Are Dogs Allowed In T.J. Maxx? Important Rules to Know

Man and dog on leash walking in hard-ware store.
© Erickson Stock/Shutterstock.com

Written by Jennifer Magid

Updated: December 1, 2023

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Pet owners know the feeling of guilt when you have to go out for errands and leave your pup home alone waiting for you. And then there’s the question of what to do if your dog is already with you and you need to run into some stores. Do you have to leave them in the car, which is illegal in some states? Luckily, some stores happily welcome dogs.

Have you specifically wondered, are dogs allowed at T.J. Maxx? The answer is that many T.J. Maxx stores across the country are dog-friendly. Several T.J. Maxx locations allow well-behaved pet dogs and emotional support animals to shop alongside their owners. But whether you can bring your pet dog depends on that location’s policies since T.J. Maxx doesn’t have an official statement on dogs in their stores. It also depends on the state’s laws.

Are Service Dogs Allowed in T.J. Maxx?

Man with disability and service dog

Store employees are not legally allowed to ask for a service dog’s documentation nor question the owner’s disability.

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T.J. Maxx must allow service dogs, even if they don’t allow pet dogs at a specific location. It is illegal to deny entry of a service dog to any location where the general public is allowed to enter, per the American Disabilities Act. This law does not extend to emotional support animals. This is partly because they aren’t subject to the same training and certification as service dogs. You should call the store first to ask before you bring in your emotional support animal.

What Is Important To Know Before You Bring a Dog to T.J. Maxx?

Cute little puppy dog sitting in a shopping cart on blurred shop mall background with people. selective focus macro shot with shallow DOF top view

Store managers have the right not to allow your dog in the store.

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It’s often up to the manager’s discretion as to whether your dog is allowed to shop with you at T.J. Maxx. That’s why you should be a responsible pet owner when you bring your dog. Keep your pup leashed while shopping. Don’t let your dog go to the bathroom inside the store; clean it up immediately after an accident. Make sure your dog is polite to other people and animals in the store. If your dog isn’t behaving, be prepared to leave. And always respect management’s decision to deny your dog entry.

What States Don’t Allow Dogs in Stores?

Dogs in Shopping Cart

Laws about dogs in stores may vary regionally.

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Most states leave the question of whether to allow pet dogs in a store to the individual company. However, California is one state where the law specifically prohibits any dog that’s not a service dog from entering facilities that prepare or serve food, even if it’s only packaged food.

What Stores Don’t Allow Dogs?

Cheerful shopping assistant giving some food for dog to smell

Before you automatically bring your dog along, check the store’s policy.

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Currently, Target, Walmart, Costco, and Trader Joe’s are some popular chain retailers that do not allow animals but service dogs. There are also plenty of dog-friendly shops you and your furry friend can enjoy.

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About the Author

Jennifer is a writer at A-Z Animals where her primary focus is on dogs, travel, and gardening. She holds a Master's Degree in Journalism from New York University. A resident of Connecticut who has lived all over the country, Jennifer enjoys working on trick training with her standard poodle, and spending time with her family outdoors.

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