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Running errands can be a lot more fun when your dog is allowed to join you. Unfortunately, not every business is dog friendly for a number of different reasons. If you’re wondering whether or not dogs are allowed in Publix, we’ve put together all the information you need to understand whether or not your dog is allowed to go with you to the grocery store.
Publix doesn’t allow dogs or other pets to accompany their owners into its supermarkets. In general, when stores selling food don’t allow dogs it’s because of issues related to sanitation. Places that sell food often can’t risk allowing pets into the store because of the potential for contamination if they come in contact with food that people are going to eat.Â
The Publix Service Animal Policy asks that dogs and other pets that aren’t service animals be removed from the store or wait in the car when safe. The only animals that are allowed in Publix markets are service animals, which under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as well as recognized by Publix may be either dogs or miniature horses. To qualify as a service animal, a dog must be individually trained to support an individual with a disability.Â
Publix recognizes and welcomes all service dogs who are trained to accompany their handler into their stores and will even provide personal shopping assistance for individuals with disabilities. They ask that service dogs are fully trained (service dogs who are still in training may not legally be considered service dogs until training is complete) and able to behave in the store in such a way that doesn’t disturb or put other shoppers at risk.
Emotional support animals (ESAs) aren’t allowed in Publix. Unfortunately for individuals who get support from ESAs, emotional support animals aren’t protected by public access laws under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and travel under the Department of Transportation (DOT) in the same way that service dogs are. This is one of the main differences between emotional support dogs and service dogs along with training. While service dogs and other service animals must be individually trained to perform tasks that provide support to their handlers, emotional support animals provide support with little other than their presence and affection.Â
Dogs on a leash are allowed in Publix only if they are service dogs. Service dogs entering Publix must be under the physical control of their handler at all times, whether by leash, harness, or another tether unless the handler is unable to do so. Reasons for this might be that the handler’s disability prevents them from being able to hold a leash, or that a leash or harness might prevent their service dog from performing an essential task. In this case, Publix asks that dogs be under the verbal control of their handler at all times.
Publix allows dog strollers in its stores for individuals who need to transport their service dog. The store’s dog policy asks that customers not put their service dog in any of the store’s shopping carts or in Publix wheelchair basket attachments. This also comes down to a sanitation issue since the store carts and baskets are shared amongst the public on a daily basis, and with animals comes the possibility of contamination. If you need to transport your service dog to Publix, bring your stroller or carrier with you.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), businesses and other public entities may not ask an individual for proof of a service dog. They also may not ask for proof of or details surrounding your disability. The only requirements for public access other than being specifically trained to perform disability-related tasks for service dogs are behavior-related, meaning they are safe and well-behaved enough to enter public places.
Even though not every business is dog-friendly, there are still a bunch of dog-friendly stores that you and your pooch can enter together as long as they’re well-behaved. Lots of outdoor stores, home improvement stores, and other places that don’t sell food or consumables are happy to allow your four-legged friend to join you.
Training your dog to be a psychiatric service dog will grant them the protection needed to join you anywhere you need their support. Pettable works with certified psychiatric service dog trainers to create accessible online training programs. The resources provided are guaranteed to help you train your psychiatric service dog effectively and properly. Take our 3-minute assessment to get matched with one of our expert health professionals and determine your service dog needs today.
April Brightman is a freelance writer and outdoor enthusiast with a passion for traveling and hiking with her rescue pup, Marley. She's written for pet-centered sites like Outward Hound, as well as outdoorsy adventure brands like BearVault, Hipcamp, and Explorer Chick.
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