Dogs in shops - allowed or not?!

[alwaysfancywine]

Someone just told me that legally a dog is allowed in a shop as long as they're in a bag and not walking around on the floor. Does anyone know if this is true?

[Pagwatch]

A dog in a bag?


If I don't want your dog it's not going to come in. I usually let them because I like dogs but I'm not obliged to let you in. It's my shop.

[alwaysfancywine]

He's little so fits in a bag. So the shop owner has final say not the law? Just want to make sure I know the legals so I know where I stand. Thanks

[TondelayaDellaVentamiglia]

shop keepers do not even have to let people in.

[Pagwatch]

I'm pretty sure that unless their actions are discriminatory then a shop owner can serve who she likes. If you have a guide dog or a support dog that might be different.

[PersianCatLady]

Shopkeepers have the right to allow or not allow whomever they please into their shops, except if they are being discriminatory.

The general rule is that dogs are not allowed in shops but shopkeepers themselves can choose to allow them, except guide dogs or assistance dogs whom they have to allow in.

What sort of shop did you want to take your dog in?

[PikachuSayBoo]

You can take dogs In Shops walking about if the shop allows them. A lot do if they don't sell food.

[alwaysfancywine]

Yep, that's what I thought. Thanks for clarifying everyone!

[TheFlyingFauxPas]

What shop were you wanting to take your dog in a bag into?

[PinkSwimGoggles]

up to the shop owner unless it's an assistant dog.
in a bag (what responsible dog owner would do that anyway?) or not.

[PikachuSayBoo]

Selfridges prefer your dog to be carried in a bag. Fenwicks and Liberty they can just be on a lead. Harrods used to be dog friendly but not so much now. Only allowed up to the pet dept.

There was a newspaper article recently about someone who security tried to throw out of Harvey Nicks for having a dog with her. Think she was going to the hair salon. She kicked off and they relented. Not sure if dog was in a bag or not.

IME b&q, go outdoors, joules, fat face, white stuff and Primark are all dog friendly. No carrying required.

[alwaysfancywine]

That's really interesting, thanks!!

[PIVOT]

I have a dachshund and I have been able to take him in: Boots, Topshop, Waterstones, River Island, Office. The only pain was that everyone wants to fuss over him!

Most of my independent coffee shops allow dogs. Of the chains, Caffe Nero do. we have some lovely times out and about.

[Darklane]

I think a lot depends on the type of shop, the size of dog & what sort of area you are in.
I live in a tourist area & most shops, except food shops, let dogs in if you ask nicely. If they're small enough to pick up you rarely get told no anywhere.

[Mybeardeddragonjustdied2016]

Just back from sainsburys with my rottweiler in a sack over my shoulder
Was a bugger carrying the milk and stuff back in one hand tho.....

[LaPharisienne]

Is this serious?!

[PikachuSayBoo]

I think the post prior to your possibly wasn't!

[LaPharisienne]

[MrsDmitriTippensKrushnic]

I wish I knew where that rumour started because I've had a couple of people try and argue that at work over that last few months and they've got quite grumpy when I've insisted no dogs means no dogs (obviously excluding assistance dogs) Dogs in the trolley? No. Dogs in my handbag? Still no. Dogs in a sling? Definitely no.