Short answer: Target’s official policy is ‘service animals only.’ They are stricter than Home Depot – many stores will ask pet owners to leave. ESAs are NOT covered. If your dog isn’t a trained service animal, leave them at home.
What you should actually do
- Official policy: service animals only.
- ESAs do not have public-access rights and are not allowed.
- Enforcement: store managers may ask the two ADA questions.
- Service animal teams: dog must be calm, focused, leashed, and not disruptive.
- Bringing a pet dog risks being asked to leave – and undermines real service dog teams.
Misrepresenting a pet as a service animal is illegal in many states and bad for service dog teams everywhere – it’s a major reason businesses are tightening enforcement.
If you genuinely have a service dog, know your rights: the business can ask the two ADA questions but cannot demand documentation or ask about your disability.
Dig deeper
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is intended for educational purposes only and does not replace a hands-on veterinary examination. Drug doses depend on your dog’s complete clinical picture, concurrent medications, and the exact product formulation. Always confirm dosing with your veterinarian before administering any medication, and contact a 24-hour veterinary emergency service or animal poison control immediately if you suspect a medication overdose or adverse reaction. Editorial standards: every drug dose published on PuppaDogs is cross-checked against multiple authoritative veterinary references and reviewed by PuppaDogs Veterinary Editorial Team before publication.
