A sign posted in Publix grocery stores is reminding customers that pets aren’t allowed in the building.
Publix officials said that the signs are being posted in the chain’s nearly 1,400 locations in the Southeast U.S.
The signs point to federal law, explaining that only service animals are allowed in the stores. However, those animals won’t be allowed to ride in a shopping cart or wheelchair basket, Publix officials added.
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.
Misrepresenting your pet as a service animal negatively impacts the quality of life and independence for service animal users. Under Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia law, it is illegal to fraudulently misrepresent your pet as a service animal.
Publix Statement
According to Publix, emotional support animals are also banned, and the grocery chain said that shoppers who bring them in will be escorted out of the store.
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