The other day, I walked into COOP, one of Italy’s so-called “high-end” supermarkets, expecting to grab a few essentials. What I didn’t expect was to be yelled at for using the dedicated dog trolley.
I stood there looking confused, squinting under the Tuscan sun, then had to march outside, like a misbehaving child, to fetch the correct trolley.
Not for my groceries. But because dogs, apparently, now get special carts.
Let that sink in.
I walked into COOP, grabbed a trolley, and was suddenly yelled at—”NO, NO, NO!”
I had no idea there was now a dedicated dog trolley section, positioned right next to the staff information desk. The COOP staff member scolded me as if I were stealing unpaid goods. I was left shocked and upset. As a regular, paying customer for many years, I didn’t expect to be treated this way.
It turns out this is a new concept—dedicated dog trolleys have been introduced recently.
And it doesn’t stop at COOP.
This growing trend of dogs inside food markets raises serious hygiene concerns.
Where’s the balance between pet-friendly policies and public health standards?
Meanwhile, the elderly walk through the scorching sun just to fetch their own carts.
Are our priorities shifting too far?
Would you feel comfortable placing your food in a trolley previously used to carry a dog?
Let’s talk about hygiene, inclusivity, and what modern retail really stands for.
Shopping Trolleys For Dogs
Dogs First, Humans Second?
Yes, it seems dogs are now regular VIP guests in Italian supermarkets—tucked inside trolleys lined with blankets, peeking out with little fluffy heads and wagging tails. I’m all for the Italian amore for animals. I’ve seen lapdogs in cafes sipping water from crystal bowls and dressed in more cashmere than most humans. But food markets?
Where fresh produce is stacked? Where open bread rolls and unwrapped cheeses live? Where hygiene isn’t a luxury but a necessity?
And yet, here we are. A country where a dog can be chauffeured around in a supermarket trolley while nonni—elderly pensioners—hobble under the punishing sun, waiting for a free cart.
Hygienic? Let’s Talk About That
Let’s be blunt. Dogs are cute, but they are not sanitary. They lick, shed, pant, and occasionally relieve themselves unexpectedly. Imagine buying your weekly salad greens from a trolley that once hosted a miniature schnauzer who just came back from a muddy romp through a park.
Is anyone actually cleaning these trolleys? Where is the sanitation team dedicated to disinfecting them between uses? Do they even exist?
It’s not just a matter of personal disgust. It’s a matter of public health. Italy has strict rules about cleanliness in restaurants, markets, and food storage. So how does this fit in?
Simple answer: it doesn’t.
A Question of Priorities
I watched an elderly woman struggle with her shopping bag while pushing a tiny metal-framed trolley she’d probably owned since the 1980s. Her pace was slow. Her back hunched. Not a single COOP staff member offered help. But two minutes later, a woman carrying a chihuahua walked in and was immediately directed to the VIP dog cart.
When did the hierarchy shift from human need to canine comfort?
Elderly citizens, many on minimal pensions, are navigating life on foot, in 30+ degree heat, with no access to air conditioning, assistance, or even shade when collecting their groceries. But little Bingo gets to roll inside an air-conditioned store in style?
If this doesn’t scream misplaced compassion, I don’t know what does.
Who’s Responsible?
Supermarkets, especially larger chains like COOP or Conad, are clearly encouraging this behaviour by offering dog-specific trolleys. Are they doing this out of genuine care for pets, or are they just chasing the euros of Italy’s dog-loving population?
Italy has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in Europe. Pet-related businesses are booming—boutiques, spas, even canine gelato. So yes, allowing dogs into supermarkets keeps shoppers happy. Especially the younger generation who dress up their poodles and post them on Instagram next to organic bananas.
But who draws the line?
What Are the Rules?
Legally, animals are not allowed in establishments where food is prepared—this includes most restaurants and markets. But many supermarkets loop through the grey area: dogs in carriers or trolleys don’t technically “touch” anything. They’re elevated. Is that the hygiene loophole?
Maybe. But the ethical line isn’t so blurry. When dogs are getting special treatment in environments where vulnerable humans are overlooked, society needs a wake-up call.
The Reality for the Elderly
Italy’s population is rapidly ageing. Over 23% of the country is over 65. Many live alone. Many rely on public transport. Many don’t drive. Their local supermarket isn’t just a place to shop—it’s their only point of social interaction.
Yet they are made to feel invisible.
A frail hand clutching a trolley shouldn’t be met with indifference, while a pampered pooch gets admiration and priority access. We’re living in a nation where the elderly are walking in searing temperatures with no support, while dogs glide past them in padded carts.
Is this progress? Or just a societal vanity project dressed up in fur?
What’s Next? Designer Dog Fridges?
The way things are going, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see dedicated dog food aisles with matching tasting stations. Perhaps dog seatbelts for supermarket trolleys. Mini bark-friendly zones with filtered water and chew toys.
Where do we draw the line between love for animals and public space etiquette?
Love dogs, yes. But respect humans more.
The Bigger Picture
Italy is known for its rich food culture, long family lunches, and weekly grocery rituals. But letting dogs become part of that inside food markets is a risky and inconsiderate trend. Not everyone is a dog lover. Some are allergic. Others fearful. And most simply don’t want to think about fleas or fur in their focaccia.
Supermarkets are public places. The rights of one group—pet owners—shouldn’t come at the cost of comfort or safety for others.
A Call for Balance
There’s nothing wrong with loving your dog. But if COOP and other chains want to cater to animal lovers, let them do it responsibly.
- Create separate zones for dog-trolleys with proper sanitising stations
- Offer priority trolleys for the elderly before four-legged companions
- Employ staff to clean the dog carts between uses
- Display signage to show what hygiene protocols are in place
But most of all: respect the shoppers who can’t bark.
Final Thoughts
Italy’s charm is in its traditions—its respect for the old, its love for food, and yes, its affection for animals. But those things can’t compete. Respect for hygiene, public health, and basic human dignity should always win.
Next time I go to COOP, I’ll probably still get yelled at for not using the designated “dog cart.” But I’ll be walking in with my head held high, because I care more about human dignity than designer dachshunds in grocery baskets.
And to the woman with the sausage dog in the trolley while a grandmother waited outside in 35°C heat?
Maybe offer her the cart next time.
She deserves it more.
Italian Version
Sono entrata al COOP, ho preso un carrello e all’improvviso mi sono sentita urlare contro: “NO, NO, NO!”
Non avevo idea che ora esistesse una sezione dedicata ai carrelli per cani, proprio accanto al banco informazioni.
Un membro dello staff del COOP mi ha rimproverata come se stessi rubando merce non pagata.
Sono rimasta scioccata e amareggiata. Sono una cliente abituale da anni, e non mi aspettavo certo un trattamento simile.
A quanto pare è un concetto nuovo, introdotto di recente: carrelli dedicati ai cani.
Questa tendenza crescente di cani nei supermercati solleva serie preoccupazioni igieniche.
Dove si trova il giusto equilibrio tra politiche pet-friendly e standard di salute pubblica?
Nel frattempo, gli anziani camminano sotto il sole cocente per recuperare da soli i loro carrelli.
Stiamo forse esagerando con le nostre priorità?
Vi sentireste a vostro agio a mettere il cibo in un carrello dove prima c’era seduto un cane?
Cani nei Carrelli, Anziani al Sole – I Supermercati Italiani Hanno Perso il Buonsenso?
L’altro giorno sono entrata in un COOP, uno dei supermercati “di fascia alta” in Italia, per fare un po’ di spesa. Non mi aspettavo di essere rimproverata per non aver preso il carrello dedicato ai cani. Sì, proprio così. Mi hanno mandato fuori, sotto il sole cocente della Toscana, per prendere il carrello giusto.
Non per la frutta. Perché i cani, a quanto pare, ora hanno la priorità.
I Cani Prima degli Umani?
I cani ormai sono clienti abituali nei supermercati italiani: trasportati dentro carrelli imbottiti, con testoline che spuntano curiose. L’amore italiano per gli animali è cosa nota. Ma dentro un supermercato?
Un luogo dove si vendono alimenti freschi, pane sfuso, verdure non confezionate?
È una questione di igiene, non di simpatia per Fido.
Ma È Igienico?
Essere diretti: i cani sono adorabili, ma non igienici. Perdono pelo, sbavano, si leccano ovunque. Qualcuno ha davvero voglia di mettere il proprio sedano in un carrello dove fino a poco fa era seduto un bassotto infangato?
I carrelli per cani vengono sanificati dopo ogni uso? Ci sono addetti alla pulizia? Dove sono?
Se non lo fanno, allora è una violazione igienico-sanitaria.
Una Questione di Priorità
Ho visto un’anziana signora arrancare sul marciapiede con un carrellino traballante. Nessuno dello staff COOP si è avvicinato. Ma subito dopo è entrata una donna con un chihuahua ed è stata immediatamente indirizzata verso il carrello speciale.
L’anziana sotto il sole. Il cane in carrozza climatizzata.
Italia, è questo il tuo concetto di civiltà?
Chi Decide?
Le grandi catene come COOP e Conad incentivano questo fenomeno. Ma lo fanno per amore degli animali o per intercettare il portafoglio degli amanti dei cani?
Con l’industria degli accessori per animali in crescita esponenziale, accogliere i cani nei supermercati è diventato business.
Ma chi protegge chi non ha la voce – o le zampe – per protestare?
Cosa Dice la Legge?
Gli animali non possono entrare nei luoghi dove si preparano alimenti. Tuttavia, i supermercati sfruttano una zona grigia: il cane nel carrello non “tocca” il cibo.
Un escamotage, forse. Ma l’etica dove la mettiamo?
E Gli Anziani?
L’Italia ha una delle popolazioni più anziane al mondo. Per molti, andare al supermercato è un evento sociale, un’uscita importante.
Ma cosa ricevono? Niente carrelli speciali. Niente ombra. Nessun aiuto.
Però il cane ha la sua cuccetta a rotelle.
Verso Dove Stiamo Andando?
Il prossimo passo? Frigori per cani? Degustazioni di croccantini artigianali in corsia? Cinture di sicurezza per carrelli canini?
Basta.
Gli spazi pubblici devono essere inclusivi, ma non a scapito della salute pubblica o del buonsenso collettivo.
Serve Equilibrio
Chi ama i cani dovrebbe volere il meglio anche per gli altri. E allora:
- Zone dedicate ai carrelli per animali, con igienizzazione obbligatoria
- Carrelli prioritari per anziani, non per barboncini
- Cartelli che informano i clienti delle procedure di pulizia
- Staff formato per garantire che la salute pubblica venga rispettata
Amare gli animali è meraviglioso. Ma rispettare le persone è fondamentale.
Conclusione
L’Italia è famosa per la sua cucina, la sua cultura e la sua capacità di prendersi cura della famiglia. Ma quando i cani ottengono più riguardi degli anziani, qualcosa è andato storto.
Alla prossima visita al supermercato, forse mi urleranno di nuovo. Ma entrerò a testa alta. Perché credo che la dignità umana venga prima del cagnolino con la bandana fashion.
E se sei la signora con il carrello VIP per il cane e hai visto la nonna col bastone sotto il sole?
Magari la prossima volta, cedile il posto.
Se lo merita più.
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