Publix supermarkets recently started prohibiting shoppers from bringing dogs inside stores, upsetting some customers.
Publix cited food safety, hygiene, and tripping hazards as reasons for the strict no dogs rule.
However, Publix made clear guide, hearing, and service dogs that assist people with disabilities remain allowed per ADA laws.
Service dogs must be unleashed and under control. Staff may only ask if it is a service animal required for a disability.
Customers can't just claim pets as service animals. Standards ensure accredited service dogs access.
While service dogs have access at Publix, pet owners can shop with dogs at some retailers like Home Depot, Lowe's, Bass Pro Shops.
The no dogs policy aims to keep Publix stores clean for food shopping. Service dogs are trained to behaved hygienically indoors.