Are Dogs Allowed in Target? (2022 Guide)

Are dogs allowed in Target? Target is one of the largest retailers in the United States. You can shop Target online and in-store for groceries, essentials, clothing, electronics, and more. Plus, choose contactless pickup or delivery today. With millions of items available, you're sure to find what you need at Target. Are dogs allowed in Target?

Unfortunately, the answer is no. Pets of any kind are not allowed into Target Except Service animals, as per Target's pet policy. Please keep reading to know more in detail.

What is Target's pet policy?

Target's pet policy states that "Pets are not allowed in Target stores, except for service animals." This includes all kinds of animals, from pet dogs and pet cats to reptiles and rodents.

However, if you have an ADA-approved service dog, they may accompany you into the store. Therapy or emotional support animals are not accepted as service dogs and will not be allowed in-store.

Target's policy is in place for the safety of both guests and employees. Pets can carry bacteria and diseases that can be harmful to people, and they can also be a distraction or nuisance to other shoppers. Plus, hot weather conditions can put pets at risk for heatstroke, so it's best to leave them at home.

What are Service Animals?

Service animals are animals that have been trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. They are allowed in public places, such as restaurants, stores, and airplanes. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a service animal as "an animal that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability."

Types of Service Animals:

Psychiatric service dogs: are used to help people with mental or emotional disabilities, such as anxiety or depression. They can provide support by calming the person down, reminding them to take medication, or providing companionship. More information.

Guide dogs: These dogs are trained to guide blind or visually impaired people around barriers using lead. Although dogs can be taught how to overcome various challenges, they are red-green colorblind and unable to interpret street signs. More information.

Mobility assistance dogs: These dogs help people who have difficulty walking or climbing stairs. They can pull wheelchairs, get things from high shelves, and open and close doors. More information.

Hearing dogs: These dogs alert their deaf owners to important sounds, such as doorbells, smoke alarms, or crying babies. More information.

Severe Allergy Alert Dogs: These dogs are trained to sniff out the presence of specific allergens, such as peanuts, milk, or wheat. If they detect an allergen, they will perform a predetermined task, such as getting their owner's EpiPen from another room.

Allergen detection dogs: Also known as allergy service dogs, help individuals with deadly allergies. They're sometimes also referred to as Anaphylaxis Service Dogs or Anaphylaxis Prevention Dobermans. These unique Service Dogs are trained to detect allergens. More information.

Are Service Dogs Allowed In Target? 

Yes. If you have a service animal, Target wants to make your shopping experience as easy as possible. All Target stores are ADA-compliant, and service animals are always welcome. Any business that serves the public must allow service animals, according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

What about emotional support dogs?

Therapy dogs or emotional support animals are not considered service animals under the ADA. This means that they are not allowed in public places, including Target stores. However, there may be other laws or regulations in your state that allow emotional support animals in certain places, such as restaurants or hotels. Be sure to check with your local government to learn more.

Why pets are not allowed in Grocery Stores? (Reason Behind)

The strict pet policy at Target and other popular stores is in place due to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) grocery and foodservice codes. These codes state that all animals, including pets, must be kept out of areas where food is prepared, served, or stored. This is because animals can contaminate food with bacteria and other harmful substances.

In addition, many people are allergic to animals, and having them in the store can cause an adverse reaction. Pets can also be a distraction to other shoppers, which can lead to accidents or injuries.

What if I need a service animal but don't have one?

If you think you might benefit from having a service animal but don't have one, there are a few things you can do.

First, you can talk to your doctor or therapist about whether a service animal might be right for you. They can help you determine if you have a disability that qualifies you for a service animal and if a service animal could help you manage your symptoms. 

If you decide that you would like to get a service animal, you can contact a local assistance dog training organization. These organizations can help you find a suitable dog and teach it the tasks or behaviors that you need.

You should also be aware that some people try to pass their pets off as service animals when they are not. If you are unsure if a dog is a service animal, you can ask the person to show you their certification from an assistance dog training organization.

If the person cannot provide this information, it is best to err on the side of caution and not let the pet into the store.

Final Thoughts

Target has a strict pet policy in place to ensure the safety of its shoppers and employees. Service animals are always welcome in Target stores as well as in other stores, but emotional support animals are not.

If you have a disability that requires the use of a service animal, there are several resources available to help you find one. You can contact your doctor OR local assistance dog training organization to get started. We hope this article was helpful.

Target resources

• Who owns Target?
• Target Interview Questions and Answers
• How old do you have to be to work at Target?
• When does Target restock?
• Target loss prevention policy
• How long is Target orientation?
• Does Target accept EBT?
• Does Target accept WIC?
• Are dogs allowed in Target?

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