Introduction
Target is one of the largest retail chains in the United States, with stores in every state except Vermont. As a popular shopping destination for families and pet owners alike, Target’s policy on whether dogs are allowed in stores is a frequently asked question.
In general, Target does not allow dogs or other pets inside stores unless they are service animals. However, some exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis depending on the situation. Target aims to balance customer convenience with safety and sanitation concerns.
Are Dogs Allowed in Target Stores?
Target’s official policy is that non-service animals are generally not allowed inside their stores. The policy against dogs is meant to maintain a safe, hygienic and disruption-free shopping environment. Although Target is animal-friendly in other ways, bringing pets inside the store is discouraged.
According to Target’s website, only service animals that are individually trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities are permitted within their stores. No other animals can accompany shoppers inside Target. This rule applies to all pets, including dogs, cats, birds and reptiles.
Target store team members are expected to adhere to the policy and may ask shoppers to take their pets back outside. Unless it’s a service animal, customers are expected to comply with the rules and not bring any animals into Target stores.
Exceptions for Service Dogs
Target allows service dogs in their stores, unlike most other pets. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects the rights of people with disabilities to bring their service dogs into public places. Service dogs are highly trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities, such as guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling wheelchairs, or sensing seizures. They are working animals, not pets.
Under the ADA, staff at Target cannot ask for proof that a dog is a service animal. They can only ask two questions: 1) is the dog a service animal required for a disability? and 2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform? The person does not need to disclose their specific disability. As long as the dog is well behaved, Target must allow service dogs to accompany their owners throughout the store.
Dogs in Carts
Target’s official policy does not allow customers to place dogs in shopping carts. Carts are designed for groceries and merchandise, not for transporting pets. Allowing dogs in carts can create sanitary issues and make the carts unusable for other customers if they get dirty or damaged. Target aims to provide all customers with a safe, clean shopping experience, which is compromised when pets are placed where food and products go. There’s also a safety risk if a dog jumps out of the cart and gets injured or startles other shoppers. While some customers may want to keep their dog close, carts are not designed for animal transport. Target staff can request that dogs be removed from carts immediately.
Dogs in Strollers
When it comes to dogs being brought into Target in strollers, the official policy is less clear. Target’s website does not specifically mention strollers in their policy about pets. However, many Target stores allow dogs in strollers, as long as the dog is secured and under control.
The reasoning is that a dog confined in a stroller is less likely to affect other customers or cause any incidents in the store. As long as the dog remains in the stroller during the entire visit, most Target locations will permit it. Some customers have reported bringing their dogs in strollers into Target stores without any issues.
Of course, it is still up to the discretion of each store’s management whether or not to allow dogs in strollers. Some locations may be more pet-friendly than others. The best approach is to call ahead or ask at customer service when visiting a Target store whether they allow dogs in strollers. Be prepared to take the dog out of the store if requested by employees.
Employee Discretion
Although Target’s official policy is to not allow non-service dogs in stores, enforcement of this policy is up to the discretion of each individual Target location and its employees. Some stores may choose to turn a blind eye to well-behaved dogs in carts or strollers, while others may strictly enforce the no dog rule. There is no consistent nationwide policy on how strictly employees must adhere to the official guidelines.
Ultimately, customers who bring their dogs inside Target are at the mercy of whichever manager or employee confronts them about it. Some employees may simply ask the owner to take their dog outside without making a fuss, while others may demand they leave immediately and even ban them from returning. This inconsistent enforcement creates uncertainty for dog owners across different Target locations.
In general, if customers keep their dogs contained and under control, Target employees will likely let it slide. But if a dog starts barking, jumping, urinating, or otherwise causing a disturbance, employees will almost certainly enforce the no dog rule. Customers wishing to avoid confrontation should carefully observe how employees respond at their local store before attempting to sneak a dog inside.
Customer Complaints
Some customers have voiced concerns and complaints about Target’s lenient dog policy. While service dogs are protected by federal law, some shoppers argue that pets and emotional support animals should not be allowed. They point out the health hazards of having uncontrolled animals in stores around food and other shoppers. Some have complained that pets urinate, defecate, and bark in the stores, creating unsanitary conditions and annoying other customers. Parents have also raised issues about dogs frightening or harming children.
As a result, some customers want Target to completely prohibit non-service dogs. However, others counter that well-behaved pets do not cause problems. Overall, Target must balance customer viewpoints to create a shopping environment that is safe and welcoming for all. For now, the company seems reluctant to change its open dog policy, though managers have authority to ask owners to remove disruptive pets. Target may continue getting pressure from customers on both sides of this issue.
Benefits of Allowing Dogs
There are several reasons why Target may choose to allow dogs in their stores:
It creates a welcoming environment. Allowing dogs helps make Target feel like a friendly, inclusive place to shop. Customers appreciate being able to bring their furry companions along.
It accommodates pet owners. Many people consider their dogs like family. Allowing dogs enables pet owners to conveniently shop at Target without having to leave their pets at home.
It provides a unique shopping experience. Welcoming dogs makes Target stand out from competitors as a pet-friendly retailer. It creates a fun, community atmosphere.
It encourages more shopping trips. Pet parents may be more likely to spontaneously stop by Target if they have their dog with them. More visits mean more sales.
It generates positive PR. A pet-friendly policy earns goodwill and media attention highlighting Target’s customer service. This can improve the brand’s reputation.
It caters to millennials. Younger shoppers are a lucrative Target demographic. Many millennials often bring pets while running errands, so allowing dogs caters to this profitable age group.
Risks of Allowing Dogs
While pet lovers would prefer for dogs to have access to more public spaces, there are some understandable concerns around allowing dogs in stores like Target. Both employees and shoppers have raised issues about potential problems:
Dog accidents: Dogs may have bathroom accidents on store floors or merchandise. Cleaning up after dogs can be unpleasant for staff and unhygienic for customers.
Allergies: Pet dander can trigger serious allergic reactions in some people. Allowing dogs in stores makes it difficult for those with allergies to avoid exposure.
Fear/Aversion: Some people are scared of dogs or want to avoid them. They may feel anxious and unable to shop comfortably in a store that allows dogs.
Aggressive dogs: Poorly trained or anxious dogs may exhibit aggressive behaviors like barking, lunging or biting. This jeopardizes staff and customer safety.
Food/Shelves contamination: Dogs’ fur and saliva may get onto food, shelves, carts, etc. raising cleanliness concerns.
Distractions: Dogs may bark, pull on leashes, or otherwise distract or disrupt other shoppers from focusing on their shopping.
While there are good arguments on both sides, Target ultimately has to balance customer desires with potential risks and liabilities of allowing dogs in stores. The current policy aims to strike a middle ground, but doesn’t satisfy all preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, Target’s official policy is to not allow dogs in stores unless they are service animals. However, some stores may allow small pets in carts or strollers at the discretion of managers. Many customers feel frustrated with the inconsistency and wish Target would update their policies to be more pet-friendly. While there are benefits to allowing pets, such as making some shoppers happy, there are also risks like allergies and cleanliness issues. Target aims to balance the preferences of all customers in creating their policies. The best approach is to call your local store first to learn about their specific rules before attempting to shop with your dog.