Are Dogs Allowed in IKEA? (2024 Update) Is IKEA Pet Friendly?
Shopping in IKEA is an experience. It can take hours to browse every item in the store. You can expect to lose at least half your day to the IKEA experience.
Naturally, anyone would want to take their best friend with them—and yes, I’m talking about our dogs.
It’s only natural to want to take our dog with us wherever we go. Our fur babies love being our constant companions and are prone to loneliness while we’re out shopping.
Some stores allow us to bring our furry companions on the property, but does IKEA? Today we’re going to answer the question: Are dogs allowed in IKEA?
Are Dogs Allowed in IKEA?
Are dogs allowed in IKEA? The answer is: sometimes! Ultimately, it comes down to what country you’re living in and your local store’s policy.
For example, the five countries listed below have varied responses regarding allowing dogs in their stores.
IKEA USA
Due to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rules, live animals are not allowed in restaurants. IKEA has both a dine-in restaurant and a bistro. Unfortunately, this means that pets are not allowed in the store.
The one caveat to this rule is that service dogs are permitted.
IKEA Australia
Like America, only certified service animals are allowed in IKEA Australia stores.
IKEA Germany
IKEA Germany doesn’t allow dogs in the store. However, some locations in the country, such as the one in Cologne, have “parking spots” for your dog.
The “parking spots” have a pole to tether your dog’s leash. There is artificial grass and a water bowl for their comfort.
IKEA Japan
IKEA Japan’s Funabashi and Shinmisato stores allow small dogs and cats in stores as long as they are carried in a bag.
IKEA Switzerland
IKEA Switzerland allows dogs in stores if you live in Vernier, Aubonne, and Grancia. Your dog must be on a lead while in the store. Alternatively, there are kennels available for use in front of stores in Spreitenbach, Dietlikon, St. Gallen, Pratteln, Rothenburg, and Lyssach.
Is IKEA Pet Friendly?
The short answer is no, IKEA is not pet-friendly. While IKEA has different rules depending on your country, they generally only allow service animals in stores.
There are varied reasons why your pet is not allowed in the store. These reasons range from legal (FDA rules) to executive-level decisions.
For example, ten to twenty percent of the global population is allergic to dogs and cats. These allergies can trigger an asthma attack in up to three in ten people. Because such a large portion of the population suffers from allergies, IKEA may be erring on the side of caution.
Can I Bring My Dog to IKEA?
Unfortunately, unless your dog is a certified, registered service dog, you will not be allowed to take them into IKEA. Unless, of course, you live in a country like Japan or Switzerland.
Are Service Dogs Allowed in IKEA?
Yes, service dogs are allowed in IKEA. They are the only exception to the rule.
Your dog must be well-trained for the job it was assigned. That means your service dog must be under your control. It needs to be leashed unless the individual is incapable of using one or it interferes with your dog’s ability to perform necessary tasks.
You may need to provide certification to prove that your dog is a registered service animal. Denying entry to a service animal violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA.)
Do I Need To Bring Certification for My Service Dog?
In most cases, carrying your service dog’s certification is unnecessary. Often, a vest indicating that your dog is a service animal will suffice.
Some stores may ask for proof that your dog is a legitimate service animal. IKEA staff are legally allowed to ask whether your dog is a service animal. They may also inquire what tasks it’s expected to carry out in an emergency.
If you have concerns, you should call your local store ahead of your visit.
Are Emotional Support Dogs Allowed in IKEA?
No, emotional support dogs are not allowed in IKEA. IKEA does not allow emotional support animals, including dogs, into their stores.
The exceptions to this rule are stores in countries that allow all dogs into their store, regardless of service status.
What is the Difference Between a Service Dog and an Emotional Support Dog?
The ADA does not classify emotional support animals as service animals. Mental health professionals prescribe emotional support animals to their patients.
Emotional support animals provide therapeutic benefits to those suffering from anxiety, depression, and phobias.
On the other hand, service animals do work or tasks for people with disabilities. For instance, a seeing-eye dog assists those who are visually impaired or blind.
Some service dogs may seem like emotional support dogs. But this is not the case because they serve a specific purpose beyond comfort. These support dogs are called “psychiatric service dogs.”
If a person who has PTSD has a debilitating panic attack, a psychiatric service dog could provide pressure to help calm them. They also know how to remind their handler to take medication and provide safety checks.
Will IKEA Ever be Pet-Friendly?
At this time, only service dogs are allowed in most of IKEA’s stores.
As time goes on, IKEA’s policies may eventually evolve. Perhaps, someday IKEA will have a doggie daycare in every store. It would undoubtedly give owners peace of mind knowing their beloved pet is being cared for while they shop.
Until then, IKEA is generally not considered pet-friendly.
Final Thoughts
Today, we learned the answer to, “are dogs allowed in IKEA?” In most countries, including the United States, only registered service dogs are allowed in the store.
As a reminder, it is legal for IKEA employees to ask for certification. They can also ask what type of service your dog provides.
In many countries, IKEA stores don’t allow dogs on the property due to legal requirements or concerns for customer safety. This policy may change in the future. However, all we can do is wait and see.
