We all love to shop at Tj Maxx, don’t we? And if you’re planning to save some money on some brand-name shoes and clothing at Tj Maxx this Saturday, you’re probably wondering if you can do that with Fido. But, are dogs allowed in Tj Maxx?
Um, for the most part, yes! But, in some cases, no! Confused? Well, we’re going to get into the nitty-gritty soon.
Still, a quick search across the net, and you’re gonna realize how divided opinions are about this subject matter.
Some say Tj Maxx allows dogs into its stores. Others swear they don’t. But, what’s the truth? You’ve been dying to hear it. And we’re here to give it to you!
Is TJ Maxx Dog-Friendly?
The very short answer to this question is yes, you can expect staff at Tj Maxx to warmly receive Fido.
Of course, this position might not always be the case at every Tj Maxx store. But, we’re gonna delve into more of that later.
For now, you simply want to embrace the idea that generally, it is acceptable to take dogs or any other companion animal shopping at these discount retailers.
What’s our proof? Well, employees, themselves, of Tj Maxx have in recent times made this revelation.
On Glassdoor, one such staff member in Hialeah, Florida noted that Tj Maxx is “animal friendly.”
Another wrote that “One of the best things about Tj Maxx is that the workplace is pet friendly. There are supplies for the pets as well as the customer can bring the pet to the store.” The staffer continued, “The only bad thing I have to say is that the customers can be so messy at times.”
If these statements are anything to go by, it only points to the fact that Tj Maxx will not without good reason turn you and your dog away when you go shopping there!
What Is Tj Maxx’s Pet Policy?
Here is where things start to get a tad complicated.
First, Tj Maxx doesn’t have any pet policy. So, nowhere on their website will you come across a statement regarding whether or not they allow animals into their stores.
Because of this, many customers second-guess when they want to take their dog there.
Here’s the truth. Because Tj Maxx has no official pet policy, there is a lot of discretion afforded to individual store managers.
Thus, they’re at liberty to choose whether or not to allow companion animals into their store.
Splashed across the internet, others opine that Tj Maxx may not allow the entry of dogs if state or local laws don’t permit it.
This may not always be true. Why? Tj Maxx isn’t a grocery store! They don’t prepare and sell food either. Hence, there’s no heightened possibility of any sanitation risk Consequently, there would reasonably be no need for state and local laws to intervene.
Local managers, thus, wield all the power. And they elect, through, their employee to allow/disallow the entry of companion dogs.
Are Dogs Allowed In Tj Maxx? What You Should Know?
So, now you know it’s not as cut and dried as everyone else seems to make it.
Therefore, what’s vital is for you to call beforehand before making the short trip to your local Tj Maxx store.
As we’ve mentioned, their general approach to our furry pals may be a friendly one. Still, you can never be too sure. And because there’s no official stance out there from them, it’s best if you picked up the phone to call them. That way, you get to avoid any form of embarrassment.
Alternatively, you may go with an ally or family member. In case the particular store you visit is dog-friendly, kudos! If they aren’t you can still leave Fido just outside or even in the car with your able partner while you go shopping.
It’s a win-win. And it saves you the stress of having to go back home with doggo simply because the store manager has enforced a strict no-pet policy.
What About Service Animals?
If the local store you’re visiting has a lax policy on companion animals, then service animals will be most welcome.
Still, even if they have a strict no-pet policy, service animals cannot be turned away. The simple reason is that the law mandates the acceptance of service animals into stores.
Here, it doesn’t matter if the store prepares and sells food. Or that it’s a grocery store. It also doesn’t matter that state and local laws prohibit the entry of pets/animals into the store. Service animals MUST be allowed into the store.
The ADA mandates this. And the Act has set out a very comprehensive guide regarding the matter.
Service dogs are specially trained to assist a disabled person to complete a task he would otherwise be unable to do by himself.
Consequently, all stores must be prepared to welcome them. Even if the store manager resents dogs. Or that customers may be turned off by dogs.
So, at Tj Maxx, you can take your service dog along! Except for two questions they may be required by law to ask, they cannot request any information about your disability or the certification of the dog.
They can only inquire;
- Whether the dog is a service animal needed because of a disability and
- What task/work it is for which the dog has been trained to perform
Can I Take My Emotional Support Dog To Tj Maxx?
Of course, you can! But, only if your local Tj Maxx store is pet-friendly!
Service dogs WILL indeed be allowed into Tj Maxx – whether or not management likes it. But, for emotional support dogs, Tj Maxx will treat them like any other companion animal.
Why? Well, it’s because emotional support animals aren’t specially trained to assist or perform any tasks for their owners.
They may help their owners cope with stress, anxiety, depression, or any psychological ailments. But, under law, they aren’t recognized as service animals.
Thus, if your local Tj Maxx store has a pet-friendly policy, they’ll definitely be accommodating of your emotional support dog. If they have a strict no-pet policy, they might not be so welcoming.
Tips To Follow When You Take Your Dog To Tj Maxx?
Chances are that your local Tj Maxx will allow you into the store with Fido.
Because they don’t necessarily have any formal stance on the subject matter, they may also have no written rules to safeguard their interests.
But, don’t be fooled. Many shops and stores that allow dogs/animals require owners to ascribe to very high standards. Even if the store has no formally laid-down rules.
The idea is to ensure the protection of your pup as well as to protect the interests of their customers.
Here are a few things you might want to keep in mind;
Always Keep Fido On A Leash
Many stores that allow dogs inside always want to see dog parents restraining their dogs with a leash.
Most will require that the length of the leash shouldn’t be more than 6 feet. It’s important to keep your pup close to you and always under control.
Not everyone at the store will fancy dogs. So, you don’t want your dog getting too close to anyone. The last thing you want to experience is having your dog bark or lunge at another customer.
You may be turned away should that happen. So, you must keep Fido under control at all times. You want him to be well-behaved at all times.
If your dog is smaller, a dog bag or sling will be more than sufficient.
Give Fido A Potty Break Before You Leave
If Fido is housebroken, then all the better! If he isn’t, you might want to afford him a few potty breaks before leaving for Tj Maxx.
That way, you’re able to minimize the chances of him soiling himself at the store.
You might want to bring along some wipes and poop bags because of him.
Take note, though. Some stores reserve the right to kick you out in case doggo pees or poops around. Not all will be accomodating of your pet’s weak moments.
Do Not Take Fido Shopping On An Empty Stomach
You don’t want to see Fido pulling on the leash, excessively sniffing around, or acting grumpily.
But, it’s what’s gonna happen if you take Fido out when he’s hungry. Don’t do that.
If he’s satisfied, he’s going to act a lot calmer. And that’s the version of your dog you want when thrusting him into establishments likely to be brimming with large crowds of people.
Take Along Treats
This point is closely connected to the first. One of the most effective ways of keeping a dog under control is by the use of treats.
You may spend longer than you intend to at Tj Maxx. And Fido might start to get a bit jittery. That can become a recipe for some unruly behavior from your dog.
To keep him a lot more grounded than usual, treats can and will almost always do the trick.
Final Thoughts
The practice of allowing dogs into stores is beginning to gain massive traction across the U.S. For most of these stores, this practice plays a crucial impact in creating some goodwill for them. But, are dogs allowed in Tj Maxx? Generally, yes, they are!
Still, not every Tj Maxx store will allow dogs. As we’ve maintained, local store managers wield the final power to decide.
You can never be too sure. And it’s why we advise that you get in touch with a store correspondent before D-day.
If your local Tj Maxx store ends up being dog-friendly, then Yippee! Don’t forget to follow the rules as outlined above. That way, you can end up enjoying your time with Fido to the fullest! Happy shopping!