If you're a dog-owner and fancy a day out shopping in Swansea, you no longer need to leave your pooch behind as dogs are now permitted in Swansea's Quadrant shopping centre and 19 of its shops and services. Well-behaved dogs on leads have been permitted in Swansea Indoor Market for quite some time but the adjacent shopping centre, like others across Wales, has not permitted dogs to enter - until now.
The Quadrant is understood to be the first shopping centre in Wales to become "dog-friendly" and well-behaved dogs on leads are now permitted in the centre and certain shops. Dog-friendly shops have special stickers in their windows, advising shoppers before they enter, but different shops have different rules for their canine visitors - so it's worth checking with individual stores on what their policies are.
Currently, the following shops/services are listed as "dog-friendly" stores at Swansea's Quadrant centre and are permitting dogs inside: Clogau, Dementia Hwb, Ernest Jones, Fragrance Shop, HMV, H Samuel, JD, Pandora, Perfume Shop, Quiz, Saltrock, Schuh, Stephen Hughes, The Works, The Body Shop, Three Store, Trespass, TUI, WHSmith. Are you pleased dogs are permitted in the Quadrant? Vote in our poll at the bottom of this article.
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Staff at the Quadrant say allowing dogs into the centre helps shoppers "share experiences" with their pooches and also means people no longer need to leave their dogs at home alone when they're out shopping for the day. Dogs must be kept on leads and any dogs exhibiting "aggressive or disruptive behaviour" will be asked to leave the premises, however.
Manager of the Quadrant shopping centre, Lisa Hartley said: "This is a huge development for us and we are thrilled to be Wales’s first dog-friendly indoor shopping centre. We’re located right in the centre of Swansea, and are surrounded by the beautiful coastline, which attracts thousands of visitors a year; many of which are dog owners wanting to explore the very best of Gower. In opening our centre to dogs, it means that visitors and locals no longer have to leave their beloved dogs behind while they enjoy a day of retail therapy.
"We've had great pleasure in welcoming our shoppers and their dogs over the past week and the response has been fantastic. Dogs truly are a man's best friend and we've really enjoyed witnessing the surprise and delight on our shoppers' faces as they spot dogs dotted around on their shopping trips."
Responding to some peoples' concerns around dogs being permitted, Lisa added: "There are several shopping centres across the UK, and several Swansea venues, like Swansea Indoor Market, that have operated successful dog-friendly policies over the past 18 months and more.
"Our dog-friendly policy matches the policies of those venues, as well as the policies operated by other national retailers such as John Lewis, Zara and The Body Shop. We have also successfully trialled our dog-friendly policy over the past six months, which is why we have now decided to join our neighbours and national retailers in becoming a dog-friendly space."
Store manager at The Body Shop, Claire Leahy said: "We absolutely love welcoming dogs of all shapes and sizes in store! We're all massive dog-lovers and so this has been the best news for us," whilst store manager at Schuh, Sam Davies added: "The whole team gets so excited when a dog comes into store. They instantly boost the mood of both our team and customers! We've fully embraced this development and can’t wait to welcome even more to the centre."
Doggy Rules
A spokesperson for the Quadrant Shopping Centre has outlined the following guidelines for dog-owners who wish to bring their four-legged friends shopping with them:
- Well-behaved dogs only
- All dogs must be kept on a lead and under control of their owners at all times
- Dog owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets
- Dogs exhibiting aggressive or disruptive behaviour will be asked to leave the premises for the safety and comfort of all visitors
- Specific stores or areas may have additional guidelines - so dog owners are encouraged to check with individual retailers before entering
What do people think about the Quadrant permitting dogs?
News of the Quadrant becoming dog-friendly has divided locals. Whilst some dog-owners are pleased they can now bring their dog out shopping with them, instead of leaving them at home, others say they're disappointed by the news and worry about how the presence of dogs in the shopping centre could affect people who are anxious around animals or those who are allergic to dogs.
"I like dogs as much as the next person, but this is a terrible idea in my opinion. If you have a dog, you choose to have a dog and you choose that responsibility for yourself, therefore leaving it down to you to choose when you go shopping etc. around caring for your dog," said local resident Michelle Smith. "However, by introducing this new initiative you are excluding people from shopping who never had a choice. For example, people who are anxious or phobic of dogs (my son was for the first three years of his life because a leaded dog jumped on him and bowled him over in a play park), you exclude people with allergies or severe asthmatic reactions to dogs and dog-fur that they didn't choose to have, and you run risks over health and safety."
"What an owner considers to be a 'well-behaved dog' isn't necessarily well-behaved and dogs by nature are unpredictable like many other animals. If they were to get spooked or to feel threatened, it could end badly for several people/dogs," she added.
Local resident Ruth Guy agreed, commenting: "Great for the doggy-friendly people, not so great for those with allergies! Just less and less places for them to shop," whilst resident Sophie Jo Hughes questioned whether dog-owners would be able to keep their dogs calm and under control in shops - especially shops selling items that may excite their dogs. "A dog in a shoe shop, fantastic idea!" she commented on social media.
Sharing a similar sentiment, dog-owner Pam Dormer commented: "I think it's a nice idea, but shopping with my dog would be a nightmare!" whilst John Sharrock said simply: "Dogs don't belong in shops (except assistance dogs, of course)."
"I've read a lot of comments [on social media] and there are those that are happy and those that are not," added local resident Robert Stephens. "Dog brushing against new clothes hair/fur over new dresses etc., what if they need a pee have you got to take a mop and bucket with you? There are a few problems ahead I think."
"[Dogs being permitted in the Quadrant] would deter me from visiting in the future, it's hard enough to find a beach, park or garden where dogs are not allowed, now we have to suffer them in restaurants, pubs, hotels and on our shopping trips," added another reader.
"[Dogs being permitted in the Quadrant] would definitely stop me going there," agreed Kathy Lewis. "I'm absolutely petrified of dogs and I know there are a lot of others who are too. Allowing dogs absolutely everywhere is making places I feel safe in less and less. I understand some people like their dogs by their side all time so I avoid beaches, woods etc, where I know people take their dogs but if I have to start avoiding shops too I think that's getting a bit much."
Another reader, Carys Linda commented: "As a Guide Dog-owner I do not support this. 'Well-behaved' means different things to different people and it isn't easily enforced. I think that only guide and assistance dogs should be allowed in shops, restaurants, etc."
Whilst some people have shared their disappointment at the news, several dog-owners are delighted that they can now bring their pooches shopping. Bronwen Armor Price said the Quadrant becoming dog-friendly is "brilliant, very European and forward-thinking," whilst Jasmine Edge said: "Fab news I'd be a whole another person shopping with my poogies! So thank you so much"
"More places are doing this now. I have a small terrier that goes everywhere with me. I've only just started taking her into shops with me after seeing they allow dogs. She's small enough to be picked up, which me and my husband do in shops," fellow dog-owner Caroline Harry said. "I can understand that some people don't like dogs. Realistically, you're going to see dogs everywhere. I find it helpful being able to bring my dog with me as I can't leave her on her own."
"Fantastic news! Opportunities to socialise puppies and dogs while also enabling owners to enjoy a day out with their four-legged friend," added Ellie Moore. "Just remember a town/busy environment isn't going to be suiting for every dog (just like people, dogs can struggle to cope and become stressed in a busy environment)."
Sharing a similar viewpoint, Sophie Logan commented: "Always someone who is negative towards animals in public places. Just don't go near them if [you] don't like them. It says well-behaved only. It's the owners not the dogs that have issues give them a chance!"
And, sharing a pic of his cute canine, SwanseaOnline follower Mick Mick commented: "Shopping trip to Swansea sounds like a plan Lexi," adding, "taking her in town takes me double the time as she loves the stroking everyone gives her!"
Are you pleased to hear dogs are now permitted in the Quadrant shopping centre in Swansea? Vote in our poll below - and get in touch if you have strong views you'd like to share, email: molly.dowrick@walesonline.co.uk
