If you walk into your nearest Publix you may notice a new sign advising customers that they can no longer bring their pets to the grocery store, except those that are strictly service animals.
Recently, these ads have appeared in Publix stores, saying that emotional support animals are not allowed in stores, while service animals must be under the control of their owners who must keep them away from carts or baskets for safety reasons. hygiene.
“Under federal law, service animals are miniature dogs or horses trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities,” the store sign states, clarifying that “FDA does not allow non-service animals in stores 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 allowed in Publix, even with a doctor’s note.”
The new signs warn shoppers that Florida law prohibits changing their pets into service animals, as it is considered a second-degree misdemeanor where offenders could perform 30 hours of community service for an organization that serves people with disabilities.
“Misrepresenting your pet as a service animal negatively impacts the quality of life and independence of service animal users,” the sign displayed in Publix stores states.
While this supermarket policy is not new, the signs attempt to further reinforce it. And since they appeared in several stores in South Florida they have provoked mixed reactions.
According to a report by NBC 6 affiliate WPTV, a West Palm Beach woman said she would refuse to shop at her local Publix because she can no longer stop there after walking her dog.
However, another customer said she was in favor of the policy so that allergens and germs from dogs don’t end up in any open food.
