Ever wandered down the aisles of IKEA, eyes wide at the labyrinth of furniture wondering, “could my furry friend enjoy this maze of Scandinavian design as much as I do?” Well, you’re not alone. Today, we’re diving tail-first into the nitty-gritty of IKEA’s dog policy, answering your burning question “are dogs allowed in IKEA”.
Are Dogs Allowed in IKEA?
No. They LOVE our furry friends enormously! However IKEA only welcomes fully trained service animals, such as guide dogs and hearing assistance dogs, into their stores.
Why Are Dogs Not Allowed in IKEA UK?
You might be wagging your tail in disappointment, wondering why your canine companion can’t join you in picking out a new couch or bed frame. IKEA’s commitment to creating a safe, comfortable, and allergen-free environment for all shoppers underpins this policy. IKEA has thousands of visitors each day, including those with allergies and fears of dogs. Therefore the store must consider the welfare and comfort of everyone. This means prioritising human needs and keeping the shopping environment pet-free, excluding service animals.
What is IKEA’s Dog Policy?
IKEA’s dog policy is quite clear in the UK, United States, Canada and Australia: assistance dogs only. However, what does the pet policy look like in other countries? Are dogs allowed in IKEA in Spain, Germany or Switzerland?
Spain: Dogs are welcome in IKEA stores in Spain, two pets per family. IKEA allows pets in all areas except for the Restaurant, Bistro, and Swedish Food Market sections. There are rules in place such as dogs not allowed on furniture or to circulate freely, kept on a short lead etc. IKEA expects pet owners to carry waste bags and cleaning wipes to promptly deal with any messes.
Switzerland: People often cite Switzerland as the most dog friendly country. Some IKEA stores allow dogs to accompany their owners inside, while others provide kennels for pets to wait safely.
Germany: Like its counterparts in other countries, IKEA Germany typically does not allow dogs into its stores. However, in a move towards becoming more pet friendly since 2015, some locations have introduced special park areas for dogs. This gesture provides a compromise, allowing pets to wait in a designated area while their owners shop.
A Silver Lining for Dog Lovers
So are dogs allowed in IKEA? Unless they’re an assistance dog, unfortunately not. However there are plenty of shops across the UK whose doors are wide open to our canine companions! Including John Lewis, WHSmith, CeX and plenty more dog friendly shops.
