Are Dogs Allowed In Target In 2022? (Pet Policy Explained)

We all love our pet, and they make great companions for most adventures. If you’re on a day trip and have to stop by Target, Fido might be interested in the things you can do together.

Target is a fantastic place to get pet supplies, but are you allowed your dog with you in Target? I did some digging into the subject and here is what I found out about Target’s pet policy.

Do Dogs Are Allowed in Target By 2022

Target enforces a strict no pet policy. Target customers can’t bring their dog into Target stores after 2022. All service animals, including those with disabilities, are eligible to shop at Target.

Why are Pet Dogs not Allowed in Target?

To ensure the safety of customers, Target refuses entry to dogs of any breed and has a strict no pets policy for any animal except for service dogs.

Target’s Food Department sells open- and unpackaged foods, which increases the possibility of contamination and animal bacterial transmission.

FDA prohibits pets from entering grocery stores, restaurants or other food-preparation facilities. Target’s no-pet policy applies to all locations. However, some may have more stringent enforcement requirements.

How Does a Service Dog in Target Count?

Target’s Pet Policy and the ADA define six major categories for service dogs. These are the tasks or work that the dog does. These types of service include:

Blind or visually impaired persons can be helped to walk by guide dogs.

They are called Hearing Dogs and help deaf/hearing-impaired people navigate easier.

The Medical Alert and Assist dog is a service dog that can detect danger signs, such as those of diabetes or other body symptoms.

Psychiatric Service Dogs–This type of certified mental service dog will assist in cases of severe PTSD or Autism.

Seizure Alarm and Response Dogs – These dogs can anticipate the episode and take their owner to safety.

High-trained Severe Allergy Alert dogs – These highly trained animals can detect allergies before they’re ingested.

Your service dog must be trained to assist you in Target.

You can’t count a Service dog as part of Target.

If your dog is not trained and certified as a service animal under the ADA, you cannot bring it into Target as a service dog.

For example, therapy dogs or emotional support dogs are not considered service animals under Target’s pet policy guidelines, and so will not be allowed to accompany their owners into the store, no matter what.

Can Target Ask If Your Dog Is A Service Dog?

According to the ADA’s Handler’s Rights employees can’t ask any service animal owner to prove or provide documentation.

Target employees are only allowed to ask two questions: If the animal was a service dog and what tasks it performs, then they can also inquire about the purpose of the dog. It is illegal for employees to further inquire or request proof.

Target employees can easily identify a service pet by providing a uniform for your dog, such as the neon-colored service jackets and harnesses.

Some states even allow it to be legal as identification of service animals.

Target Stores Allow Service dogs

ADA Title II, state and municipal programs and Title III, public facilities such restaurants or shops that allow service animals into other locations are allowed.

Individual training is required for service dogs to be able to assist in dangerous or life-threatening situations.

Because these services are so crucial to health and well-being, service animals need to accompany their owners–thus stores like Target make a strict exception to their no-pets policy for service dogs.

Are Service Dogs In-Training Allowed Into Target?

The ADA does NOT cover service dog training situations. However, there are laws in several states that regulate what space these dogs can use.

However, ADA Handler Responsibilities still apply to service dogs in training. The animal must be kept under control, housebroken, and vaccinated as per state and local law.

Are You able to take your dog with you into Target?

his also applies to service dogs–if the service animal cannot walk on its own to carry out its duties, Target associates may take issue with the service dog classification.

Is it possible to shop at Target with your dog?

Target allows dogs to be brought in if they are absolutely necessary.

Most dogs can be allowed to run around outside, provided they are secured tightly to their leash and have plenty of shelter or shade.

You must ensure that your dog is always supervised at all times.

What if you want to take your pet into a grocery store?

Target and all other grocery stores that sell food, such as groceries, are required to restrict the sale of any live animals.

Pets are unsanitary and you should not allow them to be in an area that is involved with food sales or preparation.

Other customers could have allergies, or fear about pets, and pets cannot be allowed in grocery stores.

Conclusion: Are Dogs Allowed In Target?

Target prohibits pets of all kinds from entering the store. This is due to strict FDA guidelines and FDA food and service codes. If your service dog is approved by the ADA, you can bring them into Target. They will not allow therapy dogs or other emotional support animals in the store.

.Are Dogs Allowed In Target In 2022? (Pet Policy Explained)