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All the high street shops where dogs are allowed to enter – as many still BAN pets
An increasing number of retailers are allowing dogs to accompany their owners on shopping sprees
DOG-LOVERS may want to take their beloved pooches everywhere, but many shops still don't allow four-legged friends to browse their aisles.
Last week, The Range and Wilko delighted pet owners with the news that dogs will now be welcomed in their stores.
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The two retailers, which operate under the CDS Superstores brand, said as long as furry companions are kept on a lead, they can be brought into stores.
But while the move is aiming to make shopping more inclusive, it has been controversial with some shoppers, who say they'd prefer dogs were not permitted in stores.
There is no law that prevents dogs from entering shops, banks or local businesses, so it's up to individual retailers to decide whether to allow them on their sites.
All of the major supermarkets in the UK ban pooches, apart from assistance dogs, which they are required to admit under the Equality Act.
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But, there are many other retailers who welcome dogs and website dogfriendly.co.uk lists more than 1,500 shops where dogs can accompany their owners.
A spokesperson for Dogs Trust said: "With so many families now owning a dog, it’s good news that many businesses are opening their doors and welcoming our canine companions inside.
"It’s important to remember, however, that even if a shop is dog friendly, it might not be suitable for your individual dog.
"Owners need to be mindful of how their dog may behave in a new or busy environment and consider whether they may become over excited or worried, and how they may be around lots of new people and other dogs.
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"It’s also important to bear in mind that not all your fellow shoppers may feel comfortable around dogs so it’s important to be considerate of others."
Shops welcoming dogs include many independent retailers, cafes and pubs as well as big-name stores including:
- John Lewis
- Oliver Bonas
- Go Outdoors
- Mountain Warehouse
- The Range
- Wilko
John Lewis began allowing dogs in store in 2019 and continues to welcome them in all stores as they are "well behaved" and kept on a lead or carried at all times.
Many high street clothing retailers also allow dogs in some stores, including:
- White Stuff
- Fat Face
- Jules
- H&M
- Reiss
- Zara
However, dogs are not always permitted across all locations.
The decision is often at the branch manager's discretion, so it's a good idea to call ahead and check ahead of a shopping spree.
Other high street retailers which often allow dogs in stores include:
- Waterstones
- Apple
- Office
- Anthropologie
- Lush
- Accessorize
Major garden centres including Dobbie's and Wyevale are also dog-friendly.
While more and more shops are allowing dogs to enter, some are sticking firmly to their no dogs policies.
Marks & Spencer, Primark and Next all continue to refuse dogs access to their stores, aside from assistance dogs.
If you're thinking of heading out shopping with your pooch Dogs Trust advised: "To ensure both you and your dog enjoy your trip to the shops, we recommend working on some basics skills before heading out, including loose lead walking and making sure they don’t jump up at people.
"If you have any doubts around how comfortable your dog will be during your shopping trip, please consider leaving them at home.
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"Of course, it goes without saying that you should never leave your dog unattended outside a shop as they are at risk of being stolen, and not should dogs be left alone in cars.
"Not only is there a risk of them being stolen, even during the cooler months of the year, they could overheat, and sadly, in some cases, heat stroke can prove fatal."
What the law says about assistance dogs
Assistance dogs, such as guide dogs and hearing dogs, are allowed to accompany their owners wherever they go.
The Equality Act 2010 stops shops, taxis, restaurants and other businesses from discriminating against those requiring assistance dogs by banning the animals.
The Guide Dogs charity said that being refused access to a business can be an upsetting and humiliating experience for people, which can have a significant impact on confidence and independence.
Guide dog owners who are illegally refused access can take businesses and service providers to court
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