In Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, South Florida, Readers Say Publix Made Right Move After BocaNewsNow Reports. Now There’s A Call For All Businesses To Follow…
Trader Joe’s … Aldi … Costco … WALMART Next?
BY: ANDREW COLTON | Editor and Publisher
BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2023 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — When Publix bowed to pressure last week placed on the company by BocaNewsNow.com, which for more than a year published photos of shoppers with dogs that were clearly not legitimate “service animals” in its stores, the chain receive accolades from customers tired of buying food that had been sniffed, licked, or potentially defecated on by four-legged visitors. Now, there’s a call by BocaNewsNow.com readers for all stores to follow the lead set by Publix, and a constant request for those who claim they need “emotional support animals” to make it through a shopping trip to just stay home.
“Congrats to Boca News Now for terrific reporting that helps our community,” wrote one of more than 1000 readers who submitted comments. “You serve as a great resource and have impacted all of us for the better. Publix reaction to your reporting is respectable. Laws exist for a reason and apply to all people. Thanks.”
“I am a Vietnam Veteran,” wrote another. “I have a service dog with a letter on (department of defense) letterhead from my psychiatrist that because of my PTSD and other Health problems that I needed this dog. But there are two places I will never take my dog. To a grocery store or a restaurant. People do not know that by not following the rules, it causes problems for those of us who have legal service dogs. It’s as bad as taking up a handicapped parking space. It’’s about time someone stepped up and followed the rules.”
The rules are clear under federal and state law. You can’t bring a pet into a supermarket or restaurant unless it’s a trained service dog. And ESA’s are NOT trained service dogs, even if you buy a vest that says “Service Dog” from Amazon.com. That reality is frustrating shoppers who felt it was okay to bring a pet into a food store by merely claiming it was an emotional support animal. But that led to several responses like this:
“People who need ESA’s in a supermarket are bonkers,” wrote a reader. “Food can be delivered. Most supermarkets will bring food to your car. You don’t need to bring your dog into a store in 2023. There’s just no need. Stay home. It’s strange that you need an emotional support animal, yet are in such need of attention that you need to bring your animal into stores where it just doesn’t belong.”
“Airlines finally caught on to the (emotional support animal) scam. It’s time all stores did as well. It’s against the law. And the people who bring their animals into a market or a restaurant are clearly so disturbed that they shouldn’t be allowed to leave their home.”
Publix’s new signs state federal law — you can’t bring a pet inside, and emotional support animals are pets. The only animals legally allowed in a Publix — or any supermarket or restaurant: service animals. That includes a dog that is trained to provide a specific function like detect epileptic seizures or provide visual support. It also includes miniature horses that provides legitimate medical-related services. It does not include fluffy doggies that you make you feel warm and fuzzy when you pet them.
Publix would not speak about its new enforcement on the record, but several managers contacting BocaNewsNow.com confirm that they will “trespass” violators — that means law enforcement could be called to remove violators.
“It’s about time,” wrote another reader. “People like to say that dogs are like children. They are not. They are dogs. They have no business in a store. They should be limited to houses and dog parks. That’s it.”
“I keep reading that people write about how hot it is and that they can’t leave their dog in their car while they go shopping, and they ask what they’re supposed to do. It’s so easy. Leave your dog at home and solve the problem. If you are so crazy that you can’t buy milk without your dog in your arms, have the milk delivered.”
What do you think about a call for all Emotional Support Animals to be kept at home? Share your thoughts, below. If you have a photo to submit, please use our new BNN-ARS, BocaNewsNow.com Animal Reporting System. Click this link. We remind our readers that there is no expectation of privacy in a public place.
South Florida wakes up to South Florida’s First News with Andrew Colton weekdays, 6-10 a.m., on NewsRadio 610 WIOD Miami/Fort Lauderdale. South Florida’s #1 English-Language commercial radio news show is also simulcast on 105.9 HD2, and streams live in the iHeart Radio App.
107 responses to “Shoppers Needing Emotional Support Dogs Should Stay Home, According To Readers”
Sent in pictures before. People are selfish
As a disabled person with a service dog I am very glad that Publix is now following federal regulations by banning ESAs. However, I think the writer should remember that ANY breed of dog can be a legitimate service dog. Even toy breeds have proven themselves as service dogs depending on the tasks they need to perform. Being small, fluffy and cute aren’t automatic disqualifiers any more than not being a GSD or a Lab or a Golden Retriever. (Just FYI, my service dog in training is a Great Pyrenees, not a toy breed.)
You’re right, of course, that any breed can be a legitimate service animal. I think the writer’s reference to “fluffy doggies that make you feel warm and fuzzy when you pet them” was just a clumsy attempt to distinguish between “pets” and actual service animals.
It’s disgusting when the dogs are placed in the shopping carts , and I have to put my bread in it, or dogs by the bakery smelling the bread , or by the vegetables, an addition hair flies all over, I have seen dogs peeing in the grocery store, totally un acceptable
As I am disabled, I have service dogs.How ever I don’t feel a need for them in public stores unless, you are a person that is blind or needs the animal in that kind of situation. THE PROBLEM IS THAT SOME PEOPLE ABUSE THE LAWS THAT ARE THERE FOR THOSE WHO NEED THE HELP.
The ADA is the problem here. If a person calls any animal a service animal you are not allowed to question it. People know this and claim their pets are service animals. As a hotelier I have to allow them and my guests with animal allergies are required to suffer through it. The ADA needs to be changed. They should concede that documentation is needed to prove service animal status.
Sorry Stann, but the ADA isn’t the problem, the problem is the lack of understanding that hoteliers and other business owners/managers have of the ADA there are two questions that you can ask service dog handlers. Service dogs are also required to be under control of their handlers and well behaved at all times and you can expell an animal that is either not under control or well behaved. Businesses routinely fail to educate themselves and train their employees.
ESAs and let’s do not belong in public places that are not pet friendly. With that said, there are many disabled handlers with task trained service dogs that are carried in slings, or sometimes even held. Service dogs can do many task including tasks from a sling or while held etc. There is no law that says a SD can’t be carried and ADA even states they can be carried. It is up to the disabled handler to use what method works best for them. The general public has no right to question someone about their disability or what task the service animal does. My service dog is task trained and not an ESA , she works mainly with all four on the floor but there are times she is in my arms for tactile stimulation or other trained tasks.
While I do believe we have a problem with people bringing in pets and ESAs when they shouldn’t be, we also have a problem with people judging before they know facts and harassing disabled people with legitimately trained service animals because they have e their opinion that a SD can’t be carried or needs to have a certain vest or certain breed.
Did this news reporter verify if these animals in the photo were ESAs wrongly in a business or did you just de use to use photos of people without permissions “assuming” they were wrongly there when in reality some may have been task trained service dogs???
Yes there’s a problem that needs to be fixed but not at the expense of harassment to legitimate teams that don’t fit what the personal opinions mold as legitimate when there are so many different ways a SD can help people, different tasks, different breeds, different training tools and methods etc
The ADA is the problem. People frequently make up answers to the two legal questions allowed, and I have seen it firsthand. People lie all the time. And I do believe that others have a right to know what a service animal does and what the disability is because you are bringing an animal into a place where it could affect others. Especially people with asthmatic allergies whos breathing is compromised due to pet dander in the air. Who’s disability is more important then? Service Animals shouldn’t even be in places that serve food or public enclosed buildings due to those who have breathing issues when in contact with animal danger. We need better accomodations for disabled people that aren’t animals, so no one’s health or life is at risk.
NGL I have an ESA dog. Technically he could be a service dog as he does complete specific tasks. For example I have PTSD, if he sees that I am getting anxious he immediately will leave his bed and come put his head on my lap. If I don’t acknowledge him at that point he will then nudge me. If that is not acknowledged he will then pull my arm. If that is not acknowledged he will then escalate to placing his whole body on me. He knows when I am having a Flashback episode and he tries to de-escalate it by taking those steps. Once he notices I am fully ingulfed in a Flashback he lays on me and puts pressure on me until I decompress. All that being said. He is a 200lb English Mastiff and even though he is well behaved I am not taking him with me to a restaurant or store. He is too big for all that.
If you need an emotional support dog, you should stay home and order your grocery and food take out on line.
There are people who are afraid of dogs and allergic to them.
I’m one of those folks allergic to dog hair in most dogs, cats also for that matter. No reason I should be exposed to a dog in a supermarket or restaurant unless they are a true service dog. And then, I would ask to be seated far away so I won’t have a breathing issue. Just common sense here. I’m not afraid to flat out ask anyone why they feel they need to break the law & have their animal in the store or restaurant and let them know it’s selfish & makes them look entitled. If they do these things in public, they deserve to be called out on it…nicely though. We can all be civil & get along unless that other person is a Karen…or Ken. Then, we’re going to have an issue.
Bottom line here, folks, let’s all do the right thing here. It’s not to much to ask really…be courteous and obey the law!
Yes Publix has new signs but the Publix on military and melaucca does not enforce it
When I questioned a manager he said that he is not allowed to challenge anyone
When I tried to take a picture of the offending pet and owner this manager stopped me and escorted me out of the store
Why are some Publix managers catering to the whims of a vey small minority of people who want to bring emotional support animals into a food store? They should worry most about the huge majority of shoppers who don’t bring ESAs into stores. Their health and hygiene needs should be honored by Publix. Legitimate service animals are fine. Emotional support animals are not allowed. It’s the law.
I was a Publix Cust. Serv. Mgr for 20 years. It’s not that we don’t want to enforce the law, it’s that the law works both ways. There are laws protecting people’s private medical conditions. Legally we are allowed to ask whether or not it is a service animal, but we are not legally allowed to ask for any proof or documentation. Therefore if we ask and they say it is a service animal, there is nothing more we can legally do.
Also, it is impossible to tell if a dog is a service animal. Even the small fluffy ones like this article talked about might just be able to detect when their owner is about to have a seizure or is about to faint. Therefore we have to give them the benefit of the doubt when they tell us it is a service animal.
The worst thing is when I see the animal, I approach and they tell me it’s a service animal, then I’m called 5 or 6 times to the service counter because customers wants to complain that there is a dog in the store and I’m not doing anything about it. So now one customer is mad at me for ‘treating them like a criminal when they are protected by the ADA,’ and 6 others are mad at me for ‘refusing to do anything about it.’ Retail management is tough. Everyday someone threatens to call corporate to try and get you fired because you had the audacity to do your job. You end up spending so much time just trying not to get fired… it makes it hard to take the time to try making shopping a pleasure.
I love my company, still a proud Publix owner, but I’m so glad I retired a year ago!
Then you take a photo of the managers name tag and send it in to the corporate office. That’s exactly what I will be doing. Nobody will be escorting me out of any grocery store.
Then stay home, it’s so disgusting having a dog where it’s food around un acceptable
If you don’t take the dog just to go to a grocery shopping you won’t die believe me it is on your head then send somebody or don’t take the dog
Paul, totally unacceptable what that manager did. What about your rights as a customer who didn’t break the law? Unfrickin’ believable is all I can say. This is a real sore spot for me since I’m very allergic to dog & cat hair & try my hardest never to be around them. Even our kids got a hairless cat as they knew I wouldn’t be able to come over had they not done that.
Just hope you did something about how you were unfairly treated…your rights were trampled on as you did nothing wrong here!
We will publish the name and photo of any employee — anywhere — who prevents the photographing of a criminal act in a store that is open to the public. You can use the “Animal Reporting” tab above, you can email news(at)BOCANEWSNOW.com, or you can text 561-576-NEWS (6397).
See, this here is where it is a double edge sword. So many comments about ‘people just need to follow the law and respect the rules.’ Publix is a privately owned company, its stores are private property. We have rules that must be followed for us to allow you to be in the store. One of them is no emotional support animals, but not taking photos or video inside our stores is another one.
So, yes, taking a photo might get you escorted out. Two wrongs don’t make a right, just please, everyone, follow all rules and be kind to each other.
20 year Publix CSMgr
Paul, I hope you got that managers name and emailed your complaint to Publix corporate office about your experience. I have contacted them on several occasions and they ALWAYS responded to me within a day’s time and my experience did not reach the level that yours did. I am sure they would want to know about this.
I take my dogs to the dog park on weekends. Sometimes I need to stop at the store and in winter I can because it is safe to leave them in the car. In summer due to the heat I take them home first then go shopping. Is it less convenient? Absolutely but it doesn’t justify lying and saying it is a support animal. It is time to start enforcement of the law against pets in stores.
What about dirty stinky diaper babies in the shopping cart?
I’d rather have a person with a calm controlled dog than the pack of uncontrolled kids that nearly knocked me down yesterday. They were screaming, running up and down the aisles, tore open a package of cookies even… When a store employee approached them and asked where their mother was, they all started to cry. Very loudly. Mom finally showed up after being paged, about 5 minutes. She was mad as a wet hen her babies were being treated so dreadfully. 4 kids, maybe 5 to 10. The youngest had a dirty diaper that was oozing out the sides.
The older kids smirked when mama was berating the employee.
Yep, I prefer a dog. Or mini horse. Or anything that is quiet and does not defecate on the floor.
Don’t be a child hating Karen Doreen. Even a dirty diaper is cleaner than the parasitic backside of a dog. And children are people, which are more important than animals and cannot be compared in worth.
Whats with all the hate on these animals. Most of them are better behaved then humans. Stay home if you don’t want to see fur babies and shame on anyone who leaves a pet in the car for a quick “run” in the store in this extreme heat. How about we shift the focus to how crappy customer service has gotten and how rude people are, ESPECIALLY in Boca.
It’s not about hating the dogs, it’s about respecting the laws. If you want dogs in grocery stores then change the law. You can’t just pick and chose the laws you want to ignore.
Good job of deflecting!
Donna, nobody is questioning what you said in your comment about the pretentious people living in So.Florida, not sure why one person thinks they are better than another, but the law is the law when it comes to animals which aren’t true Service Animals by definition. If a person truly can not leave the house for one hour out of 24 then they truly should seek in-person care from a behavioral health hospital. I am not a trained professional, and this statement is only my personal opinion.
Your post just shows where the real problem is! Amazing that you honestly think that you’re in the right here! Seriously, where’s your common sense in this matter??? The rudeness of people is coming out of your mouth while you wrote what you did! Shame on folks like you who feel they are entitled to break the law, who think they are above the rest of us! Why assume folks who disagree with you hate animals? Kind of a big stretch there I’d say. It’s painfully obvious that you were not raised to have good manners which is disturbing on many levels. And honestly, there seem to be many of you folks who lack the common courtesy on this issue. It’s very sad how some people just don’t get it.
Next time, do us all a favor and stay home & order your food if you can’t go to the market without your animal!
Totally agree!! 👍🏼👍🏼
How about “we” focus on obeying the law, even if it’s not convenient? By your logic, I can run a stop sign or a red light if I “need” to, right?
Donna, you do understand that people have allergies to animal dander and fur, right? I mean, it’s a simple concept, so I’m sure you can grasp it. No one should have to have their throat close up because some pretentious narcissist thinks their dog is the bees knees. It does NOT belong in a grocery store. Period.
Why ,before you say so. A dog walking by is not gonna cause you any harm. It’s not like the dog is rubbing on you or anything like that.dounfs like your just as selfish as you say someone needing a helping hand, by making use of a good dog. Please, don’t judge people. Only God can do that.
Cindy, a dog just walking by can send people into an asthmatic attack where their airways close up and they need hospitalization. I know many people like this including myself. Be considere.
Donna – Bet you are a big MAGA Republican / Traitor Trump supporter, as both Independents and Democrats would never post such a insensitive comment like yours. FACT : MILLIONS of Americans are allergic to dogs (and cats too), and the rest of us do not want to see your dirty, disgusting, disease-and-germ ridden pets licking, pawing, peeing and crapping on food products we are about to purchase and consume, just because Republicans like you are totally self-centered, selfish, out of touch with reality and do not respect Federal laws or agencies.
Why are you turning this into a Republican Democrat issue? You are very disturbed.
These dogs don’t pee on or lick food products. What is wrong with you.you must be a Gen z. Your the selfish one. Maybe you should try walking in someone else’s shoes for a fay,or even a night in someone that needs assistance. HAVE their nightmares.
Turning it political is their only defense because they have no merit in their words. Service dogs keep some people alive. Just as you have allergies I have TBI from military service overseas and I can have life threatening seizures. Take an allergy pill and get off your political soap box. Your ignorance is apparent.
Donna… it’s not about hating on the animals, it’s about health issues! Grow up! It’s about fleas, ticks, mange, people’s allergies etc.. why do we treat animals better than human beings? Is this what the world has come to now? We’re more concerned about animals than people? Shame on you!
It is NOT POLITICAL!
THIS IS ABOUT OBEYING THE LAW
It’s not about fleas and ticks either gets some knowledge before you speak on a subject. You can’t get fleas or ticks or have alegy issues, from walking into same store with a dog. Get a life. My service dog is smarter and has better manners than you
I feel if you that emotional stay home with your dog you can do online shopping no dogs should be allowed except Service Dogs people be buying those vest on Amazon saying service dog one thing about service dogs they are train animals
First of all service dogs are very expensive! I can’t afford to pay for a service dog at the price of 15-20 thousand dollars! Can you? Telling me to stay home if I want to shop? Having a disability is hard enough and to be told you aren’t welcome at a store.. wow!
There are ways that people in financial need can obtain a service dog, either at a discount or no cost. Search the internet to find organizations that can help.
Okay what if every customer brought their pets in the Supermarket or Restaurant, do you want to have to have to dodge poop and pee everywhere. What if the pet gets sick are you going to clean it up. Anywhere there is food for human consumption has always been No Animals Allowed, you are all a bunch of whiners .
Simple answer then Stacey is to just leave your dog at home. Or find an organization that can help you afford one. Your rights here don’t trump everybody else’s, hate to tell you. Am truly sorry that you have issues but we all have issues in life that we have to deal with, you are not special in this! We’re all just trying to do the best we can. By bringing furry animals into these kind of places affects my breathing and unfortunately, your rights do not hold anymore weight then mine do. Even in Boca Raton where it seems that me, me, me is all folks seem to care about!!!
Sorry, but this subject really gets to me and how some feel entitled to break the law here…because they can!
I agree , my dog was given to me because I am a combat veteran .
I think pets need to stay home. I can’t tell you how many times we have had to leave a store due to my husband’s asthma being triggered by animals. People need to realize that there may be truly goods reasons for there animal not to be in a public place.
Suzie, I couldn’t agree with you more. And the next criticism will be that how can you not be allergic to service dogs. Simple answer I give folks is that there isn’t near the quantity of service dogs in the US as are paraded through our stores down here. If it were ONLY service dogs that were coming into the supermarkets, you wouldn’t see them nearly as often as we currently do. The privilege down here is absolutely nauseating. I lived for 14 years in Colorado which is a VERY dog friendly state. It was rare if EVER that we saw a non-service dog in the supermarket and we NEVER saw a dog inside a restaurant. People in Colorado are respectful of others around them.
I think pets need to stay home. I can’t tell you how many times we have had to leave a store due to my husband’s asthma being triggered by animals. People need to realize that there may be truly good reasons for their animal not to be in a public place.
I currently have ESA, I do take her into restaurants and stores. I purposely chose a small compact non-shedding animal so the dander would not affect others in public. We did extensive training from the time that she was in puppy class to adulthood, to become good certified and therapy dog trained. As someone whose profession has them work exclusively from home, after the pandemic I have developed issues leaving my home. To have Betty Lou with me many times is the difference between me getting out and being in the house for 2 weeks, even if that means I’m just going to the grocery store. Because it is so easy to be have everything delivered, it’s very easy to never have to leave the house. Those who are not monopolizing the system now being targeted, rather than gather at
Anonymous, why do you think you are special and can break the law?
No dog is hypoallergenic, that is a marketing plot and is 100% false. Please stop taking your dog into public places where it could send an asthmatic to the hospital.
You people are all ignorant. Dogs are like children. You sometimes want to hang out with your children. The same with the dogs. No people with dogs as company do not need to stay home. You other people should be the ones to stay home. Because supermarkets are like any other public place, and public places are for everybody, not just people. All animals should be allowed everywhere. If you don’t like it, then you are the ones that should stay home.
The problem with your line of thinking is that it’s against the law to have live animals in most stores except for legitimate service dogs. It’s not necessarily a matter of other people’s preferences or dislikes. If you bring an emotional support animal into a food store or restaurant, you are breaking the law. If you don’t like the law, work with your state legislators to get it changed. No one is above the law.
Sorry Jo, there is a law in place about dogs in supermarkets…what part of that do you not understand? Maybe you feel you are above the law but got news for ya…you are not! Not sure where your sense of entitlement came from but seriously, leave the attitude at the front door and act like a human being. I know in the times we live in, breaking the law seems to be cool with some folks but truthfully, it just makes you look bad. Makes you look like a Karen!!!
You want to “hang out” with your dog? Do it at home and not in a “public place where it is against the law”! It’s not a difficult concept now is it!
Look in the mirror…then you’ll see ignorant staring back at you! Again, there are laws about bringing dogs into supermarkets no matter what you think on this subject!
Sorry Johanna, I’m not going to let your little furbaby land me in the ICU when I just want to get food to feed my family. My allergy trumps your feelings.
Ignorance is not understanding that a GROCERY STORE that sells FRESH FOOD is not like any other public place (though Publix is, in fact, privately-owned, but that’s another subject of your ignorance), and animals pose a health and safety risk when they act aggressively toward people, are placed in areas that food comes into contact with (like shopping carts), or defecate in a store. All of these situations have happened at the store I work at. It’s not fair to other shoppers, and it’s not fair to associates. Spend time with your babies at home, at the park, at the pet store…but not at the grocery store. It’s against the law, for good reason.
I have a spinal birth defect, I have to use a walker in order to walk. I was in a store, an entitled customer had 2 dogs on really long leashes, one got between the wheels of my walker tripping me. Now please tell me how her right to have her dogs there trumped my right to safely shop with my walker that I require
I’ve had 2 ESAs in my life as I’ve suffered from PTSD. Both have had doctor’s letters. I would never take them into a grocery store or any other store that doesn’t allow them. At the same time, I am fearful that should I have an episode and my dog is not there to warn or comfort me, I would be less likely to come out of the episode as quickly. Having my ESA allows me freedom of movement outside of my house and that should be respected. I don’t want to be shut in.
My dog is well-behaved, trained and has hair, not fur. I respect others and should be treated in kind.
Under current ADA rules, service animal can only be a dog.
Mr. Ash, I am following up on an incorrect statement. The actual law allows miniature horses…… Service Animals. The rule defines “service animal” as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. The rule states that other animals, whether wild or domestic, do not qualify as service animals. Dogs that are not trained to perform tasks that mitigate the effects of a disability, including dogs that are used purely for emotional support, are not service animals. The final rule also clarifies that individuals with mental disabilities who use service animals that are trained to perform a specific task are protected by the ADA. The rule permits the use of trained miniature horses as alternatives to dogs, subject to certain limitations. To allow flexibility in situations where using a horse would not be appropriate, the final rule does not include miniature horses in the definition of “service animal.” I am a retired Florida Quality Assurance and Training Inspector in Florida Food Inspection. To slightly change the subject, many corporate entities will restrict their managers in enforcing many of the DOJ-ADA service animal regulations due to the liabilities attached to lawsuits if not handled correctly.
The Publix in the Polo Shopping Center on Military Trail in Boca has not posted a sign – like the one above – in their store. Wish it would happen soon. That store looks like a dog park.
I was raised in Pompano Beach and proudly in what was a civil and courteous Boca Raton. I now live on the North Shore just north of Boston. The audacity of the entitlement that the newcomers to Boca Raton foist on other residents is appalling. I am now over 70 and have an Emotional Support Dog which helps me with my PTSD from service to our country in Vietnam. I would never take my dog to a grocery store or any place which serves food and then claim some privileges which would impact others. Shame on these ignorant bastards for the crap they are getting away with. I loved the civilized old Boca Raton and I am forever proud my family’s contributions to city yet sadly I’ll not come back.
I knew your family. My father started the Deerfield Beach Bank back in the early 50’s. My children were raised in a lovely Boca would not live there now I too have a loved little fur baby who does not go to Publix Fair is fair
I’m 65 years old. I never saw all this emotional support animal proliferation until the last 5 years.
Every time you are food shopping, eating at a restaurant, or shopping at the mall someone is coming in with a dog 🐶.
I love dogs but they have their places , food stores , restaurants and retail stores are not those places.
Needless to say , seeing eye dogs are exempt from these regulations and rightfully so.
I applaud Publix for putting a stop to having dogs in stores and restaurants. I am sick and tired of people thinking dogs have the same rights as children. Dogs are not humans and should stay where they belong. I am also sick of people bringing their dogs to my house.
Thanks Eileen for your comment. It’s short & to the point. Am hoping people read it & finally get it. Seems like a few here really need things dumbed down for them to understand! Thanks again and totally agree.
Really folks – bringing your emotional dog to a food store or restaurant. Shame on you. It seems to be a new fad. Where did you keep your emotional dog before you decided to bring it out with you especially to a food store or restaurant? You kept it home and that’s where it should stay when you go out food shopping or to a restaurant. I wonder how Publix’s food store and the other stores would feel if we said we would no longer shop there. Hmm
Keep the filthy yappy snappy accessory mutts home. Real service animals are the only ones that have any business in stores, on public transit, etc. Bring a stuffed toy if you’re that fragile…
As a Publix associate, I’m grateful Publix is finally doing something to enforce this law. I’ve watched customers’ dogs bark and snap at associates and other shoppers. One dog had an accident in a cart, and one of our baggers had to clean the poop up and disinfectant the cart. Bringing your pet into a grocery store is ridiculous and wrong for so many reasons. Customers and associates should be able to shop and work without being frightened and snapped at by animals. Our associates should be bagging your groceries and helping you to your car, not cleaning up your dog’s poop. Grocery carts that are meant for food should not contain hairy, drooling, flea-prone dogs. It’s unsafe and unsanitary. There’s a reason there is a LAW against it.
Maybe none of you have ever been homebound for years at a time, but living in terror of going outside sucks. I do not go to groceries or restaurants with my dog, unless it’s a dog friendly patio. My husband shops for me at the grocery, but if we go together somewhere, I’m fine, but if not together, then I have panic attacks unless I have my dog with me. My dog knows exactly what to do when I have a panic attack and how to calm me down. She’s not certified. So you’re telling people like me that we don’t have a right to go shopping elsewhere and not bring our ESA? Learn about mental disability, you’ve obviously been lucky up until this point.
Do you think it’s ok to break every law that you disagree with? Or only this one?
I think there’s absolutely no harm having behaving pets in stores and restaurants. Especially in carryons or strollers. Please point me to a problem that needs to be solved here. Real one? Some people just like to complain about everything, and they’re loud , although they’re not a majority. I find photographing people on private properties appalling behavior and illegal. This definitely needs to stop!
Stay home with your dog.
Certified Service Animal Owner here. I take mine everywhere I go and she’s what you would call a pocket dog. Including the grocery store and restaurants. Look im a single mom to a young kid. I work and don’t have the assistance of a husband of Healthcare worker. My husband didn’t leave much when he passed away. Some of us NEED our ADA. She let’s me know if I’m about to have a seizure so I can take my medication since you ONLY take it if one’s coming on. Am I not to take my kid to practice? Or not do a quick run to the grocery store because I’m missing an ingredient in a recipe? Some can’t afford Instacart. To say they’re filthy is ridiculous. She’s hypoallergenic. She doesn’t shed. She doesn’t have accidents. She takes flea and worm preventatives. Hell she’s not even touching the floor or the shopping cart. She was praised today at the grocery store for how well behaved she is. But all you nay sayers would throw such a fit if she began to warm me about a seizure since, yes, she would begin to whine and bark until she sees my take my medication. You can’t just make assumptions here people. If you don’t like seeing them – stay home. Why don’t YOU order groceries to the house? Or just mind your business. Or here’s a thought, be kinder to one another. Just some food for thought.
So who gets to decide if the dog can behave?????? You– who saw the dog or animal for 20 seconds? 20 seconds later that same animal can go nuts! A trained service animal (not an emotional assist animal) does NOT bark, growl, sniff or pay attention to any other human or animal–their attention is to the person that they are trained to assist. Been on airplanes when they USE TO ALLOW emotional assist animals on board and have seen flight attendants and other passengers growled at, barked at and even bitten just walking down the aisle because the dog was frightened they were to close. SERVICE ANIMALS do NOT do that! You and every other person who condones breaking the law just makes it harder on the animals that are REALLY trained to assist.
Well, the people who made that law disagree with you. Dogs are not babies who need strollers hon! And if you are breaking a law on public property, you should have no issue being photographed. Own your behavior and don’t force your misguided ideas on the rest of us! And the real problem is folks bringing dogs into restaurants & supermarkets when they know it’s against the law. Your lack of thinking and caring about others is really out of control here.
P.S. Folks who put their pups in a baby stroller look a bit crazy…I have to question their mental capacity here…dogs are not babies and definitely should be treated like the animals they are!!!
I am allergic to dogs and cats. If I go into a supermarket and have a cart that a dog was sat in, I suffer as they are not disinfected after each use. These pet owners do not think of the damage that they do to the next (human) shopper as they are selfish people. My allergies are severe as that of a nut allergy.
A dog is a dog. It has 4 legs for a reason, to walk. Not be in a stroller. For animal lovers, it seems they are doing more harm then good to put their furry friends in a stroller of any kind.
I will gladly suffer for a true service animal as that person needs the assistance. If you are so emotionally unstable, I would not want to be near you in public. Stay home where your emotional support animal can comfort you in private.
Next time you have a concern whether an alleged animal is really a service animal or not, ask the animal’s owner ” what is the animal trained to do”. That question is legally permitted. Service animals are trained to render a specific service needed by the owner. 9 times out of 10, the response will reveal whether the claim of service animal is legitimate.
Unfortunately, this is causing people to think it’s ok to attack others without provocation. I accompanied my husband to Walmart on Sunday to purchase a battery for his truck. I am not a fan of Walmart & didn’t have a need to enter the store. But I also did not want to wait in the hot car with my dog. My goal was to sit out side my car. While exiting the car, a young woman pulled up to us & started screaming at me. Called me gross & disgusting for bringing my dog to Walmart. Accused me of breaking the law. She did this in such a vile & costic way, she completely caught me off guard. There are those of us who follow the law to the letter. Being on the receiving end of some nut case who should have minded her own business is pure insanity. Your news organization along with all of the internet platforms have brought this issue to an unnecessary level. I do live in Boca & find it highly offensive to be grouped in as Boca Rudetone. This State has too many other very important issues that need resolution. If there are certain retailers & restaurants that are pet friendly than so be it. Those that are not, I avoid. Being attacked in a parking lot for not doing anything wrong is absolutely unacceptable!
It’s long overdue
What universe do people live in where dogs are constantly filthy, covered in fleas and ticks, walking around defecating and licking everything? The idea that dogs are inherently filthy creatures, spreading disease and filth everywhere they go, speaks more to me about who the people thinking that are and how they likely treat their animals than to anything else.
I train animals for a living. That includes service animals. I understand that some people are allergic to some animals, and that being in an area where animals are present may be a problem for them, but unless someone is truly severely immunocompromised…dogs do not pose any great to the average (non-allergic) person. Dogs who live with humans, especially dogs who live indoors with humans, shouldn’t be dirty and are incredibly unlikely to have any illness that could be spread to humans (unlike cats.) By contrast, many children get sick every year and are dragged around grocery stores, coughing and sneezing, often with uncovered faces, because toddlers tend to not understand why covering their face when they cough or sneeze is important. No one complains about that, even though that’s exactly how human illnesses are spread, which poses a very real threat to significantly more people. Dogs are VERY EASILY taught how to behave in public. They’re easily trained to go to the bathroom on command, and to never go indoors, regardless of where indoors they are, and it’s arguably much simpler to teach a dog basic manners than it is to teach the same to humans, especially adult humans.
If people actually think that simply being in the presence of a dog is dirty or may have any impact at all on the cleanliness of the food they may buy…then they may not want to know how food is commercially produced, how much feces is allowed in animal products, or how often fresh vegetables and fruit are recalled due to e-coli or salmonella from the workers.
But perhaps most importantly is that there are some 89 million dogs in the US, and a minimum of 4 million people bitten by dogs every year. The vast vast majority of those bites can be prevented by properly training, socializing, and exercising dogs. Dogs CANNOT be socialized at home, and contrary to what the average person seems to believe, dog parks are not good or appropriate places for socialization or training (but they ARE great places for dogs to pick up communicable diseases and physical dirt.)
We, as a society, have become so enamored with the idea of having something to be mad about 24/7 that we’ve forgotten that the world doesn’t actually resolve around us. What a sad way to live.
What part of the law don’t you understand here? And last I looked, restaurants & supermarkets are not for animals, they are for HUMAN BEINGS!!! A service dog, a certified service dog, is one thing and we all get that. But all others have no place in our stores. Petco or Petsmart…sure, but nowhere else.
I’m concerned really that such a simple concept is being made to be so important? We are a country where we live by certain laws. We all have to follow them & can’t pick & choose which we will or wont. So Ash, please remember that the world doesn’t revolve around all animal owners either. Think that’s a concept that even you should be able to understand!
Amen you said it all!
ITS ABOUT TIME THIS IS TAKING PLACE. I AM A PET LOVER AND HAVE IN THE PAST HAD DOGS AND EVEN CATS. I HAVE A BIRD NOW SO YOU KNOW I AM NOT AGAINST ANIMALS BUT I HAVE SEEN PEOPLE PUT THE DOG IN A SHOPPING CART. I DID COMPLAIN ABOUT IT. THERE IS NO REASON TO TAKE THE DOG TO ANY FOOD STORE LIKE PUBLIC OR BJS OR COSTCO WALMART ETC.
THANK YOU PUBLIC
Today (8/21) I saw a big sign at the entrance to Publix saying “No Pets Allowed” then went back to the sandwich area and guess what I saw? Yep. A lady (40s) with a 30+lb dog. If nobody enforces the rules then what’s the point of having a sign?
Josephs Market allows dogs. Well it seems like they do..
That may fly in Boca, but in Austin, TX no way! We have areas in restaurants specifically for dogs. Menus for the pups. Even a dog food kitchen that make gourmet food for your pets.
I take my 25lb pup to the grocery store, Target, Home Depot, Bath & Bodyworks and I have never been asked to remove him from any store. He is 2 years old & much better behaved than some children I’ve seen.
Yes, mind too. These folks are a bunch of cry babies. Not to mention rude. They have no idea what others go through daily.
If that’s legal in Austin, happy for you!
This whole issue has to do more about LACK OF RESPECT for a law rather than judging people who apparently love being with their pets!
THE FOLLOWING IS NOT A DEFLECTIVE OPINION. READ!
How many of the people condemning the person who yes, is breaking a law ( where it is indeed illegal)by bringing their pet into somewhere they are prohibited ……OBEY. Speed limits, use their turn signals, stop at STOP SIGNS and red lights, text and drive, hold their damn cell phone EVERY WHERE while driving, park in emergency lanes etc??
How many of these SAME people keep their property in a condition in violation of the law and one that adversely affects their neighbors??
I’m not condoning the violation of any law.
Currently too many people have chosen to redefine the word freedom as anarchy and belligerence, blatantly refusing to obey or protesting ANY regulation in the name of “FREEDOM” ignorantly labeling many laws for the common good with a catchall of “socialism” , when they don’t even know what the word really means??!!!
You have the freedom to try and change the law by getting involved in our democracy but never THE FREEDOM TO BREAK ANY OF OUR LAWS JUST BECAUSE YOU DONT LIKE THEM!
Our pets are loved and cherished members of our family. We think of their welfare and that of people around us before we bring them where can LEGALLY and NEVER bring them where they are NOT.
If you are that pompous you become indignant by being asked to respect the law, THEN DONT DISRESPECT IT IN THE FIRST PLACE!
You’re not special!
No matter YOUR name , sex, religion, race, ethnicity, age, how much money you have, where you live , what purse you carry, watch you wear , the size of the diamond in the ring on your finger or what car you drive!
THE LAW had no provisions nor exceptions for those variables!
Get it?
Hahaha! How pathetic. People really complaining about ESA dogs. Get a life. But I guess Florida is like that.
My Texas Lacy, a service dog-in-training, opens low level cupboard drawers, the sliding closet door, and the refrigerator for me. She is a scenthound that nudges me at my knees when I am at risk of lapsing unconscious from health threatening fumes or contaminant inhalation. If anyone asked me what my dog is trained to do, why and how is my truthful answer supposed to help them? I do not take my dog along to grocery stores and/or restaurants because she reacts yappy towards odoriferous persons, persons who have weed in their pocket or purse, loud shoppers & checkstand persons, and other animals. Other people would not understand that her ‘yappy-ness’ is how she communicates with me. It’s her job to scare away a potential threat to protect me.
Reading these comments gets me very upset! Because you know what is also covered under the ADA? Breathing!! I have severe allergies to pets!! Your emotional support does not trump my right to breath. Only service animals please!! Like it always was. It’s getting ridiculous!
Out of all the newsworthy things to be reporting….I really do not understand this intense frustration with dogs in public places…there are so many worse things going on (and also so many positive things that could be shared in place of this). However, if this is what you all choose to spend your time complaining over… spending each week sharing photos and perseverating on the angst seeing a dog in public causes you…Many times over, people are in worse conditions than dogs: dirty, malodorous, spewing germs without any care for those around them. Sounds like you might need some therapy for this issue that is causing such impairment in your day to day life. But certainly not a therapy dog…that might send you to the moon!
Kudos to Publix and I hope other stores start enforcing their no-pet policies. I can’t tell you how many times me and my service dog has been charged at by people’s pets they feel deserve to go into the store with them.
ESA’s are important tools, but they are not task trained to mitigate their handler’s disabilities. If they were they would be a service dog.
Next step is to do something about law enforcement actually enforcing the laws on the books for service animals.
Certified Service Animal Owner here. I take mine everywhere I go and she’s what you would call a pocket dog. Including the grocery store and restaurants. Look im a single mom to a young kid. I work and don’t have the assistance of a husband of Healthcare worker. My husband didn’t leave much when he passed away. Some of us NEED our ADA. She let’s me know if I’m about to have a seizure so I can take my medication since you ONLY take it if one’s coming on. Am I not to take my kid to practice? Or not do a quick run to the grocery store because I’m missing an ingredient in a recipe? Some can’t afford Instacart – or prefer not to use a grocery service…I personally want to pick my own fruits and veggies! And to say dogs filthy is ridiculous. Mine is hypoallergenic. She doesn’t shed. She doesn’t have accidents. She takes flea and worm preventatives. Hell she doesn’t even touch the grocery floor or the shopping cart. She was just praised today at the grocery store for how well behaved she is. But all you nay sayers would assume shes not a service animal because of her size. You all would throw such a fit if she began to warm me about a seizure since, yes, she would begin to whine until she sees my take my medication. You can’t just make assumptions here people. If you don’t like seeing them, how about YOU stay home? Why don’t YOU order groceries to the house? Or, just mind your business. Or here’s a thought, be kinder to one another. Just some food for thought.
This is so funny. So people who are too mentally weak should stay home without their emotional support animal (which is such a vague name anyway– PTSD is an emotional disorder) but you people with the weakest immune systems and asthma should be entitled to the cleanest, most purified air? Look. You leave the home you risk irritants. You guys sound like snowflakes.. and before you ask or assume, no, I’m not taking my dog everywhere with me. But yall are ignorant just saying “pay a premium to get your food delivered” or forget that people can take their dogs out and then remember they need something from the store real quick. Anyways.. can we get on to real issues?
People won’t understand how it makes you feel and you are unique and there’s a lot of people out there like this that needs their animals even small and close to you animals so very emotional support maybe some people can’t make it through shopping or doing the online thing cuz they don’t understand online
I am frustrated because people with knowledge don’t like to share and they like to be snooty in my humble opinion I am saying anything… Lol I’m new and over 60…lol so forgive me 🙏
People see a Service Dog at grocery store. They then think it is ok to bring in their pet dog (ESA or Therapy dog or just family pet). ONLY TRAINED dogs and Miniature horses are allowed. And these MUST be trained to mitigate the problems directly related to the handlers disability. #1 Trained TASKS.
#2 handler must have disability.
Note: Making the handler feel good is NOT a task!
I think that this is a bunch of Bulls*** our pets are emotional support pets as long as you keep them in your cart and do not let them run around it is okay besides it is legal because you get a a certificate from the Government
Let’s just say, what if there weren’t support animals or if you didn’t have one? What would you do then?
Personally I am not dismayed over seeing dogs in public. But flea infestations can be quite troublesome; and reason enough not to allow dogs inside buildings. I would like to say though, that what seems to be an emotional support dog for some, is actually a medical condition. Those who are mentally ill or mentally challenged may require a service dog for their condition. They can obtain documents for a service dog. For things as simple as the dog preventing shop lifting. Things that the rest of us do not have to deal with. We must be careful not to judge a person who might have a medical condition that is not always obvious. Outdoor patios at restaurants legally allow dogs. This is a happy alternative for dog owners. As those not wanting to dine with dogs, can eat inside. A family member of mine had a service dog, until it recently passed away. We would eat outside even though it was legal to dine inside, just because it was easier. Folks need to obey the no dog rules. But shop keepers can ask for proof of a service dog. Some organizations offer ID cards. And Drs can provide documentation. I question this news agency’s over zealous coverage of non service dogs. And worry that a person with a legit service dog may have had their picture taken. People also need to ignore service dogs. We always had trouble with rude people petting the service dog or asking to pet the dog. Not acceptable.
What exactly does Emotional Support Dog mean anyway? I’ve loved my pets and they gave me warm and fuzzy feelings ’emotionally’, but because I’m not screwed up in the head, or have no feelings of entitlement, and recognize that no animals other than legitimate service animals belong where human food is kept or consumed, I cannot understand how, apparently, so many people are suddenly basket cases that need a dog to survive in the world. See a psychiatrist. And they don’t belong in the small quarters of an airplane either.