Neighbors around the Tamaya Market shopping center on Beach Boulevard are trying to slam the brakes on a new Bark Street Puppies store, pressing both the landlord and the city over animal welfare and public health concerns. A fast-growing petition and online organizing have pulled in wide attention and highlighted consumer complaints tied to the company. Store managers and city officials, for their part, say the shop has the proper Animal Care & Protective Services permit and will follow state and local rules.
Residents Rally Behind Petition Drive
A petition launched by Robby Weber has collected more than 3,600 verified signatures, urging Harbour Retail Partners and leasing agent Colliers to rethink the lease, according to Change.org. Many signers say they worry that retail puppy outlets often rely on large commercial breeding operations, commonly called puppy mills, and argue that putting a puppy store in a family-focused center risks normalizing that kind of supply chain.
Business Complaints Fuel Skepticism
The Better Business Bureau lists three complaints against Bark Street Puppies over the past three years, including two late December 2025 reports that puppies were allegedly sick with parvovirus and were euthanized shortly after purchase, and the profile currently shows an F rating. Opponents point to those entries and the unresolved disputes as reasons to treat assurances about breeder vetting and health guarantees with caution, and those records have become a central talking point in neighborhood discussions.
Store Manager Cites Vetting, Permits And Openness
Store manager Shaun Carey told First Coast News that the Tamaya Market location was cleared by Animal Care & Protective Services, holds a city permit, and relies on carefully vetted breeders along with up-to-date vaccinations and veterinary checks. Bark Street’s website likewise emphasizes veterinary records, microchipping, and written health information as part of every sale. Carey has invited nearby residents to come into the shop and raise concerns directly.
State Rules, Local Permits And How They Are Enforced
Retail pet shops in Jacksonville must obtain an annual Animal Care & Protective Services permit, according to the City of Jacksonville’s permit listings. At the state level, Florida’s CS/SB 1004, approved this spring and taking effect July 1, 2026, requires pet dealers to disclose medical records and financing terms and labels violations as an unfair or deceptive trade practice, according to the Florida Senate. The city has also advertised Animal Specialty Investigator positions to look into breeders and pet shop complaints, a role described in a City of Jacksonville job posting.
What Comes Next For Tamaya Market
With the permit in place, opponents say they will keep turning up the pressure on Harbour Retail Partners, Colliers, and city leaders while using the petition to document local pushback. Local shelter volunteer Bethany Michel told First Coast News the shelter "always has over 300 dogs at a time" and urged people to consider adoption as an alternative to buying from retail puppy sellers.
