Target is one of the largest retailers, with over 1,900 stores in the US and over 2 million visitors daily. To no surprise, the majority of its shoppers have a pet. The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that 38% of American households have dogs.
What do you do with your dog when you’re at Target buying gift cards, pet supplies, trendy clothes, or returning makeup without a receipt? Can you bring your dog to Target while shopping for pet food or 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 explore various service dogs, including guide dogs, emotional support dogs, and others for anxiety and epilepsy.
Target Stores Allow Dogs
No, Target does not allow pet dogs inside its retail stores. Target has a no-pets policy that still applies as of this writing. However, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service dogs are permitted inside Target stores.
Per the ADA, a service animal is a dog trained to perform specific tasks for a disabled individual. The animal should perform a function directly related to the person’s disability. Therefore, service animals are classified as working animals, not pets.
These sections discuss the different types of service dogs that Target allows and other details.
Why Don’t Pet Shops Target Pets?
Target allows service dogs only in its stores to protect customers. According to the Target no pet policy, all animals and breeds are not permitted inside .
Businesses don’t allow pets into their stores due to the nature of 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.
Furthermore, Target does not permit pets in its stores due to the possibility of contamination of food products that are unpackaged and open in its grocery section.
Why Does Target Allow Service Dogs in Stores?
Target allows service dogs in its stores, as customers with disabilities use service canines to help them get around. Service animals can also be allowed in places where they are prohibited by law under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
All businesses understand the importance of service animals in assisting people with disabilities. In light of this, Target allows service dogs to enter its stores along with their disabled owners.
See our guide on dogs allowed in Walmart stores.
What’s Considered a Service Dog in Target Stores?
Per ADA guidelines and the Target pet policy, there are six types of services a dog may provide to be considered a service animal:
- Highly trained dogs recognize allergens before owners ingest them.
- Assist blind or visually impaired people to walk safely.
- People with severe mental disorders such as autism, PTSD or other mental conditions can benefit from certified mental service dogs.
- Assist deaf and hard of hearing owners in navigation.
- They are trained to recognize seizures and escort their owners safely to safety.
- Able to recognize and alert to dangerous signs that may be associated with diabetes or other diseases with measurable symptoms.
We have a guide for you on how to get a service dog for anxiety and epilepsy.
Does Target Allow All Service Animals?
Target is only allowed to accept service dogs that are certified and trained as per the ADA. Target rules for pets state that therapy dogs or emotional support canines are not allowed in their stores. Instead, you can place orders during Target drive-up hours.
Does Target Allow Emotional Support Dogs in Stores?
Target does not allow therapy dogs and emotional support dogs in its stores. Target enforces a no-pets policy. It allows service dogs only as per the ADA. For further information, please contact Target nearest you.
What Can Target Ask About Your Service Dog?
Target’s no pet policy is posted at all entrances to help you be proactive. It prevents any abuse of service dog policies.
The ADA Handler’s Rights states that employees cannot demand proof of a customer’s disabilities. Therefore, pet owners cannot ask store owners more than two legal questions.
To validate owner’s answers, stores cannot ask for or demand proof of a training certificate, disability or other documentation. Even though this may be illegal in some countries, it is best to bring your dog’s current service certificate. Ideally, it’s best to outfit your service animal with a colorful vest or harness so that staff will readily understand.
How to Shop with your Service Dog at Target?
Target will allow you to shop with your service pet at no additional cost, as long as the dog meets all requirements under the ADA or Target pet policy rules. However, it’s still best to have a copy of your service dog certification papers if an employee requests proof.
Target allows pets to be brought along, provided the leash is secure and secured to a fixture. Many dogs can be left outside safely while you run errands.
We strongly advise that you keep your dog home for any length of time and that you never leave your pet unattended in the car. However, you can speed up your visit by using Target pick up to buy a cheesecloth, indoor antenna, heavy-duty extension cord for a fridge, SodaStream carbonator refill, and more.
Are dogs allowed in the Target Summary
Target stores are strictly against the entry of dogs unless they have been trained and certified by ADA. Target is committed towards customer safety and bans pets of all breeds and types. In addition, pets are prohibited because of open and unpackaged products in the grocery section.
Target does make an exception for ADA-certified service dog for people with disabilities. Target now allows certified service dogs for allergies, assisting visually impaired, psychiatric and seizures, as well as medical alert, in its stores.
Target Venmo In-Store and Online.