go to great lengths to ensure they are sanitary for everyone.

8. Parasites

Dogs can carry a variety of parasites, including ticks, fleas, and even lice.

If they get close to other people in the store, they could spread these parasites to them.

The parasites could also jump from the dog onto clothing, carpet, and other soft surfaces.

When people see parasites and bugs on clothing and in the store, they may not be likely to shop there again.

They could also become upset if they take home their purchased items and find insects or parasites on them.

Stores may prohibit dogs from avoiding having to deal with these issues.

Will Target Ask Me To Leave If I Bring My Dog?

If you bring a dog into a Target store, they may or may not ask you to leave.

While some Target stores are strict with their dog policies, others do not enforce them.

Target stores do allow service dogs, and employees are not allowed to ask if your dog is a service dog.

Most Target stores rely on the honor system when it comes to customers who bring their dogs into the store and try to say they are service dogs.

If your dog acts up or is not well-behaved in the store, the manager can ask you to leave, regardless of whether your dog is a pet or a service dog.

Does Walmart Allow Dogs?

Walmart does not allow pet dogs in stores.

They do allow service dogs in stores as long as they are on a leash and well-behaved.

Many people claim that not all Walmart stores follow the pet policy, and some do allow pets inside.

Since Walmart employees are not allowed to question if a service dog is a service dog or not, it can be hard for them to determine which dogs are pets and which dogs are service dogs, so they may be more lenient and allow all dogs to enter.

Does TJ Maxx Allow Dogs?

TJ Maxx is dog-friendly, and they do allow dogs in their stores.

All dogs are required to be on a leash, in a dog carrier, or in a pet stroller.

Dogs may not roam around the store freely, and they must be well-behaved.

Some stores do have to follow local rules and guidelines and may not allow certain breeds of dogs to enter their stores.

If you are planning to bring your dog to a TJ Maxx store and you want to make sure it’s okay, you may want to call the store ahead of time to make sure your dog is allowed inside.

Which Stores Allow Dogs?

Many stores do allow pets, and all stores allow service dogs.

Some stores only allow service dogs, and others allow many types of pets.

If a store sells food or has a grocery section, it is less likely to allow pets.

It’s always a good idea to check with a store before you arrive to shop with your dog.

Here are some stores that allow pets and not just service dogs.

• Petco
• Home Depot
• PetSmart
• Tractor Supply
• Rural King
• Lowe’s
• Nordstrom
• Macy’s
• Lush
• Apple
• Pottery Barn
• Bass Pro Shops
• Ace Hardware
• Anthropologie
• Free People

What Does It Mean If A Store Is Dog-Friendly?

A store is considered dog-friendly if it allows dogs to be inside the store.

Almost all stores are required to allow service dogs to enter.

Dogs that are not service dogs or other animals that are not service animals may also be allowed to enter dog- or pet-friendly stores.

Many stores are proud to be pet-friendly and will advertise it.

Others will just include the information in their pet policy.

You can also talk with a store employee or call the store directly to find out if they are a pet-friendly store and what pets are allowed.

The post Are Dogs Allowed In Target? (Updated 2022) appeared first on The Cold Wire.

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