Whether it’s to pick up (another) Billy bookcase, a Stockholm rug or an iconic Poäng chair, we all know there are plenty of reasons to shop at IKEA. But can we bring our own dog?
Dogs at IKEA?
Founded in 1953 as a mail-order catalog company in Älmhult, Sweden, today the IKEA brand spans 64 markets with nearly 500 stores.
As you might expect, pet policies vary widely in those different stores and countries.
The answer to the question “is it allowed to bring dogs at IKEA” depends entirely on where you live and shop.
inside IKEA US Store, dogs are not allowed – except service dogs. “In our IKEA stores, access to guide dogs (users with visual disabilities), service dogs (users with physical disabilities), signal dogs (users with physical disabilities), is only allowed. hearing) or alert dogs (they issue medical warnings to users suffering from conditions such as diabetes or epilepsy, among others) are appropriately certified. “
Much London IKEA stores have a similar policy – but they allow mental support dogs, which don’t have the same rights as service dogs in the United States: “We ask that you leave your furry friends at home. home, because we can’t allow them in the store. Unless of course they are registered service dogs, such as guide and hearing assistance dogs, or registered emotional support dogs, all are welcome! “
The same is true for IKEA stores in Japan: “We love pets, but we don’t allow them in our store. Guide dogs, hearing assistance dogs, and service dogs are allowed. “
Australia also banned pet dogs in stores: “We love pets! Unfortunately, we cannot allow them into our store, unless they are genuine service dogs. If you have a genuine service dog, you can continue into the store. Our store greeter may ask you to verify. “
However, if you’re lucky enough to shop with your dog in Europe, many IKEA stores are dog-friendly.
In Switzerland, many IKEA locations welcome your dog: “In Vernier, Aubonne, Dietlikon and Grancia, you can bring your dog – when directed – into an IKEA store. In Spreitenbach, 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. “
In SpainEach family can bring two dogs in and are welcome throughout the store, excluding the food area: “Pets are allowed in all of our facilities. except for the Swedish Restaurants, Pubs and Shops areawhere only duly recognized guide or therapy dogs may have access. “
Why Not Allow Dogs in US IKEA Stores?
Dogs are not allowed in IKEA stores in the US for many of the same reasons as dogs are not allowed in Walmart-dish.
IKEA has both ready-made food in the IKEA Swedish Food Market and prepared food in the IKEA Restaurant (don’t miss the Swedish meatballs!)
What if I need something from IKEA while out with my dog?
If you’re running errands and need to pick up something from IKEA, many items are available to pick up without entering the store. You can order online and pick up. Many items are also available for home delivery.
Please NEVER leave your dog alone in the car. Temperatures can soar to the point of death even on seemingly mild days. (And don’t forget that there’s always a risk dognapping while you are in the store.)
Of course, you can always run home to drop off the dog and shop alone – then pick up a surprise treat for the dog to take home!
IKEA’s LURVIG The collection is designed for dogs (and cats) and includes beds, bowls, blankets, carriers and more.
Can I bring my service dog to IKEA?
As you will see from the statements above from IKEA locations around the world, you can bring your service dog to IKEA locations.
In the United States, you may not be asked for any kind of certification that your dog is a service dog. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, “Insured entities may not require documentation, such as proof that the animal has been certified, trained, or licensed as a service animal, such as a condition of entry.”
And don’t feel that you need to buy “certified” from one of the many (many!) online stores that sell alleged service dog certifications. The ADA notes: “There are individuals and organizations that sell animal registration or certification services online. These documents do not convey any rights under the ADA, and the Department of Justice does not recognize them as evidence that dogs are service animals.”
If your dog is not a trained service dog, do not try to misrepresent your dog as a service dog. Depending on where you live, misrepresent your dog as a service dog may be fined up to $1000.
If you are shopping at IKEA outside of the United States, as you will see in the pet policies above, you may be asked to present proof of service dog certification.
Can service dogs come to IKEA restaurants?
Service dogs can cross the self-service food line with you and sit in the restaurant with you.
However, a service dog needs to be on the floor (for example, unless it is a diabetes alert dog that needs to be held to detect changes in the owner’s breathing with glucose levels). change).
According to the ADA: “Seating, food, and beverages are provided for customer use only. The ADA grants people with disabilities the right to accompany their service animals, but covered organizations are not required to allow the animal to sit or be fed at the table. “
Can a service dog in training come to IKEA?
Service dogs in training may or may not be allowed in non-dog-friendly IKEA stores, such as IKEA stores in the United States. Regulations on training service dogs are set by the states.
Here, in Texas, for example, law states, “A service animal during training may not be refused admission to any public facility when accompanied by an approved trainer.”
However, that’s not true in every state – so know your rights before entering the store with a service dog in training.
Pin to Remember Can I Bring My Dog to IKEA?
