No Pets In Publix

Upon my weekly visit to Publix supermarket recently, I was met with very large signs stating: “No Pets Allowed. This Includes Emotional Support Animals.” Well, technically, emotional support animals are not “pets,” but I get what Publix is trying to do. Animals and food just don’t mix. They are cracking down on animals being brought into the store that are not bona fide service animals. Service animals are specifically trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. Service animals differ from emotional support animals or comfort “pets,” which have no specific training and offer only emotional support.