Are Dogs Allowed in Kmart?

What Is Kmart's Dog Policy in Australia?

Kmart does not permit pet dogs in its stores. This is consistent with Kmart's standard conditions of entry and aligns with the approach taken by most major general merchandise retailers in Australia. While Kmart is not a food retailer and is therefore not subject to the same food safety legislation that restricts dogs from supermarkets, it operates a no-pets policy as a matter of hygiene, safety, and customer comfort.

Assistance and support animals are explicitly welcomed under Kmart's Accessibility Statement, which states that assistance animals of any kind are permitted in-store, provided they remain on a lead or under appropriate control.

What to Do When You're Out With Your Dog and Need to Pop Into Kmart

Many Kmart stores are located in large shopping centres with outdoor areas, food courts with outdoor seating, or adjacent cafés where dogs are welcome. If you're doing a multi-stop errand run with your dog, it's worth identifying a dog-friendly spot nearby first so your dog isn't left in the car while you shop. Kmart also offers online ordering with click-and-collect, which means you can order ahead and just pick up — a practical workaround when your dog is in tow. Find dog-friendly spots close to your local Kmart on the Dog Directory Locations Map.

Does the No-Dogs Policy Apply Across All Kmart Stores?

Yes. Kmart operates the same conditions of entry across its full network of stores nationally. The policy is not left to individual store managers to determine, and there are no Kmart locations in Australia that operate differently. Whether you're visiting a large Kmart Warehouse format or a smaller suburban store, the no-pet-dogs rule applies uniformly. This is also true for Target stores, which are part of the same parent company (Wesfarmers) and operate a consistent approach to in-store pet access.

What Kmart's Accessibility Policy Actually Says

Kmart's Accessibility Statement is notably generous when it comes to assistance animals. Unlike some retailers that limit their commitment to guide dogs only, Kmart's published policy covers assistance animals and support animals of all kinds — provided they are on a lead or otherwise controlled to avoid hazard or risk to others. This is a stronger position than the legal minimum and reflects Kmart's stated commitment to inclusive access. If you bring an assistance animal to Kmart and are challenged by a staff member, you can point to this policy directly.

Kmart vs Other Major Retailers on Dog Access

Kmart sits in the majority of major Australian retailers that do not permit pet dogs in-store. The same applies to Target, Big W, Myer, David Jones, and most other general merchandise and department store chains. The notable exception in Australian retail is Bunnings, which officially welcomes dogs on a lead. If your errand list includes both Bunnings and Kmart, you can bring your dog to Bunnings and then either leave them with a companion or pick up your Kmart items via click-and-collect. Use the Dog Directory Locations Map to plan the rest of your route around dog-friendly stops.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my dog into Kmart?

No — pet dogs are not permitted inside Kmart stores in Australia. This applies to all Kmart locations nationally, regardless of store size or format. The policy covers all dogs, including small dogs carried in bags or arms. The only animals permitted in-store are assistance and support animals, which are explicitly welcomed under Kmart's own accessibility commitment.

Are assistance dogs allowed in Kmart?

Yes. Kmart's Accessibility Statement confirms that assistance animals and support animals are welcome in-store, on a lead or under appropriate control. This covers a broader range of animals than the minimum required by law and means you do not need to limit your expectation to guide dogs only. Kmart staff should not refuse entry to a customer accompanied by a legitimate assistance or support animal.

Does Kmart's no-dog policy apply to Target stores too?

Yes. Target is part of the same Wesfarmers group as Kmart and operates a consistent no-pet-dogs policy across its store network. If you're running errands across a shopping centre that includes both a Kmart and a Target, the same conditions apply to both. Assistance and support animals are similarly welcomed at Target stores.

Can I use Kmart click-and-collect if I have my dog with me?

Yes — and this is one of the more convenient workarounds. If you order ahead via the Kmart website or app and select click-and-collect, you can pull up to the collection point and have your order brought out without needing to leave your dog. This avoids the dog being left in the car and keeps the errand quick. Check the Kmart website for click-and-collect availability at your local store.

Why doesn't Kmart allow dogs if it's not a food store?

Kmart's no-pet policy is not about food safety legislation specifically — it is a standard retail policy based on hygiene, safety, and ensuring all customers feel comfortable. Not all customers are comfortable around dogs, and some have allergies. General merchandise stores like Kmart also stock soft goods, clothing, and homewares that can be affected by pet hair or dander. The policy reflects a practical approach to running a busy retail environment for a wide range of customers.

Does the dog policy vary by state at Kmart?

No. Kmart's conditions of entry are applied consistently across Australia regardless of state or territory. There is no state-level variation in the no-pet-dogs policy, and local council regulations do not override Kmart's own store rules. The only universal exception is assistance and support animals, which are legally protected by the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and also explicitly welcomed by Kmart's own policy.

Which major retailers in Australia do allow dogs?

Bunnings stands out as the clear exception among major Australian retailers, officially welcoming dogs on a lead across all stores nationally. Petbarn is another, which makes sense for a pet-focused retailer. The vast majority of general merchandise stores, department stores, supermarkets, electronics retailers, and membership warehouses do not permit pet dogs. Use the Dog Directory Locations Map to find dog-friendly spots near your local Kmart and make the most of the outing with your dog.