Wilko is in the doghouse with customers over its new admissions policy - with some shoppers even threatening to boycott stores.
The retail chain is now giving pet owners permission to bring their dogs into their stores in a move that has divided fans of the homeware shop.
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The rollout has been made to over two-thirds of Wilko’s home and garden stores and will allow pets to browse all areas of participating stores, except for food aisles.
But a number of shoppers are upset by a policy which doesn't require people to pet their dogs on a lead in store, the Daily Record reports.
One disappointed customer said she would be boycotting the business as a result.
The disgruntled customer wrote: "This is no good for my child that has anaphylaxis reactions to animal dander and saliva.
"Service dogs have their place in stores and we can avoid them and monitor, they are well behaved etc.. pets do not belong in stores and raises the risk for my son to come in contact with areas that have been contaminated!
"We won’t be shopping in your all dogs welcome stores!"
Wilko, which recently announced it was closing 15 stores across the UK - not including its two stores in Coventry and four in Warwickshire - responded by saying “many customers think of pets as family members”.
Charl Naylor, another fan of the shop, said that while he liked dogs, he didn’t particularly want them around him in a retail setting.
"Lots of people are afraid of dogs, and being in a confined space with them isn’t going to be a pleasant experience," he said.
"Plus, I’d be afraid of stepping on paws if the dogs gets unwantingly too close (sic)…"
Signage at store entrances will make it clear if pets are welcome, although customers can also check with the store team if unsure. Service dogs remain welcome at all Wilko stores.
Despite the criticism, a lot of people backed the idea, too.
Natalie Druce said: “My dog is my family. I hate not going with her she is like my support dog."
Linda Carroll said: "I rely on my dog to keep me calm. When she is with me I don’t have panic attacks, this would be great for me.
"Agoraphobia watch out, Giz is taking me shopping in one of my favourite stores."
In a post on Facebook, Wilko said: "Many customers think of pets as family members, which is why we want to let them in store wherever we can.
"We’re only welcoming pets into stores that suit their needs and are asking they be kept from food aisles.
"Check entrance signage to see if your Wilko store is pet friendly!"
