There are many shops in the UK that don’t allow dogs unless they’re assistance or guide dogs, but John Lewis has just lifted its ban to ensure that responsible owners bring in their “well-behaved” best friends.
The new policy came into effect nationwide earlier this year but John Lewis publicly announced it on Tuesday through a Twitter post.
Scrappy Nelson, a Twitter account based on a user’s pet border terrier, tweeted at John Lewis to ask whether he and could visit the Milton Keynes branch for his birthday alongside his canine brother Duncan Pickles.
In response, John Lewis said “dogs are welcome with immediate effect”, as long as they are “well behaved” and “on a fixed lead at all times”.
Hi! 🐾 We've decided to allow all customers, not just those with assistance dogs, to bring their dogs into our shops with immediate effect. Well behaved dogs only will be allowed in our shops and they must be on a fixed lead at all times, unless they are being carried. 🐶 ~ Amy
— John Lewis & Partners (@JohnLewisRetail) July 23, 2019
The department store retailer said owners with smaller dogs should pick their pets up and carry them when they use the escalators to avoid any injured paws.
However, the new policy has been met with a handful of criticism on Twitter, with people expressing concerns over having canines in-store when shopping.
You know leaving guide dogs aside a person like me with a phobia pf dogs would not enter John Lewis at all because of thishttps://t.co/Zsf49FwQyp
— EastEnder in Cymru/Wales (@EEnderinWales) July 24, 2019
Sorry to dog owners, but I don't want them around me when I am shopping.
— Pat Bennison 💙🇪🇺🇮🇪🇺🇦 (@pat_bennison) July 24, 2019
Meanwhile, luxury department store Selfridges said it allows small dogs, but they must be carried or placed in a holdall – presumably one with breathing holes.
On the other hand, Harrods does not allow animals inside “to ensure our customers’ safety” – unless they’re assistance dogs.
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