You recently may have noticed Publix Stores new signage posted at the front doors reminding customers about their Service Animal policy.
These new signs and recent enforcement of these rules have sparked controversy in the Assistance Animal community. More specifically, those faking Assistance Animals.
First it's important to establish what a Service Animal is and what it is not. "Under the ADA, a service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person’s disability."
A Service Dog is NOT to be confused with an Emotional Support Animal or Therapy Dog. Which are completely different Assistance Animal roles with different laws associated with them. Out of these, only a Service Dogs have Public Access Rights.
Now, why is Publix taking a stand? Actually, Publix has had the same Service Dog policy for years. However, as far as I know, no official statement has been made regarding the recent forceful reinforcement of these policies. We can make some assumptions, though. Within the past year, I myself have noticed a rise in the amount of pets being brought into the stores. Most have been very obviously pets due to misbehavior. In this day and age, there has been a slew of scam ESA and Service Animal websites that have armed the general public with fake documents and a sense of entitlement. In general, animals and places that deal with food, don't mix. Not only is it considered unsanitary but fake Service Dogs can be a danger to fellow customers or to real Service Dogs. Publix is within their lawful right to take a stand against these fakes and insist on the safety of their costumers.
Luckily, despite the neigh Sayers, Publix Stores reinforcement of these policies is getting positive feedback.
A regular at the Publix on Southern Boulevard in West Palm Beach, who identified himself only as Jeff, said he relies on a service dog to cope with his ongoing cancer battle and his past experiences in the military. He said the store policy is a smart safety precaution.
Another man, who identified himself only as Mark, shopped directly next to the Southern Boulevard Publix on Saturday morning, at the neighboring Pet Supermarket. He said the new signs are a valuable reminder that animals and grocery stores don't mix.
“I like that there’s no pets," he said. "Pet shed gets into things. That’s stuff that I don’t want around my food. And when they put them into the cart, you’ve got that dog – excuse my French – wiping its butt inside the shopping cart.”
Although I must admit that I personally have also taken advantage of Publix Stores lax policies in the past, I am proud of them for standing up for their store and their costumers. Especially those with real Service Dogs who need them as life-saving tools. Despite my dog Aiden being trained with Public Access in mind, he is, at the end of the day, just an ESA. So when Publix told me I couldn't bring him anymore, I agreed without hassle. I assume most people are not going to back down without a fight, but I hope Publix doesn't wavier. Hopefully other stores will follow suit and educate themselves on what is and is not a Service Dog.
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