Trader Joe’s is large chain of grocery stores. The company operates more than 530 stores across the US. The company is known for selling fresh high quality produce. Many Americans shop at Trader Joe’s for high quality groceries, staple foods and beverages at low prices.
If you’re going to Trader Joe’s to get some groceries in and want to take your dog, then you might wonder to yourself, is Trader Joe’s dog friendly? Are dogs allowed in Trader Joe’s? The answer is no, Trader Joe’s does not allow dogs inside their stores. The groceries retailer enforces a strict no-pets policy. The sole exception to this policy is service animals, – they’re allowed inside all Trader Joe’s locations. However, if you visit a store with a regular pet dog, they will not be allowed inside.
So, does Trader Joe’s allow dogs 2024? No, they don’t. Let’s find out the full details of Trader Joe’s pet policy 2024
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Are Dogs Allowed In Trader Joe’s? Is Trader Joe’s Dog Friendly?
No, dogs are not allowed in Trader Joe’s. The grocery retailer has a stringent no-pets policy and is not a dog friendly company. There is one exemption to this policy, and that is for service animals. If the dog you visit Trader Joe’s with is classed as a service animal, then they will be allowed inside the store.
Does Trader Joe’s Allow Dogs? Trader Joe’s Pet Policy 2024
No, Trader Joe’s does not allow dogs to enter their branch locations. The national retailer has an official pets policy which explains that only service animals are permitted to enter their stores. Ordinary pet dogs and all other pets are prohibited from entering their branch sites.
In order to go inside a Trader Joe’s store a dog, you need to give proof that they are a service animal according to the definition provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The ADA defines a service animal as the following:
Any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Other species of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, are not considered service animals.
Dogs are the only animals that qualify as service animals under these criteria. This means that a cat is ineligible to be classified as a service animal in the United States.
Other so called ‘helper’ dogs, such as those dogs used to provide emotional support or companionship, are not included in the ADA’s definition.
Keep in mind that some states and allow emotional support and therapy animals in certain grocery stores and other public places. There is no evidence that Trader Joe’s makes exceptions for emotional support dogs or therapy dogs, however.
Can I Bring My Dog To Trader Joe’s? Trader Joe’s Dog Policy 2024
No, you cannot bring your dog to Trader Joe’s. The grocery retailer has maintained a strict no-pets-allowed policy for many years.
Only service animals are exempt from this policy. There is no restriction on the entry of service dogs inside their stores.
Why Doesn’t Trader Joe’s Allow Dogs Inside?
Ordinary pet dogs are not allowed in Trader Joe’s because as a grocery retailer, they have to adhere to strict food safety laws and hygiene regulations. Allowing regular pet dogs or other pets inside their stores would violate these food safety laws.
Reports From Customers Happy With Trader Joe’s Dog Policy
Most support Trader Joe’s no-dogs policy and a food blogger online wrote the following:
“Why do people try to go into stores with dogs where food is sold or served? It’s really selfish to think that you should be allowed in because your dog is cleaner than other dogs or better behaved. I’m glad Trader Joes and other grocery stores have a no-pet policy.”
Reports From Customers Unhappy With Trader Joe’s Dog Policy
There are a few comments from dog owners who have express frustration at Trader Joe’s dog policy.
“My dog isn’t classed as a service dog so the store assistant said I couldn’t bring him in. But he is an emotional support to me and helps get through my day. I wish they would recognize emotional support as a type of service animal.”
Does Trader Joe’s Allow Service Dogs?
Yes, Trader Joe’s allows service dogs to enter all their stores. Any dog that is registered as a service animal according to the Americans with Disabilities Act definition may enter Trader Joe’s branch sites freely.
Are Dogs Allowed In Trader Joe’s? The Final Verdict
So, are dogs allowed in Trader Joe’s? No, they’re not. The groceries retailer has a pet-policy that says only service animals are permitted to enter their stores. Regular pet dogs and other pets are not allowed in their branches.
The main reason for this is because Trader Joe’s sells groceries and food, therefore they have to abide by strict food safety laws and hygiene regulations. If thy allowed regular pets inside they would be breaking food safety laws.
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