A HOME and garden retailer has opened its doors to pets in 248 of its stores across the UK, including some in the North East.

Wilko is now allowing pet owners to bring their pets in a number of stores as of yesterday (February 7).

The rollout to over two-thirds of Wilko stores comes after a successful pilot at two locations, the company said.

Read more: 'Closing down' Darlington town centre shop to move to this new location within weeks

In the North East, a number of branches will also welcome pets, including stores in County Durham.

The Northern Echo: Pets will now be welcome in two thirds of Wilko's stores across the UKPets will now be welcome in two thirds of Wilko's stores across the UK

Full list

- Newton Aycliffe

- Durham

- Chester Le Street

- Thornaby

- Redcar

- Byker

- Jarrow

- South Shields

- Alnwick

- Ashington

Furry friends, on their leads if applicable, will be able to browse all areas of the participating stores except for food aisles.

We asked readers on Facebook whether they thought more shops should allow dogs inside, which divided opinion.

Lorna Davies said: "No, I'm a guide dog user and my dog does not like other dogs, if dogs are in shops he would be heavily distracted and wouldn't work as well as he usually does."

Janine Wedgewood said: "Yes as long as they are well behaved."

Claire Rowland: "Not shops but defo pubs. Even if it's allocated areas. Dogs don't want to go shopping."

Laura Eglinton said: "Yes definitely. They should let more dogs into shops."

Charmaine Blakley said: "No I'm allergic to dogs and it can trigger an asthma attack. If someone working in the shop was the same it's not fair on them."

The brand expects most of the pet customers will be either dogs or cats, and these four-legged shoppers are likely to find many products instore that will get their tails wagging.

Wilko stocks everything from pet food to treats, bedding to toys, cleaning supplies to healthy pet essentials and even presents, costumes and accessories during key seasonal celebrations such as Christmas.

The Northern Echo: Furry friends are now welcome in 248 Wilko's stores across the UKFurry friends are now welcome in 248 Wilko's stores across the UK

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For other animal family members, the retailer is also home to reptile, bird and fish pet supplies.

The participating stores are primarily those with their own on-street entrance and exit rather than those that are, for example, located in shopping centres, which may not allow any animal guests, or where the entrance isn’t pet friendly.

Signage at store entrances will make it clear if pets are welcome, although customers can also check with the store team if they are at all unsure.

Guide dogs are welcome at all stores nationwide. 

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