Can I Bring My Dog Into Kohl’s? A Complete Guide to Their Pet Policy
- Published on:
- By: ASP Team
Can I bring my dog into Kohl’s? According to Kohl’s official policy, you cannot bring your dog into Kohl’s unless it is a trained service animal.
Pets and Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are not permitted. This company-wide rule follows federal ADA guidelines, which means that only task-trained service dogs assisting individuals with disabilities are allowed inside all Kohl’s locations.
In this article, we’ll explain Kohl’s exact pet policy, how service dogs are legally defined, what qualifies as a Psychiatric Service Animal (PSA), and how to train and certify your dog for public access using American Service Pets’ trusted programs.
What is Kohl’s dog policy?
Kohl’s clearly states that pets are not allowed inside their stores, regardless of size or behavior. The only exception is for ADA-recognized service animals. This policy is in place to:
- Comply with health and safety regulations
- Prevent allergy or fear-related issues among customers
- Ensure a safe and distraction-free shopping experience
Service dogs are permitted as long as they are under control, housebroken, and performing a trained task for a person with a disability.
Best practice: If you are unsure whether your dog qualifies as a service animal, call ahead to confirm with your local store before visiting.
Are Emotional Support Animals allowed in Kohl’s?
Unfortunately, Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are not allowed in Kohl’s because they are not considered service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Unlike service animals, ESAs aren’t specifically trained to perform tasks that assist individuals with disabilities. This means they don’t have the same public access rights, and store staff can legally deny their entry. In some cases, ESA owners may also be asked to leave, and this is not considered a violation of federal law.
If you’d like to bring an animal to Kohl’s or similar stores, you might consider transitioning your ESA into a Psychiatric Service Animal (PSA). With the right training and proper documentation, a PSA can meet the ADA’s requirements for service animals and enjoy full public access rights.
Get Your ESA Today
How to Qualify Your Dog as a PSA
To qualify your dog as a PSA, two things are required:
1. Task-Based Training
Your dog must be able to perform at least one specific, disability-related task. That’s where iTrain Academy comes in.
iTrain Academy by American Service Pets is an online training platform designed for:
- Obedience in public spaces
- Distraction-proof behavior
- Task-specific service work
With short, daily lessons, you can train your dog from home—no in-person classes needed.
2. PSA Letter From a Licensed Provider
A PSA letter is an official document from a doctor or other licensed mental health professional that:
- Confirms your diagnosis
- Verifies your need for a Psychiatric Service Animal
- Can support legal disputes if access is challenged
American Service Pets makes this process fast and confidential:
- Fill out a short intake form
- Match with a provider in your state for your consultation
- Get your letter (if approved)
How does iTrain Academy prepare your dog for PSA certification?
iTrain Academy is a comprehensive online service dog training program developed by certified trainers and trusted by thousands of dog owners nationwide.
The program offers structured, step-by-step video lessons designed to help transition your pet or Emotional Support Animal (ESA) into a legally recognized service animal. Through daily 15-minute lessons, iTrain Academy focuses on essential skills, including obedience in public spaces, task training for psychiatric support, and leash control, ensuring your dog remains composed and attentive in any environment.
Suitable for dogs of all breeds and ages, the program is specifically tailored to meet Psychiatric Service Animal (PSA) qualifications and adhere to ADA compliance standards. iTrain Academy provides an accessible and effective solution for professional service dog training.
Mistakes to Avoid When Visiting Kohl’s with Your Service Dog
To ensure a smooth visit to Kohl’s, follow these service dog best practices:
- Not asking for permission: While service dogs are generally allowed everywhere, it’s polite to ask for permission before bringing them into a store. This shows respect for the establishment and helps avoid conflicts or misunderstandings.
- Not having proper identification: Although U.S. law doesn’t require service dogs to wear vests or carry ID, having identification can make visits to places like Kohl’s smoother by helping employees or customers unfamiliar with service dog laws.
- Allowing your dog to misbehave: Service dogs must behave appropriately in public, meaning no jumping, barking excessively, or acting aggressively. Misbehavior could result in being asked to leave the store.
- Not having control over your dog: Handlers must keep service dogs under control at all times, usually by leash, and be able to give commands as needed. Lack of control may lead to removal from the store.
- Using a fake or untrained service dog: Some people try to pass pets off as service dogs to access restricted areas. This dishonest practice undermines real service dogs and can create risks for others. Stores may request proof of training if they suspect a fake service dog.
What happens if I’m denied entry at Kohl’s?
If your dog is a trained service animal (PSA) and you are denied access, calmly explain that your dog is a service animal protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Clearly state the specific task your dog is trained to perform and, if necessary, request to speak with a store manager to resolve the situation. If the issue remains unresolved, you may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice ADA Division to address the matter.
However, if your dog is not task-trained or is classified as an emotional support animal (ESA) or a pet, the store, such as Kohl’s, is within its rights to deny entry as per their policy.
The Importance of Combining Obedience Training with ESA or PSA Letters
Many establishments still limit access to service animals only. This is where having both a well-trained dog and a valid ESA or PSA letter can make a significant difference.
Proper training ensures your dog behaves appropriately in public, while an official letter validates their purpose. Together, these elements not only help you and your dog navigate restrictions more smoothly but also provide clarity and assurance to those around you.
A well-trained dog goes beyond access—it fosters positive interactions and creates a welcoming experience for everyone. A calm, polite dog is always appreciated, making your journey as an ESA or PSA owner much easier.
Summary: Can I Bring My Dog Into Kohl's?
Kohl’s pet policy permits only trained service animals in their stores, which means that pet dogs and emotional support animals are not allowed.
Trained service animals and Psychiatric Service Animals (PSAs) that assist individuals with disabilities are welcome, as they are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In accordance with this policy, service animals must be task-trained and legally recognized to support their handlers.
This approach ensures that individuals with disabilities receive the necessary assistance while maintaining compliance with Kohl’s guidelines. If you plan to bring a dog to Kohl’s, ensure it meets the ADA criteria for a service animal.
Final Thoughts: Legal Access Starts With Responsible Preparation
Kohl’s policy complies with national ADA regulations, which do not allow pets or emotional support animals (ESAs) in their stores. However, trained Psychiatric Service Animals (PSAs) are fully protected under the law.
If your dog provides you with psychological support, it is essential to take the necessary steps to ensure they meet PSA requirements. This includes proper training, thorough evaluation, and obtaining the appropriate documentation to confidently secure legal access.
At American Service Pets, we are committed to assisting you through this process. Our services include support for training your dog through our iTrain Academy, providing qualified PSA letters, and helping you transition your dog from an emotional support animal to a legally recognized service animal.
The benefits of an Emotional Support Animal certification and a Psychiatric Service Dog certification are drastically different. Fortunately for you, American Service Pets’ network of active board certified doctor or other licensed mental health providers can help you find the right path to certification. To find out whether you need an ESA or PSD letter, take our easy, three-step Pet Owner Survey!
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