Wilko to allow pets in two-thirds of its UK stores 

Home and garden retailer Wilko has announced it will allow shoppers to bring their pets into 248 of its stores.  

The new policy, which started on 7 February, requires pets to be on their leads if applicable and will allow shoppers to browse all areas of the participating stores except for food aisles.  

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 pets, 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 staff if they are at all unsure. Service dogs are welcome at all stores nationwide. 

Wilko said it expects most of the pets entering the store to be either dogs or cats.  

The move has resulted in angry Wilko shoppers threatening a boycott the retailer, media reports suggest.