A Bunnings trend that started with dogs has expanded to roosters, cats and even sheep, leaving shoppers divided over whether pets even belong in the aisles.
For some Australians, the chance to see the animal at Bunnings is part of the appeal. For others it’s too far.
But the bizarre scenes have sparked a backlash, with some shoppers saying the stores are becoming “unsuitable” for those who don’t want to buy power tools and potting mix with other people’s pets.
A Bunnings spokesperson told Yahoo Lifestyle that animals are allowed into stores as long as they are well behaved and under control.
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Owners are expected to clean up after them, while staff may refuse entry or ask a customer to leave if the animal is aggressive, disruptive, or not handled properly.
“We have welcomed pets into our stores for many years, including from time to time our feathered friends,” the spokesperson said.
“Whether they’re barking or cackling, we love seeing shoppers enjoying shopping with their well-behaved companions.”
The Townsville woman loves bringing her eight-year-old rooster, Mardi, to Bunnings. Delivered
Mardi is unusually calm and people-oriented, and cannot fly. Delivered
The debate has reignited after Townsville resident Fiona Muxlow shared a photo of her eight-year-old rooster, Mardi, sitting in a Bunnings trolley.
Ms Muxlow said Mardi is calm, people-oriented and loves attention.
“People at Bunnings often come up to me and ask, ‘Can we take a photo?’” she told Yahoo Lifestyle.
“When he appears in public, he says: “Yes, I am the center of attention. If you want, you can pat me… I will accept chest pats from everyone.”
But not everyone was enchanted.
The image has sparked a flurry of angry reactions online, with some claiming that Bunnings is a hardware store rather than a petting zoo.
Several shoppers shared photos of themselves bringing their pets, including cottontail the sheep, into stores. Delivered
“All animals should be banned. This is not a petting zoo or Old McDonald’s farm. This is beyond a joke,” one commenter wrote.
Another said: “Sorry, I’m not a fan. Public shopping areas like this are not pet friendly.”
A third added that pets should be left at home, with the exception of guide dogs, citing allergies and a fear of animals among some shoppers.
However, owners of less traditional pets say their animals are no different from the dogs regularly greeted through Bunnings doors.
Melbourne salesman Justin Dyson, a self-described “proud cat dad”, said he took his cat Jessica Alba Rabbit with him on walks when she was a kitten.
Even this cat is having a great day at Bunnings. Delivered
He said staff and customers loved seeing her in the store.
“The best reaction was always to her name. The staff at Bunnings loved having her here and lots of older people and small children loved petting her,” he said.
“The only strange look, of course, was when I saw a guy in trade clothes pushing a cart with a cat.”
Regional NSW resident Mel Tovey also regularly takes her sheep, Watu, to Bunnings.
She said the therapy animal loves attention, travel and new experiences and tends to bring a smile to people’s faces.
“I think Bunnings staff and other customers are happy to see the animals,” she said.