Are Dogs Allowed In Target In 2022? (Pet Policy Explained)
Pets are a great companion for all sorts of 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? The Target pet policy was something I researched and found this information.
Is Target allowing dogs in 2022?
Target operates on a strict no-pet policy, so customers cannot bring their dogs into any Target stores as of 2022. If you have a service animal, according to the Americans with Disabilities Act, all certified service dogs are allowed to enter Target alongside their disabled owners and fall under specific guidelines for entry.
Why is Target banning pet dogs from the target area?
Target bans all dogs except service dogs from its stores. This is to ensure customer safety.
This is due in part to the sale of open and unpackaged food goods in Target’s food department, and the risk of contamination or animal bacterial transmission.
FDA prohibits pets from entering grocery stores, restaurants or other food-preparation facilities. Target does not allow pets into any of their retail locations. Some stores might be more strict.
What is the maximum number of service dogs allowed in Target?
Target will only allow service dogs. All businesses are required to have service dogs that can be certified and licensed under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
This includes dogs trained specifically to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of the disabled individual.
It includes tasks related to the owner’s disability and any sensory, psychiatric or intellectual work. The owners must be in close proximity to their animals before they can enter Target.
How Does a Service Dog in Target Count?
Target’s and the ADA have established six types of service dog that fall within the main work categories. These service types include:
Guide Dogs–To aid blind or visually impaired individuals to safely move.
They are called Hearing Dogs and help deaf/hearing-impaired people navigate easier.
Service dogs that detect and alert to dangerous signs such as diabetes and other measurable symptoms.
Psychiatric Service Dogs – These dogs are certified for mental services and can help in situations of extreme PTSD or Autism.
Service Dogs for Seizure Alerts and Responses–Seizure service animals can spot an episode in advance and assist their owner.
The Severe Allergic Alert Dogs are highly trained dogs that can identify allergens and alert their owners before they get ingested.
If your service dog is trained for any of these tasks or services, they must be allowed to accompany you into Target.
What Does Not Count As A Service Dog In 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.
Target does not consider therapy dogs and emotional support dogs service animals. They are therefore not allowed to bring their owners with them into Target.
Can Target Ask If Your Dog Is A Service Dog?
According to the ADA’s Handler’s Rights, employees may not ask customers using service animals for proof or documentation.
Target employees only have two options: They can inquire if the animal has been registered as a service-dog and what duties or functions the dog is capable of performing. Employees are not allowed to ask additional questions and demand proof if the animal isn’t a service dog.
Target staff will recognize your service animal as a target dog by wearing the standard neon-colored service jackets, harnesses, and collars.
In some states it can be used as an identification form for service animals.
Target Stores: Why are Service Dogs Accepted?
ADA Title II and Title III allow service animals entry into otherwise pet-free places.
You must train service dogs for the specific job that they will do in order to save their owner’s life or safety.
These services are vital to your health and well being. Service animals must accompany their owners. Target makes a special exception to the no-pet policy.
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 Responsibility still extends to service dogs in training–the animal must be under control at all times, housebroken, and vaccinated following state and local laws.
Do You Allow Your Dog to Travel with You To Target?
Target associates may also object to the service dog classification.
With your dog, how do you shop at Target?
If you absolutely must bring your dog with you to shop at Target, you can leave them outside of the store.
As long as you secure their leash tightly to an appropriate fixture outside of Target, with plenty of shade or shelter from the elements, most dogs can safely be left outside while you run a quick errand.
Make sure you don’t leave your dog unattended for long, and under no circumstances should your pet be left in the car.
Are you allowed to bring your dog into any grocery store?
Target and other supermarkets must strictly limit the access of live animals as per guidelines from Food and Drug Administration’s Food Guide.
Due to the unsanitary nature pets, it is not possible for them to go into areas that are involved in food preparation or sales.
Further, other customers may have allergies or phobias that the presence of pets in-store could activate, so for everyone’s safety and comfort, pets are not allowed into grocery stores, unless they are classed as service animals.
Conclusion: Can Dogs Be Allowed in Target?
Pets of any kind are not allowed into Target, as per the strict pet policy and FDA grocery and food service codes. However, service dogs approved under the ADA may be allowed to accompany customers into the store. Service dogs cannot be used for therapy or support animals.
.Are Dogs Allowed In Target In 2022? (Pet Policy Explained)