Has anybody ever been asked to leave a 'Target store because of you having your toy dog in a carrier with you?

Question

I was approached by a store manager and asked to leave because I had my 2 lb chihuahua with me in a carrier. Has anybody else had this happen to them . If so then I think maybe we should try to boycott Target stores. In other words if they dont want to be pet friendly then they dont need my money . Am I right or wrong ?

Answer 1

i think you're totally right

Answer 2

There are health codes and laws regarding dogs in stores. Just like not wearing shoes in a store. It is basically unsanitary. It is not Target. The only dogs that are allowed in stores are Service or Therapy dogs. If you are that upset, then get your dog certified as a Therapy dog and then you can bring him anywhere!!
You are definately wrong and over reacting.

Answer 3

Go to a pet store that allows dogs in the store, not a department store. Some people are allergic to animals, some people are afriad of animals. If Target management allows you to bring your dog in then what's to stop other people from bringing in their birds, cats, fish, rats, hamsters, etc? Be logical and respectful of others.

Answer 4

I think its posted right on the front door "only service dogs/pets are allowed" its not discrimination... its the health dept. regulations... dont blame target... go to petco petsmart or any other pet store and it will be OK but the health dept regulates pretty much all the other places carefully and dog hair, feces, etc. is not allowed in places where food is sold to humans.... even though your dog was not running around the store it was still in the store and the manager was only doing his job..if he allowed you then he would have to allow others with larger dogs.. it would be a discrimination issue.. but food is sold in these places and thats sooo the health dept. regulations....dont blame target balme the health dept...good luck... smile

EDIT: not sure why the neg... just tellin' the facts...

Answer 5

Um, most stores don't allow pets and it's pretty reasonable for them to not allow that. Just because it's in a carrier doesn't mean you can take it wherever you want. There can be noise problems, odor problems, and it can be distracting. Also some people are scared of dogs and a department store just isn't a good place to bring your pet.

Answer 6

Hi there - any store that serves food - including tiny food courts - are legally not allowed to have pets of any kind inside the restaurant itself. It's not discrimination against you and your dog - it's for health code reasons. Also, some people are severely allergic to dogs, so the manager is looking out for those people as well.

Answer 7

In Utah, that's ok, they do exactly not condone delivery administration. you will properly be a perv as long as you marry a woman and make lots of toddlers. they had kick you out in case you got all of the condoms interior the keep...

Answer 8

I don't think you have any more "right" to take your 2 lb. chihuahua into a store, than I do my 160 lb. Great Dane. Stores are not the place for dogs, with the exception of service dogs.

Answer 9

My local Target store has no problem with it. We dont go near the food area and we don't make a big deal out of it. In fact, the store manager usually comes up to me and tells me how cute my dog is.

Really, it all depends on where you live and the manager's policies. I live in a VERY dog friendly area, so most places love seeing her and actually have treats because so many people do it. Of course, grocery stores, restaurants, and food service places are off limits, as is the interior of the local mall (Department stores are usually ok), but again, that's the type of area I live in.

If you were offended, then write to Target and don't shop there any more. Let them know the situation - your 2 pound dog was in a carrier, not barking, not yipping, with no attention being drawn to him. Let Target know that you understand their policy, but that you spend x amount of dollars a year in that store and that a little leeway in this day and age are called for.

I understand both sides. They don't want to start on a slipperly slope of allowing your dog, so they have to allow a 150lb rott who pees on everything and growls at people. They also don't want to deal with 'accidents' and the possibility of allergies of other customers, etc. But, I also don't see how a two pound dog in a carrier would really be a concern, as long as it's on the down low and not in the food areas.

Dogs go EVERYWHERE in Europe. Stores, hotels, restaurants. In fact, I recently ate at one of the top restaurants in France, and at the table next to us was a large poodle type dog passed out on the floor. It was great.

Edit: Whpptwmn, I agree with you to a point. However, I've also seen dogs in Europe wandering around the restaurant and even entering the kitchen - unsupervised. You are right that most US dogs need better training, but it's certainly not "unsanitary" as others have alluded to. You're more likely to get sick from a child than from a dog. A friend of mine who allows dogs in his shop says that he's lost more merchandise to purses and children than to dogs. But, it *does* all come down to the individual dog. But in this case, the dog was out of sight in a carrier. No chance of peeing on things or breaking things.

Answer 10

It is not correct to take a dog into any store or public place unless they are known to be pet friendly. Others may have allergies and should not be subjected to exposure. Think about someone other than yourself.

Answer 11

most stores do not allow pets in them except if they are used for a medical purpose like a seeing eye dog... so Target is so right for asking you leave...