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Is T.J. Maxx Dog Friendly?

By: Author Paris Permenter

If you are heading off for some shopping at one of the 1,000+ T.J. Maxx stores in the US, you just might be wondering if T.J. Maxx is dog friendly. (After all, they do sell dog beds and many dog accessories!)

Are dogs allowed in TJ Maxx?

The quick answer is that you can probably bring your dog shopping with you in a T.J. Maxx store.

Why do we say probably and not just yes? Because there’s no official corporate policy. Instead, the decision of dog friendly or not is left up to individual stores. However, many T.J. Maxx stores across the country welcome your well-behaved, leashed dog to join you on a shopping excursion.

Before you head out, check the TJ Maxx store finder and give your local store a quick call. Believe us when we say you will glad you did. This will prevent any awkwardness entering the store (and, don’t forget: if you are feeling uneasy, your dog will pick up on those feelings and feel uneasy as well. Be confident after talking with the store and knowing that you and your dog can have a fun outing together!)

How to Be Sure Your Dog Has a Successful Shopping Trip

Is your dog brand new to shopping? You might want to start at a small mom and pop pet supply store first, work your way up to a PetSmart or Petco, and THEN head to clothing and lifestyle shops.

Why? Because fellow shoppers in pet supply stores all know that our dogs aren’t perfect 24/7. They’ll be understanding if your dog suddenly barks mid-shopping spree!

But if you’re confident in your dog’s behavior and you’ve verified that your local TJ Maxx is dog-friendly, then pack up and get ready for your shopping trip! Here are some quick tips to make your trip a success:

  • Pack a fixed leash no longer than 6 feet. Leave the retractable at home.
  • Pack a cleanup kit. Accidents happen and they’re your responsibility to pick up–and pick up FAST.
  • Pack a small blanket or throw for the cart. If you have a small dog who will be riding in your shopping cart, PLEASE pack a throw for him to sit on to prevent his paws from going through the mesh bottom of the cart.
  • Make a potty stop before entering the store.
  • Keep your dog at your side or in the cart. Don’t let your dog bolt up to fellow shoppers.

Share Your Photos on Social Media

If your local store welcomes your dog, be sure to snap a photo and share it with hashtag #TJMaxxDog. (And include in your caption which location you and your dog were welcomed at so others will know which locations are dog friendly!)

Are Service Dogs Allowed in TJ Maxx?

Even if your local TJ Maxx is not dog friendly, your service dog will be allowed in the store under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The act notes: “The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.”

Service dogs are not required to wear a special vest, harness or tag.

If your dog is not a trained service dog, do not misrepresent your dog as a service dog. Depending on where you live, misprepresenting a dog as a service dog can carry a fine of up to $1000.

Other Dog-Friendly Stores

Be sure to check our list of 100+ dog-friendly stores for places you may be able to shop with your dog in your home town and check other “can I bring my dog” posts for detailed information on specific stores.

Some of our personal favorites with our dogs include Lowes, Tuesday Morning and Ace Hardware.

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Is T.J. Maxx Dog Friendly?
Paris Permenter
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This post originally appeared on DogTipper.com and is the sole property of DogTipper.com.