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PUBLIX PET CRACKDOWN: New Signs, Enforcement To Ban Pets

Publix No Pet Signs

Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, South Florida Stores Now Enforcing Pet Policy. Managers Apparently Told To “Tresspass” Violators. BocaNewsNow Credited With Apparent New Enforcement.

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS ARE NOT SERVICE ANIMALS. BANNED FROM PUBLIX, SUPERMARKETS. LYING VIOLATES STATE STATUTE.

Publix No Pet Signs
No pets are permitted in Publix. New signs affirm the policy that’s been in place for years. In South Florida, shoppers apparently need huge signs to get the message. This sign is now standing in the Publix on Lake Ida Road in Delray Beach.

BY: CONSUMER DESK | BocaNewsNow.com

DELRAY BEACH, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2023 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — After months of BocaNewsNow.com publishing photos of Publix shoppers in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, and across South Florida bringing pets illegally into Publix, Publix is taking a stand. While window signs remind shoppers that it’s illegal to bring anything but a true service animal into the store, the company is in the process of erecting huge signs at the front door of each location. We have learned that managers have been told to involve local law enforcement — if necessary — to enforce statutes and laws. Customers may be charged with trespass if they illegally bring a pet inside and refuse to leave. The message: in a community where everyone believes they are entitled to a rule exception, the rules actually do apply.

“It’s out of hand,” said someone familiar with the situation but not a direct employee of Publix. “(BocaNewsNow.com) clearly struck a nerve and was correct. Dogs have no business being in a supermarket. You’re going to see a big change.”

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A shopper with a dog in the Publix at the Garden Shops in Boca Raton on August 5th, 2023.

Federal Law, as Publix states on its signage, prohibits pets from being in a supermarket or a restaurant. While service animals are permitted, they are required to be trained service animals, not “Emotional Support Animals” which are considered bogus. Airlines stopped permitting “ESA’s” over the past two years and they continue to be controversial. While animals can provide support to those suffering from true emotional deficiencies, their legitimacy when it came to federal protection came to an end when everyone claimed that Fido or Fifi was an emotional support animal.

Publix Boca Dog
It was not clear why this woman needed her dog in a Boca Raton Publix in early August.

Publix did not respond to requests for an official comment. But BocaNewsNow.com readers, who send photos of apparently “rude” shoppers with dogs on a daily basis, cheer the apparent crackdown.

“It’s about time,” wrote one reader. “Publix became a zoo, as other supermarkets have as well. It’s disgusting. The only thing more disgusting than the dogs sniffing fresh food and produce is the people who think it’s perfectly okay. Clearly these are people in need of real help, something no dog can provide.”

“It’s so gross,” wrote another reader. “The people who insist on bringing their dogs with them everywhere instead of leaving them at home, really have problems. That Publix ever permitted anything other than a real service animal in its stores is bizarre for a company that seems to pride itself on cleanliness and customer service.”

BocaNewsNow.com has learned that repeat offenders could be banned from Publix locations. Shoppers are being reminded that Publix offers a delivery-to-car service, which would permit pet owners to stay in their vehicles with their dogs, cats, birds, snakes, rabbits, and reptiles, and have food delivered directly to their car.

What do you think of the apparent Publix crackdown? Share your thoughts, below. (We received more than 1000 comments via email. Read some of those here. We have opened up on-page commenting. Feel free to leave your response below).

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118 thoughts on “PUBLIX PET CRACKDOWN: New Signs, Enforcement To Ban Pets”

    4. Judith

      And all of those who have brought your pets to public places….how did you sanitize your hands before you touched fresh foods for sale? A wipe is not sanitary protection! Check out how your animal’s dander and hair is left behind for those who are allergic.

    1. Corrina

      Publix is nothing but a high price grocery store where people who think they are better than everyone shop. Doesn’t surprise me they would come up this this policy.

  5. Lorri Delong

    I applaud this and have long thought it wrong. Animals do not belong in grocery stores or restaurants or planes for any reason. Unless it is a true service animal it is unnessary and germy.

      1. Derek Brinson

        Amy you are probably one of those people that brings your dogs into the store and then you let it go to the bathroom on the floor and then other people make a mess no dogs do not belong in a grocery store the end it’s disgusting and nasty like you

    3. Connie Kanago

      Must not be pet lovers. My dog is cleaner than some people I see going into grocery stores. I’m handicapped and have to use the electric scooters and my dog stays in my lap. My small dog goes everywhere with me, i live in fla and its been over 100 degrees here almost every day and I can’t leave her in the car so I guess its time to change my grocery store.

  7. Jeffrey Nicely

    I agree 1000 %. Only actual trained service dogs should be allowed in any store. I’ve had the experience of cleaning up after a dog numerous times when a person brought their dog into the store where I worked. Not fun and it definitely wasn’t in the job description.

  9. Elizabeth

    I think this has gotten way out of hand with people taking dogs on a leash in all stores of business……the dogs poop and pee and they don’t even tell a store inployee so no won will slip and fall…..then they put the dogs in the shopping carts and lots of people have aligees and have to suffer not knowing that a dog has been licking the handle and people put the young children in the cart after all that nasty slobber is all over the cart…..I have had many dogs in my life…..but I have never taken them to any store with me…..take them out to a dog park…..not in stores and restaurants……

    1. Patricia López

      You have described this perfectly. It’s insane ! Malls, restaurant, groceries and even doctors office . The lack of respect to all things and places it’s out of control . Business are so afraid of saying NO! The law is very clear and the true service animals know how to behave. We have to speak up of people and their dogs will take over the rules that we have as society have in place . I don’t need dogs leaking the vegetables at Publix or any other store, I don’t need dogs in restaurant, or doctors office. Love your pet and leave him/her home .

  13. wayne alexander

    Outrages. MY former Walgreens I’m retired now 2 yrs. I take her to any Walgreens not a problem. I’m a retired store Mgt. I Will not be showing at any Publix stores. MY girl is cleaner very healthy than what I see in you’re stored. Very rude customer service person and a bigger . I will not be there in youre dtores. Véry sad about This

    1. Diane L

      Good. Your pet has no business being inside a business. Your pet is the reason people with REAL medical service dogs/working dogs, have problems with the public. Your nasty dog has no business in a shopping cart or interacting with other customers who may have allergies or fears. I can’t wait until other grocery stores follow suit.
      I don’t shop at Walgreens because they allow pets inside.

    2. Esthela

      Very sad, I will no longer shop at Publix.
      All those comments above against animals are outrageous I can’t believe people letting their dog make a mess in the store and not taking care of it, I take my dog everywhere and she behaves better than any human being.
      And of course I understand, if your dog is not trained to be respectful and well behaved at the stores or any place.
      then leave your pet at home!!! Dog lovers have to be very responsible and respectful, they need to train their dog , my dog behaves better than even my grandkids 🤣

      2. Lois Anne Lapinski

        I love dogs I also love cats. What I don’t do is bring my dog in any store with me even if he spotlessly clean! I will go out of my way to shop at Publix because they are starting that policy. Please tell me where you will be shopping so I can stay out of that store. It’s ridiculous it’s a dog. If you can’t leave your dog for an hour or two to go shopping you need better therapy

    5. Billy

      Thats a GREAT thing , because you ARE NO CLEANER than a dog that wallows all over you every waking moment.If you want to take your dog to a store,take it to a PET STORE. Not to a place of Business thats sells food for Human consumption.thats sickning and should NEVER been allowed to start in the first place.

    6. Joey

      I was in one of the other Publix stores with somebody tearing around their little doggie and shedding hair right next to the case with fish next to me while I was trying to buy fish I don’t appreciate that and I don’t want the dogs in the store, unless they are a real service dog I’m a veteran of our military, and I believe in the service dogs the service dogs will be down on the floor and not up in your arms shedding hair all over the place can leave your little doggies at home

  15. Frankie Solomon

    I’m soooo Glad that Publix is taking a stamp on this Topic about people bringing their pets into the Stores. I personally watch a Dog Sneezed on fruits and vegetables while their owner held him in their arms. While I was in Walmart, I noticed a dog pooping throughout the entire isle that I was on. I went to get the manager and he had an Employee clean it up. I see incidents like this all the time. I’m truly sick of it and I came to the point that I’m looking to buy Land to grow my own vegetables and fruits. I Love Publix. It’s the Cleanest store in the State of Florida and Not once have I ever had a problem or Complaint. Customer service is the Best. God Bless Publix and its Family In Jesus Name.

  17. Teresa Oliver

    Only service dogs need to be allowed in grocery stores, restaurants, etc. I knew of a lady that had an emotional support dog and he was big. She would leave it at home sometimes but got mad at a local restaurant because they would not allow the dog in there. Give people an inch, they will take a mile.

    1. Connie Kanago

      Must not be pet lovers. My dog is cleaner than some people I see going into grocery stores. I’m handicapped and have to use the electric scooters and my dog stays in my lap. My small dog goes everywhere with me, i live in fla and its been over 100 degrees here almost every day and I can’t leave her in the car so I guess its time to change my grocery store.

      1. John Leevis

        To the lady saying they must not be dog lovers that’s not true people love dogs dogs do not belong in grocery stores. It’s just that simple. How that is not common sense escapes me.

  23. Malrice Squalls

    I love it. I have emotional support animals and they help me a lot. But I do not feel the should be in a store or restaurant. Nobody wants pet hair on they food. Mine are not even allowed in my kitchen. It’s Disgusting.

  25. Altamese Rolle

    I truly on board with this decision all stores should implicate this immediately. Once again they animals around food that’s so nasty we as customers shouldn’t have to be accessible to this

  26. Bob Healey

    Thanks . It is a good decision. Some pet owners have become so entitled they feel it’s their right to bring their dog into public’s . I’m glad you have the courage to do the right thing.

  27. Sharon Gross

    I understand the need for emotional pet support and know all to well how pet therapy works. However others have a right to shop without dogs or other animals in any type of store or restaurant that is not made for animals. Seeing eyes dogs and other true working dogs need to be able to do their job. That is hindered by emotional support dogs with no training. Leave the working dogs alone and let Fido and Fe Fe rest while their humans get their chores done.

  29. Meredith Thompson

    Unfortunately it won’t deter anyone. There are companies that sell SA supplies, and fake service animal papers. Not to mention fake registrations. And there is NO registry for service animals. Maybe that needs to be a thing. Bad enough people get fake letters for a ESA, just to circumvent paying a pet deposit or to bring them places with a no pet policy. It makes things harder for those with TRUE SA’s.

  30. Mabel

    Hope ALL Publix stores will adopt the NO DOGS/PETS policy. Thank you for recognizing this as a problem. Nothing against animals, just don’t want to see them in grocery store, especially in store carts or around food.

  31. Melinda

    Fantastic! Long overdue. I think the administration at Publix should be applauded for taking a stand against this abused entitlement. Cudos to them for separating entitled from those with service animals.

  33. Chris

    I agree 100%. There is no need for animals other then service dogs allowed in grocery stores or other stores beside pet stores. If you cannot shop without your dog have it delivered.

  34. David

    The issue with this is by law they can’t ask anyone to prove a animal is a service animal or what the animal is for if you read in the American disabilities act there is a law against it!

    1. Billy

      I agree ,the Americans with Disabilities act is a much needed service.But,if you are carrying peppi la pue or have in in a grocery cart , news flash , YOU are the service animal,not the dogLeave the mut home in his fenced in yard where it belongs, IF a person cant tell a service dog from a pet,they’re likely walking with a stick with one end painted Red.

  36. Sandra LeDoux

    Kids and fur kids are two separate things all together. Those saying kids can be messy too? Well they’re not going to pee on the bottom shelf and it’s illegal to leave them home alone. Dogs aren’t ment to be in the grocery store and realistically s
    Don’t Care about going. They just like the ride and seeing new things. That’s why you walk your dog, take them to dog parks or dog friendly beach areas. Twice in one week we had incidents in our local grocery store where it started to look like a doggie meet and greet! One dog just wanted to lay down on the cool tile floor and began growling at customers who had to squeeze by him. This was because the owner kept making him get up and move to the next stop. There are people who are afraid of big dogs after being attacked and shouldn’t have to experience them while shopping and this big guy was baring teeth and growling loudly. Another incident involved two well behaved, large dogs. The store was packed and it made one of the dogs nervous I suppose. Someone had accidently brushed that dog with their cart as the other dog was passing a crossing isle and he lunged at the other dog. They couldn’t get them apart! The attacked dog (a small breed) died on sight from its injuries. The sounds I heard that day…I still have nightmares 😳

  38. Gee wilks

    I love bringing my falcon Baltar to the Publix . He is really good trained bird . When I need something from the other side I send him off to the other aisle . Them pesky dogs make him hungry and sometimes he picks up and eats them . I just think leave my falcon at home but he is so helpful in gathering food. It is quite funny to see them dive bomb their poop at people .I definitely think falcons are a way better pet . #keepfalconsinpublx

  40. Nigel Priestley

    Dogs are here to teach us unconditional love. Looking at most of these comments they seem so petty and out of proportion. Dogs are not meant to stay home they are social creatures …..Europeans allow dogs everywhere and their societies seem to function. Where is the outrage about guns being allowed everywhere …..?

    1. Mandy

      Guns AREN’T allowed everywhere. If you can’t leave your dog alone for a few hours then you should stay home with it. Have your groceries or whatever else delivered.

  42. James Jolly

    I am an amputee with a servive dog who is 1000% more attentive towards me due to some dumb ass Villagers to ask me stupid questions. Im surre Publix is well aware of the ADA act. So i will continue to take him with me anywhere. Also, my dog is cleaner than some people and most kids.

  43. Mercedes

    The best news in a long time! I have complained so many times to the managers about people with dogs in the deli area. I hope this will make Publix where shopping is a pleasure again!

  44. Robin

    People carry more germs than pets. I work at Winn Dixie and we welcome well-behaved pets. Sometimes they’re an only friend to people and keep them calm. I but dog treats for our regular customers with dogs. I’ve read some of the comments. I’ve never seen a dog “licking” the food, etc. I like Publix but what next? The owner also supports white supremacy so there you go!

  46. Tracy

    As someone with a genuine task trained service dog, I think it’s about time places cracked down on this. I see too many nuisance dogs when out doing shopping etc All none pet friendly places need to do the same everywhere.

  47. DESPOINA VLYSIDOU

    Dissemination agenst Peole with Disabilities 🤬👎👎👎 Protest with your money, don’t. Go to any place that does not welcome your service Dog You don’t need to give them your business thank God there’s more trees in Forest
    a Geat big forest

  48. Meme Davis

    Thank you so much for making this because I have an allergic to dogs and I do not want them in the grocery stores walking around unless they are absolutely need it. Hair getting everywhere and licking.

  49. JP

    I actually work in a public store in Highlands County (Central Florida). It also disgusts me that people think that dogs are so clean they can bring them in a supermarket with raw and cooked food. Not considering another factor, that many people are have animal allergies. As an employee, we are not allowed to say anything to these people. And, the managers only say some thing when the dog is in the cart. Not when they’re 15 feet on a leash away from them or in a purse. A service animal does not stray or move or wander around. It stays right next to the owner quietly waiting. And everyone including employees saying how cute they are and trying to pet them, etc. is ridiculous as well. When I saw those big signs, I was very happy. Until I read that they are only in South Florida. I am truly hoping that this policy will be in all of our stores. We do not want to end up like Winn-Dixie.

  52. Rosemarie

    It’s about time! I wish all stores would do this.
    I was in a Home Depot when a fight broke out between 2 big dogs.
    When my granddaughter was little, she was petrified of animals. We left many stores without needed supplies because someone had their dog with them.
    On one occassion, I was in a Macy’s and a woman had her small dog with her on a lease. The dog proceeded to urinate on a display of men’s clothing. She walked off as if nothing happened. Terrible!
    As a side note, I’ve been a pet owner all my life.

  54. Unknown

    Yeah I’ll believe that when I see it all these elderly people don’t give a shit bringing there dogs in stores and grocery stores like come on! That’s just gross then they make it so ACTUAL service dogs are hard for employees to decipher because they will go oj Amazon and get there little rat dog a “emotion support vest.” Without any training and even get service animal vests and it’s ridiculous!

  56. Felicia D Banks

    I totally agree because it could very well become a liability for Publix due to the fact that someone’s pet could bite or hurt someone and clearly there is a store policy that states only service animals. This needs to be enforced in Pinellas County Florida as well. People have gotten out of hand when it comes to this and they feel the rules do not apply to them.

  57. Peggy

    It’s about time something is done I have a dog but I don’t take him grocery shopping. I’ve even seen dogs pee and poop in the stores. Some of the dogs look dirty. Publix has a reputation of clean and service oriented stores.

  59. truby McCaffrey

    I am 💯 behind no support dogs being allowed in all grocery stores and restaurants. What support do you need to buy food. I don’t want dog hairs in my produce. People have allergies. I am lucky not to, animals don’t belong with food choices.

  60. Joyce Menusan

    It is about time that public’s take a strong stand against having animals in their stores. It is nasty. I have had dogs bark suddenly behind me and scaring the daylights out of me and I am 79 years of age.

  62. Phyllis Dearden

    Thank GOD someone is taking action. To many people are taking their dogs in stores that should not . Service animals are for those that have PTSD, blind, seizures. Not emotional. Just my opinion. I have seen people who are holding their animals over the meat case ( how unhealthy is that) I have seen two pitfalls be brought into a store… really. I like animals but not over food that I might be buying. Hope all stores start doing this.

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