Target’s Official Pet Policy

Target’s general pet policy is straightforward: pets are not allowed inside Target stores, with the exception of certified service animals. This policy applies to dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, and most other animals you might consider bringing into a retail environment. The restriction exists for several important reasons, including store cleanliness, customer allergies, and the safety of all shoppers.

Target’s corporate policy maintains consistency across their stores nationwide. However, it’s worth noting that individual store managers may have some flexibility in certain situations, and policies can occasionally vary by location. If you’re unsure about a specific Target location, calling ahead to speak with a manager is always a good idea.

Understanding whether Target allows dogs can help you plan your shopping trips accordingly. The store’s commitment to maintaining a clean, safe shopping environment for all customers is the primary reason behind this pet restriction. Unlike some retailers that have embraced pet-friendly policies in recent years, Target has maintained its no-pets policy to ensure consistency and safety across all locations.

Service Dogs at Target

The major exception to Target’s no-pets policy involves certified service animals. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service dogs that are specially trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities are permitted inside Target stores. These tasks might include guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling wheelchairs, alerting to seizures, reminding someone to take medication, or performing other specific duties related to a disability.

Service dogs are not considered pets under the law; they are working animals performing essential functions for their handlers. Target employees are required to allow these certified service animals to accompany their owners throughout the store. The key distinction is that service dogs undergo extensive professional training and are task-specific animals, unlike emotional support animals or therapy dogs that don’t have the same legal protections.

If you’re interested in learning more about service dogs, you might want to explore information about how to make your dog a service dog. Service dog certification involves rigorous training programs, behavioral assessments, and official documentation. It’s important to note that service dogs are not the same as emotional support animals (ESAs), which do not have the same legal access rights in retail stores.

Target staff members are trained to recognize legitimate service animals and understand the ADA requirements. They may ask two specific questions if they’re unsure: “Is this a service animal required because of a disability?” and “What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?” However, they cannot ask about the handler’s disability or require documentation, vest, or special ID for the service animal.

Exceptions and Special Circumstances

While Target’s general policy is firm about pets, there are a few circumstances where exceptions might be considered. Some Target stores, particularly those in rural areas or with specific store managers, may occasionally make exceptions for small, well-behaved dogs in carriers or on leashes. However, this is not an official company policy, and you should never assume your dog will be allowed inside.

Emotional support animals (ESAs) are sometimes confused with service dogs, but they do not have the same legal access rights under the ADA. ESAs provide comfort through their presence but are not trained to perform specific tasks, which means they are not automatically allowed in Target stores. If you have an emotional support animal, it’s best to leave them at home or in the car during your shopping trip.

Some special events or promotional activities at Target might involve pet-related activities, but these are typically held outside the store or in designated outdoor areas rather than inside the retail space. It’s always worth checking with your local Target about upcoming pet-friendly events in your community.

Other Dog-Friendly Retailers

If you’re interested in shopping with your dog, you might want to explore what stores allow dogs. Many major retailers have different pet policies than Target, and some are considerably more dog-friendly. Home improvement stores, for instance, often welcome dogs on leashes. Dogs are allowed in Lowe’s, and similarly, Home Depot is dog-friendly, making these excellent alternatives if you want to bring your pup along for a shopping trip.

Other retailers known for being pet-friendly include:

• Petco and PetSmart: These pet supply retailers obviously welcome dogs and often host special events for pets
• Outdoor retailers: Stores like REI, Bass Pro Shops, and Cabela’s typically allow leashed dogs
• Farmers markets: Many outdoor farmers markets permit dogs on leashes
• Some garden centers: Many garden centers and nurseries welcome well-behaved leashed dogs
• Specialty boutiques: Many small, independent retailers welcome dogs at their discretion

Additionally, Costco’s policy on dogs is similar to Target’s—they don’t allow pets except for certified service animals. Understanding these policies helps you plan your shopping strategy around your dog’s needs and your schedule.

Alternatives for Shopping with Your Dog

If you want to include your dog in your shopping experience, you have several alternatives to bringing them inside Target:

Online Shopping and In-Store Pickup: Target offers convenient online shopping options where you can browse and purchase items from home, then pick them up at your local store. This eliminates the need to bring your dog inside.

Drive-Up Service: Target’s Drive-Up service allows you to order online and have items brought directly to your car, perfect for keeping your dog comfortable at home.

Curbside Pickup: Similar to drive-up, this service brings your purchases to the curb, minimizing time spent in the store.

Shop During Off-Peak Hours: If you must leave your dog in the car, shopping during quieter times and keeping your trip brief can minimize stress on your pet.

Pet Sitters or Dog Walkers: Consider hiring a pet sitter or dog walker to care for your pup while you shop, ensuring they’re comfortable and safe.

Bring a Family Member: Have someone stay home with your dog while you complete your shopping, or have them watch your pup in the car if you must make a quick trip.

Visit Dog-Friendly Retailers: As mentioned earlier, many retailers welcome dogs, so you can satisfy your shopping needs while enjoying your dog’s company at pet-friendly stores.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my emotional support dog to Target?

No, emotional support dogs are not covered under the ADA and do not have legal access rights to enter Target stores. Only certified service dogs trained to perform specific tasks for people with disabilities are permitted inside Target. If you have an emotional support animal, you’ll need to make alternative arrangements for your shopping trip.

What if my dog is very small and in a carrier?

Target’s pet policy applies to all dogs regardless of size or whether they’re in a carrier. While some individual stores might occasionally make exceptions, this is not official Target policy. The safest assumption is that your dog will not be permitted inside, even in a carrier. It’s best to call your local Target store and speak with a manager if you have questions about your specific situation.

Are puppies allowed at Target?

No, puppies are not allowed at Target unless they are certified service animals in training. Target’s no-pets policy applies to dogs of all ages. Young puppies may be more unpredictable in behavior, which is another reason why the store maintains a strict no-pets policy.

What should I do if I see someone with a dog at Target?

If you see someone with a dog inside Target, it’s likely a certified service animal. You should not approach the dog or its handler, as service animals are working and should not be distracted. If you suspect someone is misrepresenting a pet as a service animal, you can speak with store management, but remember that store employees are limited in what they can ask about service animals under ADA guidelines.

Can I leave my dog in the car while I shop at Target?

While technically not prohibited by Target, leaving your dog in a car while you shop is not recommended for several reasons. Cars can become dangerously hot or cold depending on the season, and your dog may experience anxiety or stress. Additionally, in many states, leaving a dog unattended in a car can be considered animal cruelty and may result in legal consequences. It’s better to use Target’s online ordering options or make alternative arrangements for your dog’s care.

Does Target have any pet-related products or events?

Yes, Target carries a wide variety of pet supplies, including dog food, toys, beds, and accessories. While you can’t bring your dog inside to shop for these items, you can order them online and have them delivered or use the in-store pickup service. Target also occasionally hosts pet-related promotional events, though these are typically held outside the store.

How is Target’s policy different from other major retailers?

Target maintains a stricter no-pets policy compared to some other major retailers. For example, Target’s dog policy differs from some home improvement stores, where leashed dogs are commonly welcomed. The difference comes down to each retailer’s individual decisions about store cleanliness, customer experience, and liability concerns.

What if my dog has severe separation anxiety?

If your dog has severe separation anxiety, you have several options: hire a pet sitter or dog walker to stay with your dog while you shop, ask a friend or family member to watch your dog, use Target’s online shopping and pickup services to minimize your time away, or consider visiting pet-friendly retailers instead. Working with a professional dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist can also help address separation anxiety over time.

Are there any Target locations that make exceptions to the pet policy?

While Target’s corporate policy is consistent, individual store managers may have some discretion in unique situations. However, you should never assume your dog will be allowed inside any Target. Always call your local store and speak with a manager before attempting to bring your dog inside. The official policy is no pets except certified service animals.