Silly question maybe .. but are dogs allowed in shops in the uk?

[suburbandream]

Ok, I know dogs aren't allowed in food shops or cafes etc where food is prepared but are dogs allowed in other shops? Do you take your dogs into shops and how do people react? We are getting our puppy soon and I was just wondering. I don't see any "no dogs" signs in non-food shops but then I don't see any dogs in the shops either IYSWIM!!

[qo]

Dogs are allowed in the shop that I work in, we're an outdoor pursuit/camping type of shop.

In general though, I have no idea!!

[Ephiny]

In general they're not allowed (exceptions for assistance dogs usually). Maybe in some pet shops, garden centres, outdoor-gear type shops, but I'd normally assume they're not unless it's explicitly stated otherwise!

Rarely allowed in cafes, but quite often pubs are dog-friendly, including ones that serve food.

[MoaningMinnieWhingesAgain]

In general, no. Pet shops are generally fine - you want to get a collar that fits etc, but you wouldn't take a dog into a clothes shop, newsagent, post office etc.

Only guide dogs get to go pretty much everywhere.

[VivaLeBeaver]

Someone I know has a chihuahua and takes it everywhere in a big tote bag like Paris Hilton. Goes clothes shopping, etc with the dogs head sticking out and hasnt been told off yet.

[suburbandream]

Thanks all. It's funny though, I'd have thought dogs wouldn't be allowed in pet shops in case they run riot with all those lovely smells driving them wild (not to mention small fluffy animals in cages)

[wildfig]

My nearest Natwest allows (well-behaved) dogs in, as does the dry cleaners, but it's quite a doggy area.

[shoutymcshoutsmum]

What do you do then? shop without the dog?

[belindarose]

I was surprised when with friends last week that they were able to take their two big dogs into a bistro type cafe. I'd left mine at home. They were actually really good and sat under the table - mine would have been leaping about trying to get food (but he is only a baby I suppose). I'd be frightened to take him inside anywhere in case he pooed!

[exexpat]

Very few shops let anything other than guide dogs in, in my experience. Food shops almost certainly not, except there is a corner shop near me that is fine with dogs. And my favourite stationery shop has a dog in residence.

Basically, you need to leave them at home when you go shopping. Some people tie them up outside if they need to pop in for something, but you run the risk of the dog either being stolen or (in my terrier's case) being so noisy and attention seeking that you can hear him from the back of the shop. Best not to.

[suburbandream]

I've got a little dog-carrying bag for when he's still little and I might see if I can sneak him in non-food shops I remember we always used to tie our scruffy old mongrel outside the shops when I was a kid (but that was about a hundred years ago!) but I wouldn't do it with my new pup - I'd be worried he'd be stolen.

[OrmIrian]

Some. It's hard to tell. I always expect the answer to be no but I have been surprised recently when Harley was allowed into one of those big expensive garden centres, the bank, and a cafe at Hestercombe house. But not in a Nat Trust information centre in a garden/nature reserce. I think there it depends on the person running it rather than the law.

[OrmIrian]

Have to say I never leave him tied up outside anywhere. I get so upset to see dogs like that - they look so scared and vulnerable,.

[iseenodust]

Our dog completely forgets his manners and queue jumps when he goes to get the morning paper with 'holidaying' my DF. In that village the newsagent allows dogs in the shop and keeps a stash of choc drops under the counter.

I have a feeling the further north you go the more dog friendly. We have had great holidays with hound in Scotland.

[Ephiny]

I wouldn't leave mine tied up outside either. They stay at home, or if DP is with me he waits outside or in the car with them while I go in the shop. Just too many things that could happen if you leave them unattended in public.

[FundusCrispyPancake]

I wouldn't leave my dog outside a shop in case she got stolen, so I normally leave her at home if I think I will need to go in a shop as most will not allow them in.

I think it does depend on the type of shop though. I wouldn't expect to take a dog in a food or clothing shop because so many people seem convinced they are dirty or 'germy' .

I take my dog into pet food/outdoor equipment shops but I did check first or see other people with dogs in there. Perhaps those type of shops are more likely to be run by dog-friendly people?

Country pubs usually welcome dogs but not town pubs, although my dog was refused entry to one country pub in north somerset. Some people believe it is against the law to have animals where food is being eaten, but I think it is only illegal where food is prepared (i.e. the kitchens).

Glad to hear the Hestercombe tea rooms welcome dogs, I shall definitely go to visit the gardens there now. Anyone know of other gardens that allow dogs? I know the RHS ones don't.

[OrmIrian]

Ooh findus! Are you round my way?

[FundusCrispyPancake]

Bristol currently, but I used to live in Somerset and Devon. Are you in Taunton?

[GrimmaTheNome]

I think it's purely the owner/managers discretion. This morning I was waiting outside a food shop with the dog while DH went in - bitterly cold - the nice lady said we could come in so long as we stayed on the mat. Our village shop (now sadly defunct) didn't mind dogs on a short lead or carried. A properly controlled dog is less of a health hazard than a small child roaming the pick&mix, if you think about it logically.


The only shop our dog has ever pee'd indoors is Pets at Home. Apparently its quite common because they get so many dogs and once one marks they're all at it - the staff thanked me for telling them, apparently some people don't!

We've taken our dog into various other shops on occasion - he's a dachshund so if necessary can be carried. Ask politely, chances are nice shopkeepers will be fine with a small dog.


Gardens which allow dogs - unfortunately very few NT but quite a lot of privately owned ones do - always worth ringing and asking if the website doesn't say. In my neck of the woods, Arley Hall (not NT) does. Dunham Massey (NT) allows them in the deer park but not the garden, so if it's cool enough to leave the dog in the car that's OK (esp if you're there to see the winter garden! Tatton park similarly.

[exexpat]

Fundus - I have heard that Tyntesfield (just outside Bristol) allows dogs in the gardens, or at least parts of them. I'm thinking of going to have a wander round in the next week or so. Westonbirt is also good - dogs are allowed in the less manicured half.

[NorkyPies]

I think there's a law that forbids dogs being taken into food shops.

[musicposy]

My parents own a workwear/ outdoor type shop and always used to allow dogs but then one peed on the carpet and so they put a no dog sign up. However, they would say yes if someone pleaded their case and promised the dog was reliable, especially as they are dog lovers.

I think you are in with a better chance with independents because shops make their own rules as far as I can see (not necessarily food shops).

Our local Jollyes pet food shop is wonderful; they always give Poppy treats at the counter and admire her. I always go there for that reason and she loves it.

We have to keep her on a tight lead, though, because there is a doggy biscuit pick and mix there and she would take it as an all-you-can-eat buffet if we let her! We are always careful to never let her pinch a single one as I don't want them to stop allowing dogs in. :)

I have often wondered about putting her in a bag like a designer dog and seeing if I get into more places....at 10kg she's a bit big, though!

[cminor]

I've been told to take my dog out of a pharmacy (reaction like i'd taken her into operating theatre) and Oxfam bookshop (because "We sell food" - bars of chocolate at back of shop)
'elf an safety gorn mad.

[VivaLeBeaver]

I was in a chemists in Anglesey recently and left dd holding the dog on the narrow pavement outside and the sales assistants insisted I bring them both in.

[Avantia]

There is no law stating that dogs cannot be taken into shops that sell food , I believe that it is only into areas that there is food preparation , hence why pubs allow dogs etc .

I have took our lab when she was a pup into the town centre and went into an Cotswold Camping and Game Store !

Even some cafes allow dogs - one near us I sat outside with her in the cold and waitress said it was OK to go inside with her.

All at shop/premises owner discretion . Also one of the clothes shops I think it is White Stuff is OK with dogs - well the one in Richemond is .

You will find dogs more well behaved than children in some of these premises ...