Publix Stirs Up Debate After Banning Pets and Emotional Support Animals

Publix locations recently put up new signs noting the store's ban on pets and emotional support animals, and customers are sharing their reactions—despite the fact that Publix has apparently had this ban for a few years now, according to the website.

It appears that Publix grocery stores are starting to seriously enforce the rule, and while some people agree with the ban, others see it as a big problem.

WFLA News shared the news on social media, along with a customer's photo of the new sign, which details the difference between service animals and emotional support animals.

The sign states, "Under federal law, service animals are dogs or miniature horses trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities. Non-service animals are not allowed in grocery stores by the FDA. Dogs, pets, and other animals whose sole function is to provide comfort, companionship, or emotional support do not qualify as service animals and are not permitted in Publix, even with a doctor's note."

Publix's new sign further highlighted the fact that misrepresenting a pet as a service animal is a crime, while also stating that all animals are prohibited from sitting in shopping carts.

A customer shared with USA Today that he has a service dog to help with his cancer battle and supported the policy, saying, "A lot of other dogs aren’t friendly. You don’t want mean dogs in there because they might get a scent on somebody and bite them.”

Many more customers shared support for the policy online, with one writing on X (formally known as Twitter), "Shout out to @Publix for their new dog policy or enforcement of their dog policy. This is a win-win for people with dog allergies or scared of them. Yes!!! We wish @Starbucks would do that."

"About time Publix does something worthwhile. Now bring the prices down," said another user in support of the policy.

A third stated, "I'm THRILLED @Publix laid down the law on this. I don't want people's pets in the grocery store."

But there were also plenty of Publix customers upset at the grocery store chain's actions. A frustrated shopper shared the email they sent to Publix discussing their history of trauma and PTSD which led them to need an emotional support animal.

They concluded, "To ban emotional support dogs will deter us from being able to go into a grocery store to simply buy groceries. Frankly, I think Publix is opening themselves up to a huge threat of lawsuits, and I may be the first one. Can you tell how angry I am right now?”

Others questioned Publix's ability to legally ban emotional support animals and suggested that the new move to enforce this might lead to lawsuits: "If it's a registered emotional support service animal, it's an ADA lawsuit waiting to happen--and for Publix to lose."

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, Publix "may ask whether an animal is a service animal and what tasks the animal has been trained to perform," but they cannot require documentation showing that the animal is trained and cannot ask the individual the nature of their disability.

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