Are you a frequent shopper of Publix or just starting your shopping at Publix and wondering what the pet policy is at the popular grocery store?
Every store seems to have differing pet policies, so it’s important to know what Publix’s is. Fortunately, I’m going to tell you all you need to know about the pet policy at Publix, including what kind of animals are allowed in the store.
Publix Pet Policy
The Publix pet policy only allows service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Unfortunately, Publix isn’t considered a pet-friendly store since it doesn’t allow emotional support or companion animals. Also, Publix requires the dog to be under the handler’s control and not disruptive to other customers.
Keep reading to learn more about the Publix pet policy, including where you can have your pet inside of the store and much more!
Are Pets Allowed in Publix?
Only service animals are allowed in Publix per the Publix service animal policy, meaning the animal has been trained to assist a person with a disability.
Furthermore, Publix only allows service dogs or miniature horses inside its stores, which aligns with the ADA requirements for service animals.
Are Emotional Support Animals Allowed in Publix?
Unfortunately, Publix doesn’t allow emotional support animals inside stores.
What Are the Rules For Service Animals in Publix?
Like any store, Publix has a few rules in place for people who wish to bring their service animal inside of its stores, including:
- The service animal needs to be controlled by the handler at all times.
- The animal must wear a harness, rope, or leash at all times (unless the handler cannot use the harness or leash because of a disability or the restraint would get in the way of the animal performing their service to the handler).
- In cases where the handler cannot use restraints, the animal must be controlled using signals or voice commands.
- If the animal is a threat to the health or safety of others or cannot be controlled, Publix will ask that you leave the animal outside of the store.
- When the animal is an issue and needs to be removed, a shopping assistant can be given to the person if they request it, which can help them continue to shop in Publix.
Can Service Dogs Sit in Shopping Carts at Publix?
Unfortunately, service dogs cannot sit in shopping carts at Publix and cannot be on a mat or inside of baskets either.
Further, that has always been the policy at Publix. But, since people have been putting their pets in shopping carts, Publix had to begin posting signs reminding people of that rule.
Additionally, the rule was put into place because of food safety regulations that the store has to follow, and it’s not easy to get an exception to that rule.
Where Can Service Animals Be Inside Publix?
Publix allows the service animal to be anywhere inside the store that the public has access to since the service animal is helping the owner with their disability.
Do You Have To Show Certification For Service Animals Inside Publix?
No, you do not need to show any paperwork or certification that your animal is a service animal to have them inside of Publix.
However, if you’re caught misrepresenting your dog as a service dog, you can face legal consequences, including fines of up to $250, depending on what state.
Furthermore, not all service animals have certification or wear special identifying markers such as a harness that states they’re a service animal.
Also, it’s against the law for Publix to ask for proof of the training the service animal received or ask the handler about what disability the dog helps with.
Why Does Publix Allow Service Dogs?
Publix has to allow service dogs because it’s the Americans with Disabilities Act law, which is why employees cannot ask about a particular disability or dog training.
Additionally, the definition set by the Americans with Disabilities Act states that a service animal is any dog that has been trained to work for a disabled person or trained to perform a task.
That said, these tasks could be helping a blind person navigate the store or alerting them if they have low blood sugar if they have diabetes.
What Are Some Pet-Friendly Stores?
While Publix isn’t pet-friendly and doesn’t allow pets inside its stores unless they are service animals, there are plenty of stores that are pet-friendly, including:
- Bass Pro Shops
- Home Depot
- Apple Store
- Petco
- Petsmart
- Bed, Bath & Beyond
- Tractor Supply Company
- Nordstrom
- Gander Outdoors
- Michael’s
- Sephora
- Hobby Lobby
- Barnes & Noble
- Macy’s + many more!
When it comes to pet-friendly stores, your best luck is going to be at retail stores, flower shops, and stores that cater to hunting, camping, and other outdoor adventures.
However, not every store location will allow pets, so it’s best to call your local store and confirm before grabbing the leash and getting your dog all excited for a car ride!
To know more, you can also see our related posts on whether or not Kroger allows dogs, if Best Buy allows dogs, and also if CVS allows dogs.
