A County Durham shopping centre has introduced rules to allow pet owners to bring their dog around the venue as well as in shops.

The launch of Dalton Park’s new dog friendly policy proved very popular with two and four legged shoppers alike when it launched on Monday (May 29).

A fun filled day saw best behaved dog trials, a doggy selfie spot (with optional doggy dress up), and a pop-up market selling a whole host of canine related treats.

Hydration stations, disposable poo bags and dog waste bins have been installed at each entrance to Dalton Park and Doggy First Aid kits are located at Customer Services between the Cadbury and Levi’s outlets.

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For those looking to enjoy some retail therapy with their dogs, participating stores are proudly displaying a ‘We’re dog friendly’ window stickers.

Donna Walker, who visited with her eight-year-old daughter Jessica and fox red Labrador, Rigby, was delighted to be able to bring the dog along for a day out. 

She said: “While we have been shopping at Dalton Park before we always have to limit our time as we don’t like to leave Rigby on his own for too long.

“We had a fabulous time at the event and Jessica and Rigby, who was more than happy to dress up as superman, loved the selfie station.

“Rigby was really well behaved and we will definitely be bringing him again!”

Richard Kaye, Centre Manager at Dalton Park, added: “Dogs of all shapes and sizes gave us the paws up on Monday and it was wonderful to see so many pooches having a mooch with their owners.

“We know a lot of people plan their days out around their dog, so now we can be included on more trip itineraries.

“Everyone stuck to the ‘dog house’ rules of keeping dogs on a short and non-retractable lead, cleaning up after their pets and were respectful to any guests that may be scared of dogs.

“The weather was glorious and it was wonderful to see families getting out and about on the Parkland too.”

The stores that are allowing dogs are:

  • Baytree Interiors
  • Beauty Outlet
  • Bedeck
  • Bensons for Beds
  • Cadbury
  • Christy
  • Clarks
  • Cotton Traders
  • Craghoppers
  • Crew Clothing
  • Denby
  • Dune
  • Etto
  • Fat Face
  • Hallmark
  • Jane Plum
  • Julian Charles
  • Klass
  • Kurt Muller
  • Levi’s
  • Molton Brown
  • Moss
  • Mountain Warehouse
  • New Balance
  • Next
  • Pro Cook
  • Radley
  • Regatta
  • Sketchers
  • Skopes
  • Sole Trader
  • Starbucks
  • Tempur
  • The Body Shop
  • The Fragrance Shop
  • The Gift Company
  • Tog 24 Trespass
  • Yankee Candle

And here is the list of what dog owners must follow:

  • All dogs must be kept on a short, non-retractable lead when walking through Dalton Park
  • Dogs can only enter stores which display the ‘I’m dog friendly’ window sticker – see the list below of participating stores
  • Hydration stations, disposable poo bags and bins are available at each entrance
  • Dogs cannot enter the Play Park at any time
  • Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs and this should be disposed of in the dedicated green dog waste bins only
  • Doggy first aid is available at Customer Services (between Cadbury Outlet and Levi’s)
  • Some of our customers may be afraid of dogs. Please respect our customers and ensure your dog is well behaved on its visit