Does the target allow dogs? (What to know!)
Target is a supermarket chain operating in the United States and Canada. Target stores are many people’s grocery store of choice, with more than 1,930 stores in the country alone—many people go in and out of their local Target, a popular shopping location. There are definitely people out there who want to take their pets for the weekly shopping.
For many of us, our fur friends are like family. We love to travel together and spend our daily lives together. Sometimes it’s hard to leave them behind, even if we have to run to the nearest grocery store. If this happens to be Target, this begs the question: Can you bring your dog (or any fur buddy, for that matter) into Target?
Does the target allow dogs?
Unfortunately, Target has a no pet policy, which means that no pets, including dogs, are allowed on the premises. However, there are exceptions for licensed service dogs that assist shoppers with disabilities. There is a sign at each Target entrance stating that only service dogs are allowed.
Are service dogs allowed to enter the target?
Service dogs are dogs that are trained to perform specific tasks to help people with disabilities. Categories of service dogs include:
Allergen Alert Dog
For people with severe allergies, allergen alert dogs are essential for sniffing out potential allergens in the environment and alerting their handlers. Service dogs are especially needed in places like Target, where multiple foods or potential allergens can be found in the air.
Epilepsy Alert and Response Dogs
For people prone to seizures, Seizure Alert and Response Dogs are the first to spot and seek help when a seizure is imminent.
Psychiatric Service Dog
Psychiatric service dogs also perform tasks similar to epilepsy alert dogs. They detect episodes of mental illness and are trained to assist their handlers in managing the aggression or seeking help.
guide dog
Guide dogs provide necessary assistance to the blind or visually impaired. They help them navigate their surroundings safely and alert them to obstacles.
Hearing dog
Training dogs help deaf and hard-of-hearing people by notifying them of any sounds they need to pay attention to.
Why doesn’t Target allow pets?
The answer is simple: Target is a large department store that sells all kinds of everyday items. These commodities also include food, including fresh food.
Keeping pets on premises increases the risk of bacterial transmission, mainly due to shedding of fur and clients’ inability to manage their pets.
Other grocery stores like Walmart, IKEA and Costco also don’t allow dogs to pass through their doors for regulatory purposes.
Target also does not allow dogs, as untrained dogs may be aggressive towards other shoppers or pets on the premises. Aggressive dogs can ruin a shopper’s shopping experience.
Service dogs are an exception because they are trained professional dogs and their handlers need them for health reasons. Allowing service dogs on premises ensures that persons with disabilities can freely exercise their right to access public spaces without discrimination.
Are emotional support dogs allowed?
Emotional support dogs are also vital to the well-being of many people and are similar to service dogs.
That being said, only licensed dogs are allowed on Target premises. Sadly, emotional support or therapy dogs are not adequately trained according to ADA guidelines (Americans with Disabilities Act) and cannot enter Target stores with the same qualifications as service dogs.
How do you bring your service dog to Goal?
If you’re bringing your service dog to Target, it’s a good idea to have your dog wear a service dog vest, or you can carry the appropriate ID tag with you. Your dog should also be on a leash.
Once inside, Target staff will ask if your dog is a service dog and the type of service it provides.
The law does not allow Target staff to ask you to show evidence that your dog is indeed a service dog or that you have a disability.
Therefore, they will have to rely on your integrity and honesty to bring a service dog into their store. If your dog is acting aggressive or disturbing, they have the right to ask you to leave the store.
Which stores are dog friendly?
In principle, it’s safe to assume that any store that sells food for human consumption will have a no-pet policy in place to avoid violating health regulations. However, there are plenty of places that will happily welcome you and your fur pals for a nice day out.
Some known pet-friendly stores are:
- Hobby Lobby
- los
- Nordstrom
- Macy’s
Home Depot also follows a “service dogs only” policy. Still, it is generally more forgiving with fur companions within their premises. However, this varies from store to store.
in conclusion…
Dogs are an important part of a pet owner’s life. While it would be great to take them out to see the world and be with us in our daily lives, stores like Target can’t let them in for good reason.
Target has a responsibility to provide its shoppers with the best possible shopping environment by protecting them from any potential disruptions or health and safety risks.
Knowing this, Target also has a duty to allow service dogs on its premises, as service dogs have a duty to protect their handlers in public spaces.
Have other questions about Target’s pet policy? Leave us a comment below!
