The move is aimed at helping people feel more comfortable shopping , as they won’t have to leave their dog outside tied up where they could be at risk, or leave them at home – but not everyone is happy about it, with some even vowing to boycott the store.
The company 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.
INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOUR PET: According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), pet owners in the United States spent $60.28 billion on their furry friends in 2015. That number is expected to rise by more than $2 billion in 2016.
‘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.’
The move, which mainly affects shops with an outside entrance rather than those within shopping centres, has been welcomed by many – but some worried that out-of-control dogs might bite other shoppers, while others said it could harm those with allergies, or who use a service dog which might be distracted.
If your dog isn't feeling well, add some low-sodium chicken broth to the drinking water.
One woman wrote: ‘Don’t put anything on the bottom shelves then as they will get peed on!
‘Why would you want to take a blooming dog shopping? There’s many places for dogs like parks, coasts, woods etc that dogs can enjoy – shopping is not one of them. No I’m not happy with this!’
Another said: ‘Wait til you get a dog fight in the store’.
Someone vowed: ‘It’s vile and unsanitary, won’t be setting foot in another Wilko again.’
The practicalities were raised by a woman who said she has a guide dog and finds other dogs to be ‘enough of a pain outside the shops so it’s going to be very interesting in a confined space down an aisle… and no, my dog doesn’t want to talk to your dog, he’s working! Guide Dogs can get very stressed if a little dog is yapping around their legs!’INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOUR PET: More than half of all U.S presidents have owned dogs.
But many defended the move, saying things like: ‘Some of us have dogs that can’t be left alone at home, so this kind of move forward is brilliant for us.’
Socialize your pet. Meeting new people and other pets improves the confidence of your pet. Plus, having extra playmates will help relieve some of your pet’s built-up energy.
Another said the move probably wouldn’t lead to a drastic change of demographic, arguing: ‘I really don’t think you’re going to see packs of dogs suddenly walking round Wilko.’
Many responded to thank Wilko, saying things like ‘My dog is my family – I hate not going with out her she’s like my support dog.’
A company spokesperson responded to the Facebook posts saying: ‘We’re so happy to welcome your pups to the store, we can’t wait to meet them’.
Wilko has 420 UK stores selling household essentials including pet products. It is a family business now owned by the founder’s granddaughter Lisa Wilkinson.Teach your dog to file his or her own nails by attaching sandpaper to a piece of wood.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .
For more stories like this,check our news page .
Sign Up for News Updates
Get your need-to-know latest news, feel-good stories, analysis and more
Not convinced? Find out more »