Introduction
Bringing your dog shopping with you can be a fun way to spend time together outside of the house. However, many major retail stores have policies restricting non-service animals. This article explores whether it is acceptable to place your dog in a shopping cart at Target stores. We’ll examine Target’s official pet policy, health and safety concerns, shopping etiquette, experiences from pet owners who have tried it, and alternatives for pet owners who want to shop with their dogs.
Target’s Official Pet Policy
Target’s official policy allows leashed pets inside their stores with some exceptions. The pet policy is clearly stated on their website and aims to create a safe, clean environment for shoppers of all types. Target specifies that pets must be leashed, vaccinated, and well-behaved when brought inside stores. However, their pet policy does prohibit certain types of animals from entering for health and safety reasons.
Service animals that are trained to assist disabled individuals are always welcome inside Target locations. But the retailer does not permit any other animals to sit or ride in shopping carts, baskets or be carried around. Dogs, cats and other pets must remain on the floor at all times. Team members have the right to ask pet owners to take their animals outside if they become disruptive. So while pets on leashes are generally allowed, they are not permitted in carts, food service areas or Target Café seating.
Target’s official pet policy aims to accommodate pet owners while also maintaining cleanliness and safety standards for all guests. By keeping pets leashed and leaving carts pet-free, Target locations can remain accessible for people and animals alike.
Health and Safety Concerns
Bringing pets into stores can raise some health and safety concerns. One issue is the risk of contamination from pet dander, fur, and saliva. This can pose problems for people with allergies or sensitivities. Some may have severe reactions when exposed. Dog hair and dander can get transferred throughout the store on shopping carts, merchandise, and surfaces. Those with compromised immune systems may also be susceptible to zoonotic diseases that pets can carry.
There’s also a risk of pets soiling inside the store, whether it’s shedding, drooling, or having an accident. Shoppers don’t want to handle carts or products that have been contaminated by pets. Any pet messes would need to be cleaned up immediately to maintain sanitation. Some pets are also prone to motion sickness, which could cause vomiting incidents in a shopping cart or aisle.
Additionally, pets can harbor fleas, ticks, or mites, and there’s a chance of infestation if they hop off into the store. Uncontrolled pets may also scratch, bite, or jump on people, raising safety issues, especially around young children.
While these risks may be low for a well-behaved, clean and healthy pet, stores have to consider the potential impacts on all customers. An uncontrolled or sick pet could potentially put health and safety in jeopardy.
Etiquette and Nuisance
While Target may allow small pets in carts, it’s important to be considerate of other shoppers who may not appreciate animals in the store. Some people have allergies or fears related to dogs, cats, and other pets. A barking or excited animal can also disturb or frighten other customers, especially children.
Shoppers who choose to bring pets should keep them under control, clean up any messes, and be prepared to take the animal outside if it is causing a commotion. It’s best not to let pets touch merchandise or walk around the store unleashed. Owners should be respectful if asked by staff or other shoppers to remove disruptive pets from carts or the store.
Service animals, of course, must be accommodated under the ADA. But for casual shoppers, common courtesy suggests checking your pet’s behavior and being mindful that a store is a shared public space.
Service Animals
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), businesses are required to allow service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas open to the public. Service animals are defined by the ADA as dogs or miniature horses that are individually trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities. Examples of tasks service animals perform include guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling wheelchairs, alerting and protecting someone having a seizure, and more.
The ADA requires businesses to allow service animals to enter their facilities, even if they have a “no pets” policy. Staff may only ask two questions: 1) Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? and 2) What work or task has the dog been trained to perform? The ADA prohibits any inquiries beyond this, such as asking about the person’s disability or requiring special identification for the dog.
Under the ADA, Target must allow service dogs inside their stores. They cannot refuse access or require the dog to be placed in a cart or carrier. The service dog is permitted to accompany their handler anywhere members of the public can go. Target team members should be familiar with ADA guidelines regarding service animals to ensure a positive experience for all guests.
Employee Enforcement
Like any company policy, enforcement varies by location and employee. Target employees have some discretion when interacting with shoppers who bring pets in carts. Much depends on the individual store management and specific employee. Some locations are more lax, while others take pet policies very seriously.
In general, Target aims to provide an inviting environment for guests. Employees are trained to kindly inform shoppers of policies when they’re violated. The first interaction around pets in carts tends to be friendly and conversational. Employees may explain that, due to health regulations, live animals must be carried or leashed on the floor. They’ll then offer to hold the pet at guest services while the owner shops.
For repeat violations, employees may take a firmer stance by emphasizing food contamination issues. If a shopper refuses to comply even after multiple reminders, Target reserves the right to ask them to leave and not return with the pet. This outcome is extremely rare though. Most guests understand and cooperate once informed of the rules.
Target staff wants to create a safe, clean shopping experience for all. Having open communication and showing courtesy from both sides is key to a positive interaction around enforcing store policies.
Shopper Experiences
Many Target shoppers have recounted experiences bringing their dogs along in shopping carts. Some do it regularly without issue, while others have faced problems from employees enforcing the unofficial policy against pets in carts.
On Reddit forums and Facebook groups, several shoppers reported putting small dogs in the main basket area of Target carts. Most got away with it, especially if their dog remained calm and didn’t make a mess.
“I bring my 10 lb mini dachshund all the time, he just chills in the baby seat part of the cart. Never had any issues,” said one shopper.
However, some have been told by Target employees that having a dog in the cart violates health codes and they must remove them. These confrontations seem to happen on a case by case basis.
“An employee came up to me and said I couldn’t have my dog in the cart due to health code issues. I didn’t argue and just carried my dog instead,” recalled another owner.
Judging by social media anecdotes, bringing your dog along in the cart at Target is fairly common but not guaranteed to go smoothly. Some dogs enjoy their cart ride without problems while others have been asked to get out by vigilant staff members.
Alternatives for Pet Owners
While bringing your pet along in a shopping cart may seem convenient, there are better options to consider that don’t violate store policies or annoy other shoppers. Here are some alternatives for pet owners:
Use a Cart Seat Cover
If your pet is small enough, using a cart seat cover is a good way to contain them while keeping the cart clean. Look for covers made of waterproof fabric that attach securely with buckles or Velcro straps.
Carry Your Pet
For smaller pets, carrying them in your arms or a pet carrier is usually the best option. This keeps them close while shopping and prevents them from wandering off or making a mess. Just be sure not to block aisles or product displays.
With some creativity and care, you can shop at Target with your furry friend without breaking the rules. Just opt for a more considerate approach that respects store policies and other customers.
Benefits of Bringing Pets
Bringing your pet dog to Target can provide some benefits for both you and your pet. In terms of socialization, visiting a pet-friendly store is a great opportunity to expose your dog to new sights, sounds, and experiences. The controlled environment allows you to monitor your dog’s behavior around new people and distractions. With proper training and socialization, you can help your dog become more comfortable in public settings.
In terms of convenience, being able to bring your dog along means you don’t have to worry about leaving them home alone or arranging alternate care. This allows you to run quick errands without disruption to your dog’s routine. Keeping your dog with you also avoids the stress of separation for particularly anxious or destructive pets prone to acting out when left alone. Overall, bringing your pet can simplify logistics and allow you to more seamlessly integrate your dog into your day-to-day activities.
Conclusion
In summary, while Target does not officially prohibit pets or service animals in stores, they do require that any animals be properly controlled and not causing a disturbance. There are valid concerns around hygiene, allergies, and safety when non-service animals are brought into retail stores. While some pet owners may wish to shop with their dogs, the most considerate approach is to leave pets at home. Target provides many pet care items to shop for your furry friend while keeping other shoppers in mind.
If you must bring your pet for a short shopping trip, keep them contained in a cart or carrier, clean up after them, and be mindful of other guests who may have fears or allergies. Be ready to take them outside if they become anxious or disruptive. Service animals that are trained to assist their owners should always be welcomed per ADA regulations.
In the end, assess the situation and use your best judgment on whether your pet will behave appropriately for a public shopping environment. Consider their temperament and training before deciding if a trip to Target will be a positive experience for all.