is aldi s dog friendly

Where Can I Take My Dog? Your Guide to UK Shops, Stores and Transport (2022)

As a proud owner of a pup or two, youre unlikely to want to leave them home unless you have to. But what about when it comes to shopping, taking public transport, or going on holiday? Unfortunately, there are always going to be some restrictions on where you can take your dog, and for what purpose?

Weve all been there you get as far as the front door of your local supermarket, only to find that you and your furry friend are turned away due to in-store rules. In many cases, these rules are perfectly reasonable its to help keep shoppers safe.

However, if you need to take your dog with you into shops and stores (for physical support, for example), its worth reading up on which high street names welcome you and your pup.

For this guide, Ive dug deep into the pooch policies for some of the UKs biggest and best-known high street stores, as well as into public transport rules. Before you start shopping, be sure to take note of which stores will and wont allow your pooch over the threshold!

Are dogs allowed in UK shops?

Generally, yes theres no law in place that stops people from taking dogs into shops in the UK. However, thats not to say some shops and stores cant implement their own rules.

There are many UK high street chains that readily welcome dogs in-store for specific reasons, or are simply branded as dog-friendly. Ill get into these a little bit further into the guide below.

Its important to remember that some shop owners may not allow dogs into stores for health and safety reasons. While the details Ive sourced for you below will generally cover shops nationwide stance on allowing dogs entry, discretion will still lie with individual owners. Therefore, set your expectations accordingly and ask at the door if you can!

Are dogs allowed in restaurants in the UK?

As with UK shops and stores, theres no law in place to stop dogs from entering restaurants, pubs and cafes. However, its again down to the discretion of individual owners. Many dog-friendly pubs and cafes will be thrilled to let you know theyll welcome you and your furry friend in for a drink or two!

That said, there is a law in place that will prevent your dog from entering spaces where food is being stored and prepared. This falls under the Food Hygiene Regulations 2013 which has been overseen by European Union regulations, so following Brexit, well have to see whether or not this clause changes.

If youre booking any table at a restaurant, cafe or pub, it may be a good idea to call ahead or email before you visit and check whether or not dogs are permitted to visit with you. This way, you can avoid disappointment by getting halfway down the street only to turn around!

General UK shops and stores

Which shops in the UK allow dogs? As mentioned, there are no laws stopping dogs from visiting shops and stores in the UK, but there are general policies that some brands may apply nationwide. Whats more, individual storekeepers reverse the right to refuse access to dogs. Heres a huge list of some of the top UK high street shops, and whether or not theyll welcome you and your pup.

Anthropologie

Anthropologie is reportedly very dog-friendly, but policies may vary from branch to branch. The homeware and accessories chain will allow pets in as guides or otherwise, and all they ask is that you keep control over your animal during your visit.

Dog-friendly?: VARIES

Apple Store

Apple Stores are mainly dog-friendly in the UK, providing you keep your pup on a lead. In some scenarios, you may have to pick them up to carry (if you can!). Check with your local store before visiting.

Dog-friendly?: YES

Argos

Theres little information on whether or not Argos permits dogs nationwide, but Id take this to mean you cant bring pets in-store. Their nationwide policy on guide dogs is also a little unclear meaning youll need to check with your branch. Its likely youll need to leave your pup with a friend while shopping at Argos.

Dog-friendly?: UNLIKELY

B&M

B&M, the hugely popular homeware, garden and toy store, offers a guide dogs only policy after some research! This seems to be a result of health and safety. Policies may vary from branch to branch, but its best to keep your pup away unless they are registered and harnessed as a guide.

Dog-friendly?: ASSISTANCE ONLY

B&Q

B&Q, unlike rivals Homebase, doesnt permit dogs into any of their UK stores. The exception to this is if you have a guide dog or assistance dog and theyll need to be wearing appropriate harnesses and officially registered.

Dog-friendly?: ASSISTANCE ONLY

Barbour

Barbour is famously the most dog-friendly clothing and footwear chain in the UK they love to welcome pets and their owners! The chains dog clothing and beds are fantastic, too as always, just make sure you keep your pup on a lead and out of mischief when you visit.

Dog-friendly?: YES

Cath Kidston

Great news Cath Kidston shops are reportedly very dog-friendly providing you keep your pooch on a lead. This may vary from shop to shop (if your local branch is inside a shopping centre, for example, dogs may not necessarily be permitted). The size of your local Cath Kidstons may also dictate whether or not they can accommodate larger dogs, too check ahead!

Dog-friendly?: YES

CEX

Given that theres no explicit laws against bringing dogs into shops, there doesnt seem to be any strict rules at CEX. Whether or not your local branch allows pets inside remains to be seen, so check before heading in. Some dog owners report that some of the larger branches of entertainment and tech store allow pets in worth taking a chance?

Dog-friendly?: VARIES

Clarks

Clarks shoe stores generally welcome dogs at the very least, you can bring guide dogs and assistance dogs into stores. However, the brand advises that most branches wont turn away pets. The Clarks Village Outlet in Somerset, in particular, is very dog-friendly take them along for some shoe-shopping retail therapy!

Dog-friendly?: YES

Decathlon

Bad news for dog owners Decathlon UK will only allow pups in stores if they are guide or assistance animals. However, dont lose hope as their official line is that this policy may vary at each branchs discretion. Its worth checking ahead of time if you absolutely cant leave your dog behind.

Dog-friendly?: VARIES

Dobbies Garden Centre

Dobbies Garden Centres are completely dog-friendly, though youll need to keep them away from play areas and food halls at specific branches. Theres fresh water available for your pooch while they accompany you on your next horticultural shop and providing your dogs on a lead (and you clean up after them), theres absolutely zero discrimination.

Dog-friendly?: YES

Go Outdoors

Many Go Outdoors branches are dog-friendly, and helpfully, you can find out if your local store welcomes pups from their specific shop pages through the chains website. Great news if youre stocking up on kit for your next camping trip and cant bear to leave Rover behind!

Dog-friendly?: YES

H&M

Providing you keep your dog on a lead while shopping for fashion at H&M, most branch owners will happily allow you in with your pet. Again, this may be discretionary, but the chain got a lot of positive praise in recent years for following Wilkos lead and unlike several other high street fashion stores, H&M is leading the way for canine-loving clothing consumers.

Dog-friendly?: YES

Hobbycraft

Great news for crafty dog owners all Hobbycraft stores are dog-friendly. The arts and crafts chain simply asks that you keep any pooches you bring with you on a lead and that you supervise them.

Dog-friendly?: YES

Home Bargains

Home Bargains is much like B&M its a bric-a-brac store that deals in just about everything but sadly, their pup policy is much the same, too. You wont be allowed to bring a dog into Home Bargains unless theyre an assistance animal. This may vary from branch to branch, but this is the nationwide chain policy.

Dog-friendly?: ASSISTANCE ONLY

Homebase

Homebase welcomes dogs nationwide, providing you carefully supervise your pooch and that you keep them on a close lead. The home and garden superstore brand advises that some branches may not follow this policy, meaning its worth planning ahead to avoid disappointment.

Dog-friendly?: VARIES

IKEA

Swedish homeware giant IKEA is, sadly, somewhat restrictive when it comes to allowing dogs in-store. Their official stance is that dogs arent allowed into IKEA stores in the UK. However, some evidence suggests that individual stores may consider smaller dogs carried in bags during your visit. Its best to check this ahead of time with your specific branch.

Dog-friendly?: UNLIKELY

LUSH

LUSH is famously animal-friendly in all their beauty and bathing produce, and youre also free to bring your pup into store, too.

Dog-friendly?: YES

Next

Next doesnt permit dogs in their stores and has in particular mentioned that allowing large dogs in previously led to issues. The best thing to do is leave your pup with someone they know and love while you pop in for a bit of shopping!

Dog-friendly?: UNLIKELY

Oliver Bonas

Lifestyle purveyor Oliver Bonas is a famously dog-friendly brand, with most of their stores welcoming pets and their owners. If youre unsure if your branch follows this rule, as always, its good to check ahead.

Dog-friendly?: VARIES

Pets At Home

As one of the best-known pet superstore chains in the UK, its unsurprising that Pets At Home is so dog-friendly! Keep your pup on a lead, and youll be fine. Some of the larger Pets At Home branches offer canine grooming services and many will also provide free dog biscuits at the till for pooch shoppers to enjoy, too!

Dog-friendly?: YES

The Post Office

For health and safety reasons, directly managed Post Offices dont allow dogs in-store unless they are assistance animals. However, you may be able to take your pets into non-managed branches meaning you may simply need to ask your local sub-postmaster. Alternatively, ask someone to wait outside with your pup!

Dog-friendly?: ASSISTANCE ONLY

Primark

Primarks hustle and bustle of clothes and accessories, sadly, isnt dog-friendly unless youre bringing a pooch for assistance. Therefore, youll need to ensure they have a clear guide dog harness other animals will sadly be turned away, meaning youll need someone to look after them while you go shopping.

Dog-friendly?: ASSISTANCE ONLY

The Range

The Range sometimes allows dogs but youll need to take your chances from branch to branch. Some dog owners say theyve had no problem taking pets with them into the homeware stores but others havent been so lucky. My advice? Call before you visit.

Dog-friendly?: VARIES

Superdrug

Beauty and healthcare giant Superdrug will only allow guide dogs into their stores likely for health and safety reasons. Rover will have to sit this one out, Im afraid!

Dog-friendly?: ASSISTANCE ONLY

TK Maxx

Much like Primark, clothing and homewares superstore TK Maxx will only let guide dogs into their branches. According to social media, this is largely because they sell food its a matter of health and safety. Again, as with some other nationwide chains, this may differ from branch to branch but its safe to assume Fido is staying home.

Dog-friendly?: ASSISTANCE ONLY

Waterstones

On the whole, Waterstones will allow dogs into their bookshops, providing you have them on a lead and that you supervise them carefully. Some stores will even provide bowls of water for thirsty pups! In some cases, this can be a branch-by-branch issue.

Dog-friendly?: VARIES

WH Smith

WH Smith doesnt tend to be dog-friendly, particularly in cases where they operate with a Post Office counter in-store. Its likely youll need to keep your pet outside.

Dog-friendly?: UNLIKELY

Wilko

Wilko is taking strides to make some of its stores pet-friendly after running a pilot scheme in 2021! That means some branches will allow you in with your pooch around two-thirds nationwide, in fact. Check online before you shop!

Dog-friendly?: VARIES

Zara

Zaras clothing stores will welcome dogs providing they are guides or assistance animals. Therefore, always make sure your pooch has the right harness and registration to gain access to these shops! Some research suggests that a few Zara branches may be dog-friendly full-stop such as the branch in Covent Garden. For now, its likely best to keep your pup away.

Dog-friendly?: VARIES

Coffee shops, fast food and cafes

Which restaurants and coffee shops allow dogs in the UK? Believe it or not, there are some cafes, fast food spots and coffee shops where you can bring your pets with you for a quick drink or two! Lets take a look at some of the bigger chains and which allow dogs as well as which dont.

Burger King

Burger King takes a welcome approach to allowing in guide dogs and assistance animals, but they generally do not welcome pets though, this may vary from branch to branch. Its likely a hygiene factor.

Dog-friendly?: ASSISTANCE ONLY

Caffe Nero

Caffe Nero may permit dogs, but its on a strictly branch-by-branch policy. The brand openly acknowledges that they have no specific laws in place to stop you from bringing dogs into their cafes, but you may find some establishments will refuse you entry. Research suggests that some Caffe Nero branches may be willing to allow smaller dogs inside I havent tried with an Alsatian, sorry!

Dog-friendly?: VARIES

Costa

At Costa, you can purchase your dog a puppuccino that they can enjoy outside (at cafes with terraces). However, you wont be able to take your pooch inside with you unless, of course, they offer assistance. This rule applies to all Costa stores and its a matter of health and safety. Again, its worth asking for a little bit of cream to feed to your pet if possible!

Dog-friendly?: VARIES

McDonalds

Despite being a fast food purveyor, McDonalds will welcome dogs providing they are for guidance or assistance. As always, make sure your pet has the right harnessing and is fully registered before you visit. Otherwise, you may have to get food to go!

Dog-friendly?: ASSISTANCE ONLY

Pret a Manger

As food and drink providers, Pret a Manger generally doesnt allow animals unless they are needed for guidance or assistance. However, some stores are reportedly open to allowing small dogs in-store, providing they dont come into contact with food or drink preparation areas. Its all down to store discretion here.

Dog-friendly?: VARIES

Starbucks

You can take your dog to Starbucks providing you keep them to the outside terrace (if your branch has one!). Great news if youre walking out and about with your pup and fancy a quick drink. In some cases, some branches may even allow you to take a separate cup of whipped cream for your fuzzy friend! Starbucks is an interesting case, as its a rare example of a national cafe brand being openly dog-friendly just not inside. Though, some shops may vary.

Dog-friendly?: VARIES

Supermarkets

Which supermarkets allow dogs in the UK? On the whole, its rare to see dogs roaming UK supermarkets! However, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that there may be some exceptions. Keep reading for the lowdown on the biggest UK chains.

ALDI

ALDI welcomes dogs providing they are registered service or guide animals they cant permit any other animals for health and safety reasons, even if youre able to carry them.

Dog-friendly?: ASSISTANCE ONLY

ASDA

Unfortunately, ASDA doesnt permit dogs to visit any of its locations across the UK supermarkets, petrol stations, and cafes included. This is mainly because they predominantly sell food its a health and safety matter! ASDA does, however, welcome service dogs.

Dog-friendly?: ASSISTANCE ONLY

The Co-Op

Co-Op branches vary when it comes to allowing dogs into the store it depends largely on who owns the branch youd like to visit! Generally, Co-Op states that dogs arent allowed in as a result of health and safety practices. However, its worth checking with your local shop just in case.

Dog-friendly?: ASSISTANCE ONLY

LIDL

LIDL follows most other supermarkets and food stores in that theyll only permit dogs if they are guides or assistants. Theres no store-by-store discretion, either meaning youll need to keep your pup home from the shop.

Dog-friendly?: ASSISTANCE ONLY

M&S

Marks and Spencer, or M&S, doesnt allow non-assistance dogs into its branches. That applies to smaller units at train stations, airports, and their main branches. Its the same rule as ASDA its a question of hygiene.

Dog-friendly?: ASSISTANCE ONLY

Morrisons

Unsurprisingly, as they mainly sell food and drink, Morrisons doesnt allow dogs in-store. The exception, much the same as other supermarkets, is that they will allow guide and service dogs.

Dog-friendly?: ASSISTANCE ONLY

Sainsburys

Sainsburys follows ASDA and M&S they wont allow dogs in-store unless they are registered service or guide animals. They also wont permit animals carried into their shops, either and again, this applies to petrol stations and smaller locations, such as Sainsburys Local shops.

Dog-friendly?: ASSISTANCE ONLY

Tesco

As with other supermarkets, Tescos dog policy revolves solely around guide or assistance animals that even goes for smaller dogs, too. Its unlikely youll be able to take your dog into smaller Tesco locations across the UK as well as other associated shops and merchant points.

Dog-friendly?: ASSISTANCE ONLY

Waitrose

Waitrose welcomes guide dogs and assistance dogs who are clearly harnessed as such but other animals, unfortunately, will have to stay home or wait outside. Its a matter of hygiene and Waitrose can get pretty busy at the best of times!

Dog-friendly?: ASSISTANCE ONLY

Department stores

Which department stores allow dogs in the UK? Some department stores are exceptions to the general rule of dogs not allowed but what about the biggest UK brands? Lets take a close look.

John Lewis & Partners

You can take your dog into most John Lewis & Partners stores! The brand relaxed their rules in summer 2021 meaning you and your pup are free to explore most of their locations. However, you cant take dogs to their roof terrace locations, food halls and outlets.

Dog-friendly?: YES

Harrods

Unlike Selfridges and John Lewis, Harrods remains firmly no-dogs-allowed unless, of course, youre bringing along a guide dog or service animal thats clearly harnessed and fully registered!

Dog-friendly?: ASSISTANCE ONLY

Liberty

The luxury London store recently relaxed its policy on dog sizes, meaning that even if you have a loveable great dane, you can bring them into the shopping metropolis. All the store asks is that your pooch is well-behaved meaning its lead and muzzle time, at worst! Given that Liberty retails some seriously fragile and delicate items, its worth keeping a close rein on your dog.

Dog-friendly?: YES

Selfridges

Selfridges stores may vary on dog policies some allow pets to be carried into the store, while others will only allow service or guide dogs. Make sure to check before you visit!

Dog-friendly?: VARIES

Transport

Before you even get to the shops, its worth checking whether or not Fido can ride the rails! Heres what you need to know.

Are dogs allowed on trains?

Dogs can travel on UK trains providing theyre muzzled and kept on leads. You may have to pay an extra fee for a large dog, but small pets can generally travel for free. Check with your provider!

Are dogs allowed on buses?

On the whole, you can take your dog on the bus with you. However, its down to the discretion of your driver! Guide dogs are permitted for travel in all cases its worth taking your chances with your next available driver otherwise.

Can I take my dog with me on the tube?

All of TfL, thankfully, is dog-friendly meaning you can take your pooch with you on your next tube journey for absolutely free. That goes for trams and other trains in and around London, too!

Can I take my dog in an Uber?

You can take your dog (or cat) with you in an Uber Pet car, a service thats only launched in the last few years! Simply open the Uber app as normal, and choose Uber Pet when it comes to booking your ride. This is really handy if you need to take your pooch to the vet at short notice and dont have a car available!

Are dogs allowed in banks?

As with shops and supermarkets, theres no explicit rule or law in place to prevent customers from taking dogs with them into banks or building societies. Given that these locations arent preparing or providing food and drink, theres negligible health and safety risk. However, you may find that some branches ban dogs from visiting based on manager discretion.

Some dog owners report that theyve been able to take dogs in with them while they queue to see a teller. My advice? Check with the security staff on the door before you take your pup over the threshold and make sure you have someone with you who can hold your pup in case theyre not allowed in.

Leisure and holidays

Holidaying with dogs can be super-fun, but in some cases, you may not be able to take your pup with you for some serious R&R. Various hotels and holiday resorts, for example, have policies in place where they restrict access to guide and assistance dogs only. In many cases, this is as a result of health and safety.

If youre planning a holiday or short trip within the UK soon and want to know whether or not you can take your pup with you, keep reading for a breakdown of some of the best-known resorts and accommodation providers.

Alton Towers

While you certainly cant take your dog on any rides at Alton Towers, there are plenty of accommodation choices close by where you can bring your pet for a few days. Keep in mind, too, that the Alton Towers resort wont permit dogs into their grounds unless they are guidance or assistance animals.

Dog-friendly?: ASSISTANCE ONLY

Butlins

Generally, Butlins wont allow pets into their main resorts, but you may be able to bring your dog to their caravan sites if youre staying at your own pitch. Butlins advises that you contact your chosen site before you visit just to make sure your pup will be welcome.

Dog-friendly?: VARIES

Center Parcs

Brilliant news Center Parcs is openly dog-friendly, and will even allow you to bring cats and rabbits, too! Pet friendliness may vary from cottage to cottage, but the holiday provider is more than happy to let visitors bring their furry friends along for some fun. You can even find dog-friendly exercise points across Center Parcs breaks though youll need to keep your pooch on the lead while touring around a village.

Dog-friendly?: YES

Kew Gardens

Unfortunately, only guide and assistance dogs are permitted to accompany visitors to the gorgeous Kew Gardens. This is likely to help keep the resort pristine but youll need to find somewhere else you can go walking with your pup!

Dog-friendly?: ASSISTANCE ONLY

Pontins

If youre looking for family-friendly bungalows at Pontins famous resorts, you can bring a dog with you along for the fun, too. Make sure to check their range of accommodation and add your pup to your online booking before you check out.

Dog-friendly?: YES

Premier Inn

Premier Inn readily welcomes guide dogs and assistance animals -but sadly, you wont be able to add your pets to your booking. It may be worth looking into other options close by such as dog-friendly B&Bs!

Dog-friendly?: ASSISTANCE ONLY

Travelodge

There are several pet-friendly Travelodge hotels where youll be able to take your pup with you on a short break. All you need to do is tick the box for pets when booking online theres an extra cleaning fee for health and safety reasons. You wont have to pay this if you have a guide or assistance dog, however!

Dog-friendly?: YES

Conclusion

We all want to take our pups with us when we go into shops, pubs, and even on holiday! In some cases, its just not possible mainly as a result of health and safety measures. Unfortunately, they are in place for a reason, and its best to adhere to them!

This is just a sample of UK high street stores, shops and supermarkets and their dog policies as always, keep in mind that some of these shops are based in shopping centres, which may have overriding rules. Check before you go shopping is the best policy you might be able to bring your pup with you!