If you’re trying to figure out if TJ Maxx is dog-friendly, you might not get very far. The company doesn’t have a clear pet policy listed on its website, but we did a little digging to find the answer for you. The good news is that most TJ Maxx stores allow dogs, but the bad news is that this can differ from location to location.
TJ Maxx’s Pet Policy Varies by Location
TJ Maxx doesn’t really have an official pet policy. At least not one that’s available to the public. When I phoned their corporate customer service, the representative said, “We follow the rules and regulations of the state,” and recommended that I call my local store for more information.
So, I did just that and was pleasantly surprised to find that my TJ Maxx store welcomes all dogs, with a few guidelines. “As long as you keep them leashed, with you, and they’re not aggressive, there’s no problem bringing them in,” I was told. Awesome! And completely reasonable.
Call your local TJ Maxx store to find out what their specific pet policy is before bringing your dog in.
Related: Target's Dog Policy for a Woof-Worthy Retail Experience
Service Dogs Are Always Allowed in TJ Maxx
Even if your local TJ Maxx says that pets are not allowed, service dogs are always welcome. Service animals are not considered pets and are instead working animals. As stated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), they are “individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability.”
Are Emotional Support Dogs Allowed?
Emotional support animals (ESA) are distinct from service animals in that, while they do provide comfort and support for their owners, they’re not trained to complete a specific task. But that doesn’t necessarily mean your ESA can’t go into TJ Maxx. If your local store says that dogs are allowed in, then you can definitely shop with your emotional support dog, so long as they’re well-behaved.
Tips for Bringing Your Dog to TJ Maxx
If your local TJ Maxx store says dogs are allowed in, that’s great! But, as I was cautioned, only well-behaved dogs or those that aren’t aggressive are truly welcome in. Follow these tips and precautions before bringing your dog into TJ Maxx.
- Keep your dog on a leash at all times.
- Make sure they stay with you at all times.
- Make sure they’re fully potty trained.
- Clean up after them if they do go inside.
- Make sure they’re OK with strangers, other dogs, kids, and loud noises.
- Bring treats to reward them.
- Leave the store if they become noisy, aggressive, or stressed.
- Leave them at home if they’re sick or infectious.
Related: Can I Bring My Dog to Walmart? Get the Inside Scoop
Other Options
If your local TJ Maxx doesn’t allow dogs or your dog isn’t ready for a shopping adventure, there are plenty of other options available to you.
- Leave your dog at home (if it’s safe to do so) while you shop at TJ Maxx.
- Hire a pet sitter to watch your dog at your home or their home while you’re out.
- Ask a friend to sit in the air-conditioned car with your dog while you run in.
- Drop your dog off at a boarding kennel or doggy daycare.
- Go to a pet-friendly store where your dog is allowed.
Is TJ Maxx Pet-Friendly? Yes and No
Many TJ Maxx stores are pet-friendly and allow dogs in, but this depends on your store’s policy. You won’t find this information online, though. You’ll need to phone your local TJ Maxx store or drop by to ask about their rules. If your dog is allowed in, make sure you keep them leashed at all times for their safety and the safety of others in the store.
