Target is the biggest retailer in America, with more than 1,900 stores and 2 million customers daily. To no surprise, the majority of its shoppers have a pet. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, over 38% of households own dogs.
How do you take your dog to Target? Are you looking for pet supplies or gift cards? Or returning makeup that has been returned without receipts? Is it possible to bring your dog with you to Target when you shop for pet food and accessories?
Are dogs allowed at Target?
Short answer: Target allows certified service dogs to be sold in stores only if the disabled owner is there.
Our team investigated Target’s pet policy. We found out why Target doesn’t allow pets into its stores and what exceptions they do allow. We’ll be looking at various service dogs including guide dogs, emotional support dog, and other dogs for anxiety and epilepsy.
Target Stores: Are Dogs Allowed?
Target doesn’t allow pet dogs in its retail stores. Target has a no-pets policy that still applies as of this writing. Target stores allow service dogs as per the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The ADA defines a service animal as a dog that is specially trained to aid disabled persons. The service animal must perform a function that is directly related to the disabled person. Service animals are considered working animals and not pets.
These sections discuss the different types of service dogs that Target allows and other details.
Why Pets aren’t Safe in Stores?
Target stores only allow service dogs to be in their stores to ensure safety. Target prohibits all breeds and animals from its stores, according to its no-pet policy.
Businesses don’t allow pets into their stores due to the nature of the merchandise they sell, possible breakage and allergies.
In addition, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has health and safety regulations that don’t permit animals inside foodservice and grocery stores, including Publix, Kroger, Whole Foods, Vons, and Walmart.
Target prohibits pets in its stores as well because of the potential for contamination of unpackaged food products in its grocery section.
Target Allows Service Dogs In Stores
Target allows service animals into its stores as disabled customers use service dogs for their daily activities. The Americans with Disabilities Act also allows service animals to enter places that prohibit their use.
Every business recognizes the importance and value of service animals for people with disabilities. Target allows service dogs and their disabled owners to enter its stores.
You can find our guide to dog ownership in Walmart stores.
What is considered a service dog in Target stores?
The Target pet policy and ADA guidelines outline six types of services that a dog could provide to be considered a Service Animal.
- Highly trained dogs that identify allergens before their owners ingest them.
- Assist blind or visually impaired individuals in walking safely.
- Dogs that are certified to assist those with severe mental illnesses, such as autism or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can be trained as mental service dogs.
- Help their deaf or hard-of-hearing owners navigate.
- To detect seizures, they can escort owners to safety and call for assistance.
- Alerting and detecting dangerous signs of diabetes and other diseases that can be measured.
Find out how to get a dog that can help with anxiety and epilepsy.
Does target Allow All Service Pets
Target is only allowed to accept service dogs who are certified and trained as per the ADA. For example, the Target pet policy rules say therapy dogs or emotional support dogs are not considered service animals and, therefore, its owners cannot bring them in the store. Instead, you can place an order during Target drive-up hours.
Target Stores Allow Emotional Support Dogs
Target does not allow therapy dogs or emotional support dogs in its stores. Target has a strict no pets policy. They only allow service dogs to be registered under the ADA. For more information, you can contact Target’s nearest store.
Target Can Ask You About Your Service Dog.
Target’s no pet policy is posted at all entrances to help you be proactive. This helps prevent any abuses of the service dogs policy.
The ADA Handler’s Rights prohibits employees from asking for proof of a customer’s disability. Therefore, pet owners cannot ask store owners more than two questions.
To validate owner’s answers, stores cannot ask for or demand proof of a training certificate, disability or other documentation. Although it may not be legal in all states, it’s a good idea for your dog to have his service certificate. Ideally, it’s best to outfit your service animal with a colorful vest or harness so that staff will readily understand.
Target: How to Shop With Your Service Dog
Target allows service dogs to shop at the store, provided they meet the requirements of the ADA and Target’s pet policy rules. An employee may request proof of service dog certification, but it’s best to still have a copy.
Target will allow you to bring your pet dog along to the store as long as it is secured in a shaded area. Many dogs can be left outside while you do other things.
We strongly recommend that you don’t leave your dog unattended for an extended period and don’t leave your pet in the car. Target can help you speed up your visit by offering a Target pick up where you can purchase cheesecloth and an indoor antenna. Also, a heavy-duty extension for a fridge and SodaStream carbonator replacement.
Target Summary Do Dogs Get Allowed in the Target?
Target stores are strictly against the entry of dogs unless they’ve been certified by ADA. Target prohibits pets of any breed or type in its stores. This is to ensure customer safety. In addition, pets are prohibited because of open and unpackaged products in the grocery section.
Target is an exception to this rule for ADA-certified service canines for people with disabilities. Target now allows certified service dogs for allergies, assisting visually impaired, psychiatric, seizures and medical alert.
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