Dogs in shops

[eejitgothurt]

Today I went into a pet shop to buy something for dd's hamster. Id never been in this pet shop before but had seen the item in the window and decided to buy it. I opened the door and two dogs ran over to me barking. There was a woman in the shop and I don't know if she was the shop owner or owner of the dogs but I just backed out quickly and closed the door. I'm quite scared of dogs I don't know, more so since being bitten earlier this year and requiring surgery. One dog would have been bad enough but two was scary.
Are dogs permitted in shops like this? I always thought not but I might be wrong as I'm not familiar with rules around dogs.

@eejitgothurt

It makes sense that they are allowed but I don't think they should be running around the shop. I don't hate dogs at all, I'm just very wary of them.

YANBU on that, for sure. I doubt you'll find anyone disagreeing - a dog which isn't under control is more likely to be a problem for another dog than a person, for one thing.

@eejitgothurt

It makes sense that they are allowed but I don't think they should be running around the shop. I don't hate dogs at all, I'm just very wary of them.

I completely agree with you that dogs should always be under control, i.e. on a lead, in public places, especially indoors.

I remember your horrible dog bite story, and how you ended up in hospital for some time (if I am remembering right!), so I am not at all surprised you left sharply.

I’ve seen cats on leads in pets at home before.

Not being on lead in the shop is weird. It’s not just that they could be a nuisance to customers, but as an owner I’d be very worried about the dog escaping or being stolen.

As others say, dogs being allowed in pet shops is normal for fitting dog coats, harnesses etc.

It's entirely reasonable to allow dogs in pet shops for a variety of reasons, but it's daft to have them loose to approach customers at the door. Terrible for business - not only will customers with dog phobias be disinclined to come in, but also any dog owner with a nervous / reactive dog on a lead who might need to access vets / groomers / try on stock inside.

I saw a puppy in a sling at the swimming pool the other day (for childrens swimming lessons, so it was in the viewing gallery and changing room). Although it wasn't causing any bother, and was quite cute, I did wonder if it really was appropriate place to bring it.

@XelaM

Of course dogs are permitted in PET shops Dog-hating on MN has gone a bit bonkers. Don't go into pet shops if you don't want to see pets. You can get stuff for your hamster online.

But they should be on leads

I recently saw a woman with her dog in our local Fenwicks. I think it’s becoming more a thing as I suppose it attracts more people in store.

I personally wouldn’t because I can well imagine my ruffian lifting his leg to claim ownership of an expensive Mulberry bag.

I would expect it in pet shops however they should be on leads and not running around.

'Dog friendly' pubs and restaurants on the other hand...uurrghh don't get me started 😷🤮

It makes sense for a dog to be allowed in a pet shop but definitely not off lead/out of control. I was in pets at home the other day looking at the rabbit stuff and the poor rabbits were getting stressed because a dozy owner was standing close with their dog which was barking at them.

Go down to the Lake District and you will find that most shops allow dogs

There was a big article in one of the Sundays a few weekends back. I had no idea how many mainstream retailers allow any dog on a lead in. John Lewis, Oliver Bonas, Kath Kidson

Yes but not out of control! They should be on a lead.

Here we go again lol.

They should have been on a lead though.

Agree with other posters. I would fully expect to see dogs in a pet shop, but not charging up to people. They should have been on a lead.

Our pet shop encourages them, but stipulates on a lead. But I have 2 labs , and the sensory overload on them is too much for a small shop. So they stay at home.
Sorry you were bitten OP, that should never be allowed to happen.

Yes, dogs are allowed in pet shops, one of very few shops we can take ours in.
Waiting for people to say it shouldn't be allowed but my argument is it's a dogs version of a child in a toy shop. The smells can over stimulate the dogs senses just like all the toys can over stimulate a child's brain.

I'd expect dogs in a pet shop yes.

I was in the m&s the other day and one of the customer had a huuugge dog!!! It was practically trying to
Climb on to the checkout till area. I was really annoyed by it, I don't want anyone's dog coming near me, licking me,

Pet shop, especially one with a vet or whatever at the back, seems fair enough as there are things the dog actually needs to be present for - though I hope the welfare of small furry animals is being properly protected. Should have been on a lead though.

Dogs in John Lewis is just yuck and unnecessary (genuine assistance dogs excepted obviously). The pandering to people who want to treat their dog as an actual person is tiresome - a dog doesn’t need to browse homewares or lingerie so leave it at home.

@MsAgnesDiPesto thank you. I still get pain in my hand now and it's months since it happened.

a dog doesn’t need to browse homewares or lingerie so leave it at home.

Neither do you...

May I suggest getting your dog fear sorted? They are everywhere, it must be awful for you. Dogs are awesome as well!

I think its perfectly reasonable for dogs to be in pet shops if they're under control, as people up thread have said they need to be groomed, fitted for harnesses, etc.
I do feel sorry for people with severe dog allergies though where they're indoors in cafes and restaurants more now. Someone with an allergy is most likely going to avoid a pet shop though so don't see it as an issue here.