Wilko makes MASSIVE change for shoppers – and it’s good news for pet owners
PET owners can now take their furry friends shopping, as Wilko has announced it will allow dogs into its store.
Dog owners can now take their canine companions into 248 of its stores across the UK.
The roll-out follows a successful pilot scheme, and will see pets allowed into more than two-thirds of Wilko's stores.
Furry friends will be able to browse all areas of participating stores - except for food aisles.
Shoppers have welcomed the announcement. One fan posted on Facebook: "Great news. Thank you for being so forward thinking."
Another wrote: "Fab idea it's better than tying dogs up outside of the store at the risk of them being stolen."
One joked: "Clean up on aisle 3."
Whilst another quipped: "Does this include cats on a lead?"
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However, some shoppers were less enthused by the news.
One said: "This is no good for my child that has anaphylaxis reactions to animal dander and saliva."
A visually impaired shopper said: "As a Guide Dog user I think this is a rather ill thought through idea.
"It’s hard enough navigating around the shop to begin with then adding extra distractions of other animals it could end in disaster..
Wilko said pets will be expected to be well-behaved and kept on a lead while in store.
Not all stores will allow you to bring a pet along though - so it's best to check ahead.
Wilko said participating shops would mostly be those with their own on-street entrance, rather than those located in shopping centres.
It said signage at the entrance should make the store's pet policy clear.
If you're not sure, you can call ahead though - find you nearest Wilko store
The high street retailer said: "A pet is more than just a pet, they’re family.
"That’s why we’ve decided to welcome pets in-store at 248 of our locations.
"We hope that shoppers will enjoy bringing their furry friends along with them.
"Please check for new signage at the entrance of your local store to see if they are participating."
It's not the only high street retailer with a pooch-friendly policy.
John Lewis and Metro bank also welcome furry friends in stores, as does a Clarks outlet in Somerset.
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More than 3.2million households got a pet in lockdown, meaning a whopping 17.2million homes across the country now have at least one pet.
You can check website for shops that allow owners with pooches.
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