Are Dogs Allowed in Publix? Publix Dog Policy Explained (Updated for 2022)

Are you a frequent shopper at Publix? Does your dog give you puppy eyes every time you leave for the grocery store? If so, you might have wondered at one point or another: “are dogs allowed in Publix?”.

Luckily, we are here to answer that question. We are experts on the topic of pet-friendly stores, and we are here to help you understand the Publix pet policy, how to bring your dog to Publix, and any other rules that you might need to know when you are considering bringing your dog to Publix.

Publix is not a dog-friendly store. The only animals allowed in Publix are service animals who are trained to help their owners perform a specific task. Pet dogs and cats are not allowed in Publix stores.

Okay, that provides us a general overview, but if you want to learn more about which dogs exactly will be allowed, keep reading! We’ll share with you our successes and failures when it comes to bringing your dog to Publix.

Publix Pet Policy: In-Detail

The best thing to do when evaluating whether a store is pet-friendly or not is to simply look at the guidance that is issued by that store. In the case of Publix, we have a bit to work with.

Most stores are not good at publishing their stance on pets entering the store, but Publix has done a great job.

According to Publix, non-service animals are not allowed in the store:

“We ask that non-service animals be removed from the premises. We also ask that service animals that are out of control, pose a threat to health or safety, or are not housebroken be removed from the premises. The individual may continue to shop at the store without the animal. Publix will gladly provide personal shopping assistance to such an individual upon request.”

So, there you have it. The Publix pet policy is short, but direct and clear. Next, we’re going to walk through what this means for various types of dogs and their owners.

Types of Dogs Allowed in Publix

First, let’s cover the types of dogs that are allowed in Publix. This should be pretty easy, as there’s a couple types of dogs that would be permitted to enter Publix.

Service Dogs

The first type of dog that is allowed in Publix is a service dog. If you have a service dog, you are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This act provides for equal access to public places for people with disabilities.

Publix has issued guidance on service dogs, saying: “Publix permits service animals in the areas of its premises that are open to the public.”

Under the ADA, a service dog is defined as a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability.

Some examples of service tasks that a service dog might perform include:

• Picking up dropped items
• Help in an emergency
• Opening doors

Service dogs are different than emotional support animals (ESA). An ESA provides companionship and emotional support, but they are not individually trained to perform a task.

Guide Dogs

The second type of dog that is allowed in Publix stores are guide dogs. Guide dogs help those who are blind or have low vision.

According to the ADA, a guide dog is defined as “any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability.”

Like service dogs, tasks that a guide dog might perform include:

• Navigating around obstacles
• Stopping at curbs

Guide dogs are protected under the ADA, just like service dogs. This means that they are allowed in all public places, including Publix stores.

Types of Dogs Not Allowed in Publix

Next, we’ll talk about the types of dogs and pets that are not allowed in Publix. There are a few categories to cover here, so let’s dive in!

Emotional Support Dogs

The first type of dog that is not allowed in Publix stores are emotional support dogs, also called ESA. As we mentioned before, an ESA provides companionship and emotional support, but they are not individually trained to perform a task.

While ESAs are protected under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), which allows them to reside in apartments, these protections to not extend to grocery and retail stores.

Publix actually has issued specific guidance toward emotional support animals, saying:

“Dogs, miniature horses, or other animals that provide only emotional support, comfort, or companionship are not considered service animals.”

So, it has been made clear by the store that emotional support dogs are not afforded any special privileges at Publix.

Pet Dogs

Pets are also not allowed in Publix stores. This includes dogs that are not service animals or guide dogs.

While some people might try to pass their pet dog off as a service animal, it’s important to remember that only trained service animals are protected under the ADA.

Pet Cats

Just like pet dogs, pet cats are not allowed in Publix stores.

Some people might think that because their cat is small, they can sneak them into the store without anyone noticing. However, it’s important to remember that all animals, regardless of size, are not allowed inside Publix stores.

Reasons for the Publix Pet Policy

Some people may be disappointed in the pet policy of Publix, but like many grocery stores that do not allow pets, there are some pretty good reasons for their policy of not allowing most animals into the store.

Next, we’re going to cover what some of these reasons are and offer some rationale for the policy.

Local Health Codes

One of the main reasons for the decision to not allow pets is that Publix grocery stores want to be compliant with local health codes. Many municipalities place restrictions on pets being in retail stores, especially those that serve food.

Rather than try to be compliant everywhere and go through all of the work that it requires, Publix has decided to set their policy at the corporate level and not allow dogs in their stores, unless they are there to be a service dog.

Hygiene

Another reason that Publix stores have decided to disallow pets is due to hygiene concerns. Allowing pets in a store that serves fresh and preserved food is a clear risk.

If they chose to allow dogs into the store, Publix would likely be opening themselves up to liability due to the potential health concerns that could accompany allowing dogs into the store. Clearly, they don’t think it’s worth it to do that.

Shopper Safety

Finally, Publix wants to protect their customers first and foremost. Some shoppers have allergies or fears of dogs. Others may not want their shopping experience to be interrupted by pets in the store.

In order to make sure that everyone has a positive experience while shopping, Publix has decided to not allow pets in their stores.

Let’s Recap

While we hope this article helped to clear up some confusion about which types of dogs are and are not allowed in Publix stores, here’s a quick recap.

To review, emotional support dogs, pet dogs, and pet cats are not allowed in Publix stores. The reasons for this decision include wanting to be compliant with local health codes, hygiene concerns, and the safety of shoppers.

Now that you know all of this, the next time you’re heading to Publix with your pet, be sure to leave them at home. Thanks for reading!