Does Target Allow Dogs in Its Stores?

Target's Official Dog Policy 2026: What You Need to Know

As of 2026, Target maintains a strict nationwide animal policy: only ADA-recognized service dogs are allowed inside stores. This rule applies across all U.S. locations and aligns with federal requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Target does not operate a store-by-store pet discretion model. The policy is standardized and enforced company-wide.

What Is Allowed Inside Target?

• Trained service dogs that perform specific tasks for a person with a disability
• Service animals in all customer-accessible areas
• Service dogs regardless of breed or size

Under ADA rules, employees may only ask:

1. Is the dog required because of a disability?
2. What task is it trained to perform?

They cannot request documentation or certification.

What Is Not Allowed?

Target’s policy prohibits:

• Pet dogs
• Emotional support animals (ESAs)
• Therapy dogs
• Companion animals of any kind
• Dogs in strollers, carts, or carriers (unless they qualify as service animals)
  

Even well-behaved or small dogs are not permitted if they do not meet the ADA service animal definition.

Why Does This Policy Exist?

Target enforces this policy primarily due to:

• Food safety regulations (most stores sell groceries)
• Health department compliance
• Customer safety and liability concerns
• Consistent nationwide enforcement

Health codes in most jurisdictions prohibit animals in establishments that sell or prepare food. Service animals are exempt under federal disability law, but pets and ESAs are not.

By maintaining a uniform policy, Target reduces confusion, ensures sanitary standards, and protects both customers and employees.

What Target Employees Can and Cannot Ask About Your Service Dog

Federal law under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) strictly limits what retailers like Target may ask service dog handlers. When it is not obvious what service the dog provides, employees may ask only two questions:

1. Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
2. What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?

They may not ask anything beyond these two questions.

What Target Staff CANNOT Do

Target employees are not allowed to:

• Require documentation, certification, or ID for a service dog
• Ask about the handler’s specific disability
• Request medical records or proof of diagnosis
• Demand that the dog demonstrate its trained task
• Insist the dog wear a vest, badge, or special harness

There is no official federal registry or certification for service animals. Online “registrations” are not legally required and cannot be demanded by store staff.

When a Service Dog Can Be Removed

A service dog may only be excluded if:

• The dog is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to correct it
• The dog is not housebroken

If removal is necessary due to behavior, Target must still offer the individual the opportunity to receive goods or services without the animal present.

Importantly, removal decisions must be based on behavior — not breed, size, appearance, or assumptions about disability.

Your Rights as a Handler

As a service dog handler, you:

• Are not required to carry documentation
• Do not have to disclose your disability
• Are only obligated to answer the two permitted ADA questions
• Have the right to equal access to goods and services

While some handlers choose to voluntarily educate staff to avoid misunderstandings, providing additional information is entirely optional.

Psychiatric Service Dogs at Target: Rights and Requirements

Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSDs) receive the same legal protections as service dogs for physical disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Target must allow PSDs in all public areas of the store as long as they meet service animal behavior and control requirements.

Key distinctions to understand:

• Task-trained requirement: PSDs are individually trained to perform specific tasks related to a psychiatric disability.

• Examples of PSD tasks include:

  • Interrupting self-harm behaviors

  • Providing tactile grounding during anxiety or panic attacks

  • Creating space in crowded environments for PTSD

  • Reminding handlers to take medication

  • Waking handlers from nightmares

  • Performing room checks for severe anxiety

• Equal legal status: PSDs have the same access rights as service dogs assisting with physical disabilities.

• Invisible disabilities are protected: Target staff cannot treat PSD handlers differently because the disability is not visible.

How PSDs differ from Emotional Support Animals (ESAs):

• ESAs provide comfort through presence only

• ESAs are not task-trained

• ESAs do not have public access rights under the ADA

• Housing providers must accommodate ESAs under the Fair Housing Act, but retail stores may legally deny entry

Important legal notes:

• State or local laws cannot override Target’s right to exclude animals that do not meet ADA service animal standards.

• PSD handlers are not required to show documentation, certification, or proof of disability in Target stores.

Responsible preparation matters:

• PSDs must demonstrate reliable task performance and appropriate public behavior

• A mental health diagnosis alone does not qualify a dog as a PSD

• Poorly trained dogs may be lawfully removed, even if they are intended to be service animals

For housing-related accommodations, individuals may need documentation from a licensed mental health professional. Services like RealESALetter.com can help connect individuals with licensed providers for legitimate ESA evaluations where housing laws apply.

Service Dogs in Training: Access Rights at Target Locations

Service dogs in training (SDITs) do not have guaranteed access rights under federal law. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects only fully trained service dogs, leaving SDIT access decisions to state law and individual businesses.

Key points about SDIT access at Target:

• Federal law: The ADA does not require Target to allow service dogs in training.

• State law variation: Some states grant public access rights to SDITs, while others do not.

• States with SDIT protections: Access may be allowed when the dog is accompanied by a professional trainer or handler, often with behavior and identification requirements.

• States without SDIT protections: Target stores may legally deny entry to dogs in training.

• Target’s approach: Target generally follows state law; where SDIT access is required, stores typically comply. Otherwise, access is discretionary and varies by location.

Best practices for trainers:

• Research your state’s SDIT laws before visiting Target

• Contact the store manager in advance to ask about local policy

• Ensure the dog is calm, under control, and clearly identified as in training

• Leave immediately if the dog shows stress, fear, or disruptive behavior

Professional training a service dog programs often coordinates directly with businesses to support safe, appropriate exposure. Prioritizing the dog’s readiness and well-being helps protect long-term training success and public trust in service dog access.

Small Dogs, Carriers, and Strollers: Target's Policy

Target’s pet policy applies regardless of dog size or containment method. Non-service dogs are not allowed inside Target stores, even if they are carried in bags, purses, carriers, or strollers.

Key points to understand:

• No size-based exceptions: Small dogs are treated the same as large dogs under Target’s policy.

• Carriers and strollers don’t change access rules: Fully enclosed carriers or dog strollers do not grant permission to bring pets inside.

• Consistency for staff enforcement: A uniform policy prevents subjective decisions and ensures consistent enforcement across stores.

• Food safety regulations: Most Target locations sell groceries, and health codes prohibit animals (except service dogs) in food retail areas.

• Allergy and safety concerns: Dog dander and allergens can escape carriers, potentially affecting customers with allergies or phobias.

Some retailers, such as Nordstrom or certain boutique stores, allow small dogs in carriers, which can cause confusion. However, Target, Walmart, and most grocery-based retailers do not, so policies should never be assumed across stores.

Dog strollers, while helpful for senior or injured pets, do not provide public access rights. Only trained service dogs may enter Target, and service dogs may use mobility aids if necessary to perform their trained tasks.

Practical Alternatives for Pet Owners Shopping at Target

For pet owners whose dogs don't meet service animal criteria, several practical alternatives exist for managing Target shopping trips. 

Same-Day Delivery Through Shipt 

Target's same-day delivery service allows you to shop the full inventory without entering the store. Shipt shoppers handle everything from selecting products to delivering them to your door, often within hours of ordering. This service particularly benefits dog owners who struggle to leave pets alone due to separation anxiety or other behavioral concerns. 

Curbside Pickup and Drive-Up 

Order online or through Target's mobile app, then park in designated pickup spaces when you arrive. Staff bring purchases directly to your vehicle within minutes, allowing your dog to remain safely with you. Many locations offer drive-up service with no minimum purchase requirements. 

Brief Vehicle Stays (Use Extreme Caution) 

During cooler weather, some pet owners leave dogs in vehicles briefly while shopping quickly. Never leave pets in cars during warm weather—temperatures rise dangerously fast even with windows cracked. Many jurisdictions criminalize leaving animals in vehicles under conditions that could cause harm. 

Visit Pet-Friendly Retailers Instead 

Plan errands strategically to maximize time with your dog. Visit Target for quick trips, then spend longer periods at pet-friendly retailers: 

National chains welcoming pets: 

- Lowe's, Home Depot 

- Bass Pro Shops, Cabela's 

- Tractor Supply Co. 

- Pottery Barn (in carriers) 

- Certain Macy's and Nordstrom locations 

- Barnes & Noble 

- Local boutiques (varies by location) 

Pet-specific retailers: 

- PetSmart, Petco, Pet Supplies Plus 

- Local pet boutiques 

- Often provide water stations, treats, and socializing opportunities 

Building pet-friendly stores into your shopping routine creates enrichment for your dog while accomplishing necessary errands. 

ESA Letters for Housing

For individuals whose dogs provide genuine therapeutic support for mental health conditions, consult with a licensed mental health professional about whether you qualify for an Emotional Support Animal letter for housing accommodations. These letters protect your right to live with your ESA in housing with no-pet policies, though they don't grant public access to retail stores.

Target's Pet Product Selection for Dog Owners

Although Target does not allow pet dogs inside its stores, it remains a convenient destination for dog owners due to its wide selection of pet supplies available in-store and online. Most locations dedicate multiple aisles to dog care products, covering everyday essentials, seasonal needs, and specialty items.

Dog food and treats

Target carries popular brands such as Purina, Blue Buffalo, and Rachael Ray Nutrish, along with its Boots & Barkley private label. Shoppers can find dry and wet food, puppy and senior formulas, weight-management options, and recipes designed for sensitive stomachs. Treat selections include training rewards, dental chews, and longer-lasting snacks.

Leashes, collars, and harnesses

A wide range of walking and training gear is available, including standard and retractable leashes, flat and martingale collars, and no-pull harnesses. Products are offered in multiple sizes to suit different breeds and activity levels, with seasonal items like reflective gear and cooling accessories added throughout the year.

Toys and enrichment

Target stocks plush toys, rope toys, balls, puzzle feeders, and interactive toys designed to support mental stimulation and physical activity. The toy selection changes regularly to reflect seasonal themes and popular trends.

Grooming and hygiene supplies

Dog owners can find brushes, nail clippers, shampoos, dental care products, and ear-cleaning solutions for routine grooming and maintenance at home. These products help maintain a dog’s health between professional grooming visits.

Beds, crates, and home essentials

Sleeping options range from basic cushions to orthopedic beds for older dogs. Crate options include wire, soft-sided, and furniture-style designs, along with training pads, waste bags, and disposal systems.

Health and seasonal products

Target offers flea and tick preventatives, joint supplements, and digestive aids, though prescription medications are not sold in-store. Seasonal products such as winter coats, cooling vests, and holiday costumes are also widely available.

Online and convenience options

Target.com provides an expanded selection that includes training accessories, travel gear, customizable ID tags, and service-dog-related items. Same-day delivery through Shipt and drive-up pickup make it easy to restock heavy or bulky supplies without bringing a pet into the store.

Comparing Target's Policy to Other Major Retailers

Understanding how Target’s dog policy compares to other major retailers helps pet owners plan shopping trips more efficiently and set realistic expectations across different stores.

Grocery and supermarket retailers

Most grocery-based retailers follow policies similar to Target due to health department regulations governing food sales. Walmart, Kroger, Safeway, Publix, H-E-B, and other supermarket chains allow only service dogs, regardless of pet size, behavior, or whether the animal is carried in a bag or stroller.

Warehouse clubs

Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s Wholesale Club enforce strict service-dog-only policies across all locations. Their membership-based model does not create exceptions, and they remain subject to the same health code requirements as grocery stores.

Home improvement retailers

Home improvement chains such as Lowe's and Home Depot generally allow well-behaved, leashed dogs, though policies may vary by location and manager discretion. Because these stores do not sell food, they have greater flexibility, but service dogs must always be accommodated and disruptive pets may still be excluded.

Outdoor and rural lifestyle retailers

Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, and Tractor Supply Co. are among the most dog-friendly major retailers. These stores often encourage customers to bring dogs and may offer water bowls or treats, reflecting their outdoor-focused branding.

Department stores

Department store policies vary widely. Some Macy’s, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdale’s locations permit small dogs in carriers, while others restrict access to service dogs only. Corporate guidance may differ from store-level enforcement, making it wise to call ahead.

Bookstores

Bookstores such as Barnes & Noble may allow leashed, well-behaved dogs at the discretion of store management. Policies can change if the store includes a café or food service area.

Specialty and boutique retailers

Stores like Pottery Barn, Anthropologie, and independent boutiques often welcome small dogs in carriers, though policies are typically location-specific rather than chain-wide. Some shopping centers impose property-wide rules that affect all tenants.

Pet-specific retailers

PetSmart, Petco, Pet Supplies Plus, and local pet boutiques actively welcome dogs and often encourage visits for socialization. These stores are designed with pets in mind and usually provide dog-friendly amenities.

Overall, differences in pet policies reflect variations in merchandise, food safety regulations, customer expectations, and corporate philosophy. Dog owners benefit from checking individual store policies in advance rather than assuming rules apply universally across retailers.

In summary, Understanding Target's dog policy helps ensure a smooth and respectful shopping experience. Only trained service dogs are permitted inside Target stores, but pet owners can use alternatives like curbside pickup, delivery, online shopping, or pet-friendly retailers.

Service dog handlers have full access under the ADA, while emotional support animals do not have public access rights in retail stores. Knowing these distinctions—and planning accordingly—supports disability rights, reduces confusion, and helps maintain safe, sanitary environments for everyone.

By respecting these policies and avoiding misuse of service animal designations, shoppers help protect access for individuals who genuinely rely on trained service dogs. Responsible planning allows dog owners to meet their needs while ensuring the comfort and safety of all customers.

If you need assistance obtaining an ESA letter for housing purposes or want to explore whether you qualify for a psychiatric service dog, visit RealESALetter.com to connect with licensed mental health professionals who can properly evaluate your needs.