Are Dogs Allowed In Lidl? [The Only Exception Is...]

We’ve all been there. We’re walking our dogs and then pass a supermarket, such as Lidl. We think I could pop in there quickly and get what I need. But can you actually do this? Will Lidl allow you to enter with your dog, or will you need to come back later without your dog in attendance? Well, here is what you are going to want to know.

So, are dogs allowed in Lidl? Dogs are not allowed in Lidl. The only exceptions are guide and assistance dogs, who are allowed to enter all supermarkets and other public spaces under law.

I actually just popped down to my local Lidl to see whether there was any reference to dogs on the door.

Turns out, there was:

You see that? “No animals, except assistance dogs”.

Then I called the Lidl Customer Service line to find out if this is store-wide.

And I was advised that this is a company policy. Meaning it applies to all Lidl stores.

That being said, it is true and fair to say that not all Lidle stores (or colleagues) will challenge somebody with a dog.

Even if they technically should.

While this doesn’t mean dogs are allowed, it may explain why you might have seen a dog in a Lidl that does not appear to be an assistance dog.

Nevertheless, why are dogs not allowed in Lidl?

Let’s get into it!

Table of Contents

Why Does Are Not Allowed In Lidl?

Dogs are not allowed in Lidl for both safety and hygiene reasons. From keeping staff and customers safe to ensuring certain products are not contaminated.

Let us explore each one briefly.

Safety

There are actually several potential dangers to both customers and dogs alike in Lidl.

Firstly, Lidl is a pretty cramped store.

Aisles are thin, and it is always pretty busy inside.

Added to the fact that they sell a lot of different products, from food all the way through to outdoor furniture, toys, and other large and cumbersome items.

All of which could potentially harm a dog, or another person, if they were to be knocked over.

And dogs can cause others to trip, too.

Beyond just the logistical challenges, not all dogs are well-behaved.

Some haven’t been properly socialized; some behave poorly in crowded areas or new environments they are not used to.

Hygiene

Not all food is covered in Lidl.

Fruits and vegetables are perhaps the clearest and most common examples, but they also sell nuts and bakery items that are exposed.

Now dogs shed drool, and some are most inquisitive than others.

Keeping dogs away from food, particularly unpackaged food, is, therefore, crucial for hygiene purposes.

Some staff and customers may also have pet allergies too.

The dander dogs’ release could set such allergies off.

Even if the hair and dander have been deposited on the ground.

More Pleasant Environment

Some people are actively scared of dogs. This will include both staff and customers.

Keeping dogs, and other pets, largely out of their stores helps to ensure a calmer environment for all involved.

A Note On Assistance Dogs

Guide and assistance dogs are allowed in Lidl. They have to be allowed and admitted under the Equality Act 2010.

Now, this act ensures that individuals with disabilities are not discriminated against.

And these individuals often have purposefully trained dogs to help them go about their day-to-day lives.

These dogs are registered and certified.

They are assigned to individuals and have gone through thorough training and socialization.

Often, assistance dogs will be easily identifiable via a harness, dog collar, or another form of identification.

This allows stores and staff in shops such as Lidl to recognize them and to prevent unnecessary questioning of the individual they are supporting.

Now, not all assistance dogs will be clearly identifiable.

And Lidl staff can only take the word of the individual if they are questioned.

This is a grey area in many respects.

It explains why some dogs, even if they are not assistance dogs, may gain entry to Lidl.

Finally

Dogs are not allowed in Lidl, as per store policy.

Besides, this particular store is not dog-friendly, anyway.

Dogs are best left outside (with a friend or family member) or left at home.

Just remember, just because you may be able to get in with your dog doesn’t mean you should go in with them.

It’s not fair on other customers or members of staff.

Nor is it right to take advantage of legislation put in place to protect and support those with disabilities.

Wondering what other supermarkets and stores’ dog policies are? Check out my other guides below:

Jeremy

I am a practiced pet owner with decades of experience owning a number of different pets. I am also the main writer and chief editor here at Pet Educate; a site I created to share everything I’ve learned about pet ownership over the years and my extensive research along the way.