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Is IKEA Pet Friendly? Can You Bring Dogs into IKEA stores?

2021-05-17


One of the most popular stores for furniture and home accessories with many establishments around the world is IKEA. If you are a pet owner, and you have decided to visit your local IKEA store with your dog, you might need to know what their pet regulations are.


Is IKEA Pet Friendly?

IKEA US is not considered very pet-friendly, as according to their pet policy only service dogs are allowed on their property. The store wants to provide their customers with a safe and pleasant time, spent in their establishments, which is the reason for the store’s restrictive pet policy. IKEA’s management takes into account that some customers might be allergic to dogs. Even the fur or the paws of a regularly bathed dog can contain substances that may cause allergies or sickness by making a contact with them. Another reason for the store’s pet policy is that some clients, especially little children, can be afraid of dogs. In general, the attitude towards dogs is not very welcoming.


What Is The Difference Between Service Dogs, Pets, and Emotional Support Animals?

Since only service dogs are permitted in the store, we need to take a closer look at the differences between pets and service dogs.

Service dogs are not considered pets, as they are trained to perform specific tasks for the benefit of people with disabilities, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to their owner’s disability. The type of dog breed that can be trained as a service animal is not restricted by ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).  Handlers can train their dogs either professionally or individually at home.

It is important to mention that service dogs and emotional support animals (ESA) are not the same. ESA is not trained to perform a specific task. Although they are very beneficial for their owners, as they relieve depression, anxiety or provide emotional support, they are not a subject of the ADA regulations. With that in mind, dog owners need to know that ESA is not allowed on IKEA’s property.


Are There Differences In The Pet Policy Of IKEA Depending On The Store Location?

Yes, the IKEA pet policy may vary across store locations around the world. As already mentioned, the IKEA establishments in the US are not deemed very dog friendly unless the dog is a service dog.

IKEA Canada and IKEA Australia enforce the same pet policy as IKEA US. Pets are not allowed on the store’s property unless they are service dogs.

IKEA stores in the United Kingdom seem to be more pet friendly, as some customers with small dogs, carried in their bags, maybe let into the store by its management. If you are a citizen of the United Kingdom and you have decided to take your fluffy friend to the local IKEA store, we would recommend that you contact the store first.

IKEA Germany does not allow dogs as well, but since there are special park areas for dogs since 2015, their pet policy can be considered more pet friendly and beneficial for the dog owners, compared to the IKEA pet policy in the US.

The most pet-friendly policy within the store chain may be implemented in Switzerland. The pet policy of the Swiss version of IKEA states: “In Vernier, Aubonne, and Grancia, you may bring your dog with you – on a lead – into the IKEA store. In Spreitenbach, Dietlikon, St. Gallen, Pratteln, Rothenburg, and Lyssach, kennels are available in front of the IKEA store, where your dog can wait for you while you shop”.

If you are wondering whether to take your dog to IKEA or not, we would recommend that you take a dog that is a service animal only. You may need to provide a certificate or some kind of verification for your service dog. You always can call the local store directly in order to be provided with accurate information.


Pet-Friendly Home Decor Stores In The US

Since many pets struggle when they have to spend time separated from their beloved people, some pet owners decide to take them when they go shopping. If this is your case, we would recommend that you check more pet-friendly stores similar to IKEA near you.

You can check some of our suggestions:

CB2 allows the presence of dogs in their stores. Dog owners need to keep in mind that their pet friends should be on a leash.

Another home decor store in the US that pet owners might be interested in is Home Depot. The store offers a wide space for pet owners, accompanied by their dog partners. Of course, dog handlers need to remember to keep their pets on a leash. Unfortunately, not all locations of the retail chain are deemed pet friendly, and we always recommend a direct contact to the local store. If your fluffy friend is behaving disruptively, aggressively, causes damages or discomfort to other customers, you may be asked to leave.

A pet policy similar to the policy of Home Depot is enforced by another home decor store - Lowe’s.

Pets are welcomed in most Lowe’s stores. They need to be: well-behaved, leashed, harnessed, or carried service animals and pets.