Buc-ee’s is cracking down on customers bringing pets that are not strictly service animals inside its locations.
The popular travel center and gas station chain, known for its exceptionally clean bathrooms and wide selection of snacks, recently put up new signage enforcing its “no pets allowed” rule.
A person on Reddit posted a photo of the sign, which featured two images of a dog, one unlabeled with a red X and the other labeled as a service animal with a green check mark. Making clear the difference between pets and service animals, it said, “Service animals are trained to do work or perform a task for persons with disabilities,” while “emotional support or comfort animals are not service animals, and are not recognized by the ADA.”
Celebrating Buc-ee’s decision, the Redditor commented, “I love this addition to their doors. I love that businesses are slowly taking their buildings back from the entitled dog owners.”
The Reddit thread has ignited fierce debate in the comments, with several others agreeing with the original poster. “I can’t stand people who can’t go no where [sic] without their stupid dog,” one fumed. “I love dogs but unless I’m going to the lake or somewhere outdoors he stays home unless we're going for a walk, but some people have to bring their untrained dog everywhere.”
“This 1000 times over… I love my big ol dummy, but he is 70lbs of muscle, anxiety and love,” a second added, “and no business needs to deal with that.” They explained that they leave their pet at home when they go places that aren’t pet-friendly. “He’s my responsibility, not anyone working in a business,” they insisted.
“Good. This needs to be enforced everywhere,” a third declared. “Especially in places that sell food.”
“Can I bring in my cat? That poster only shows a dog?” a fourth quipped.
The ADA only recognizes dogs as service animals, no matter the size or breed. The sole exception to the rule is miniature horses, which are allowed as service animals under certain rules.
Other commenters, however, argued that a ban on dogs is “weird.” “I’ve never once seen a dog cause a problem in such a place. Kids on the other hand???” one noted.
“So when traveling with your ‘emotional support pet’ you are required to leave it in the hot/cold vehicle to become traumatized as you go into Buc-ee’s??” another questioned.
“Don’t expect those people to spend much money in your store as they won’t have time to really look around being worried about leaving their dog in their vehicle or worried someone will call the authorities on them for leaving their dog in their vehicle,” they added. “Buc-ee’s is a ‘Truck Stop’ not a 5 star restaurant!!”
Founded in 1982 in Clute, Texas, Buc-ee’s has since expanded to 13 states across the South and Midwest. The beloved beaver-themed chain is currently in the process of opening 15 new locations across the U.S., including first stores in Arizona, Ohio and Arkansas.
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