The stores have posted placards explaining that, while legitimate service animals are welcome inside, emotional support animals and pet are not.
That means even with a note from a doctor, “dogs, pets and other animals whose sole function is to provide comfort, companionship, or emotional support do not qualify as service animals,” according to the sign. What’s more, trying to pass off a pet as a service animal is against the law in Florida and other states.
Kathy Saunders, who sits on the board of directors for Southeastern Guide Dogs, applauded the signs. The organization, which prepares pups as service dogs for the disabled and veterans, sometimes takes dogs-in-training to public settings, including grocery stores.
While service dogs are trained not to react to other dogs — or interact with people, bark or sniff food — other dogs often aren’t, she said.
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