Although the pet policy may vary between stores across the globe, in general, IKEA stores are not pet friendly, unless you have a service dog that is accompanying you.
The reason according to IKEA’s pet policy is that the many goals are to be able to provide customers with a safe and enjoyable experience, hence the strict policy that no pets are allowed. Service dogs are an exception as disabled people need the dog to perform certain tasks which the owner is unable to do.
Reasons for IKEA’s strict no-pet policy
Reason 1: Many people are allergic to dogs and therefore it is in the customer’s best interest not to be subjected to anything that may trigger a reaction
Reason 2: Some people may develop ailments due to the fur or paws or substances that stick to the dogs. Reason 3: It is possible that customers or children, especially young children, may have a fear of dogs. Reason 4: In general, people prefer to have an undisturbed, pleasant experience when shopping, which may be compromised when allowing pets in stores.
What is the definition of service dogs?
Service dogs are not classified as pets as they are performing a very necessary duty. They are trained to assist their disabled owner (physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disabilities) and perform tasks to help them and make their lives easier. The dog will be trained to relate to the owner’s specific disability. The breed of a dog trained as a service dog is not restricted by the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).
What is an emotional support animal?
Animals trained and used as emotional support animals are not trained to perform tasks, but they are beneficial to their owners and help to alleviate depression and anxiety and provide emotional support. It is important for customers to note that emotional support animals are not allowed on the property of IKEA.
Are there differences in pet policies according to store locations?
The policy of IKEA may differ between stores across the globe. Overall, IKEA will only allow service dogs and not any other pets. This policy is also implemented in Canada and Australia. Certain countries are more pet-friendly such as the UK, Germany, and Switzerland.
What suggestions of other shops are there?
Should you want to take your pet with you to the stores, consider other pet-friendly stores near you that are like IKEA. Other home décor stores in the USA that allow dogs in their stores are CB2, Lowe’s, and Home Depot. Note that all dogs must be always on a leash. It is again possible that some stores, depending on the location, will not allow pets in their stores, so the best is to contact the store that you intend to visit. Overall, the rule is that stores that are pet-friendly will expect the pets to be well-behaved, on a leash and harness.
Conclusion
IKEA’S attitude and policy towards pets are that they are not allowed in stores unless they are service dogs. This is for safety reasons, allergic reactions caused to customers and to ensure customers have a pleasant experience. The policy varies across locations and countries, you need to contact the store that you wish to visit to enquire if it is pet-friendly. Some stores have a more relaxed policy but remember to take the certification of your service animal with you, as you may be asked to have proof.
Will you be asked for certification of a service dog?
It is possible that you may be asked for certification, so always make sure that you have that documentation with you.
Does it mean IKEA is not pet-friendly?
Although they only allow service dogs, it does not mean they are not pet-friendly. In fact, they encourage people with service dogs to bring them.
Can you take a puppy or small dog in a bag into the store?
Some locations and stores do allow small dogs in a carry bag, but again rather call the shop you plan to visit to confirm. Because once you get there and the dog is not allowed, you will have to leave.
Can you be asked to leave the store if you have your pet with you?
You may be asked at the door for proof that it is a service dog. If your dog’s behavior is disruptive, aggressive, or causes discomfort, you may be asked to leave.
Can my dog stay outside safely while I’m shopping?
Yes, there are several safe places outside the store where your dog can stay with bowls for food and water, and shelter.
Can you rather order IKEA products online?
Yes, not only can you order your items online, but you can also even design your kitchen online. You can order online and pick it up at a satellite store or order in-store and have it delivered to your home.
title: “Ikea Pet Friendly” ShowToc: true date: “2022-11-29” author: “Ruth Merritt”
If you plan to go to IKEA and think about bringing your pet with you, you must better inform yourself about the company’s policies before embarking on the long trip. You don’t want to find yourself in an unpleasant situation when arriving.
It could be considered that IKEA is and isn’t a pet-friendly company since the stores only allow service animals (ADA qualified) to enter the premises.
It is essential to know that service animals are not considered emotional support pets or dog pets. So for that, these kinds of animals won’t be allowed inside IKEA.
ADA Animals And Support Pets.
Unlike emotional support or comfort animals and pets, service animals have been trained to perform specific support activities for their owners. For example, they guide people with visual or hearing difficulties. Making it primordial to keep the service animal together with its owner at all times.
This is totally understandable, but then, what’s the problem with letting in unqualified pets inside IKEA stores?
They do not allow pets in IKEA stores. Only trained (ADA qualified) animals are allowed.
So, it doesn’t really matter what the answer someone gives to this question; it’s clear that in IKEA, they only allow ADA qualified animals inside.
It’s as simple as that. But, unfortunately, it seems that not even a pet turtle in its cage can make the cut.
Ikea Pet-Friendly Around The Globe.
This same situation is not happening all over the world. The company is already looking at ways to offer a service that meets the needs of its pet-owning customers.
Of course! We are talking about IKEA. This company will always look for solutions to make ALL its customers feel included in the IKEA family!
For this, since 2015, the “Dog Parking” initiative has been implemented in Cologne, Germany. It consists of individual islands of artificial grass located outside the store, where you can leave your dog on a leash while you go shopping. Your dog will even get a bowl with fresh water!
Also, in northern Italy, an IKEA allows small dogs to enter, and they even offer carts to put them inside. So maybe, it could be that your nearest IKEA will also be pet-friendly one of these days!
Lurving: Collection Of Furniture For Cats And Dogs
In addition, IKEA has a line of furniture and accessories for cats and dogs called LURVIG. Which has been created with the help of pet-loving designers and veterinarians.
Quoting them: “To understand what pets need, we need to think like them. The LURVIG range was created with our pets’ natural needs and behavior as starting points. “
This somehow also makes IKEA pet-friendly; they’ve created a stunning collection, and they are expanding their range of products continuously. Pet owners like it a lot. Reading comments on platforms such as YouTube and social networks, it’s visible that people are delighted with the products.
Do I Have To Show The Certificate That Guarantees My Dog Is A Service Dog?
It is recommended that you do so. Some stores may ask you for it.
Is There An Official Plan To Make IKEA Stores Pet-Friendly?
No. For now, there are only isolated cases such as Italy and Germany. We’ll see what happens in the future.
In short: IKEA only allows service animals (ADA qualified) into its stores. Emotional support animals and pets are not considered the same as service animals.
Although some IKEA stores are more pet friendly, like in Germany and Italy, the official pet policy says the entrance is only allowed for service animals.
In addition, IKEA has a line of articles for dogs and cats that has won the hearts of its customers.
Frequent Asked Questions:
Is IKEA furniture pet Friendly?
As mentioned before, in 2017, they launched a furniture line for dogs and cats called Lurvig. In addition, IKEA has furniture such as the Ektorp sofa that you can put on and remove covers so that your dog or cat can climb on it without damaging it.
What is the official IKEA policy regarding bringing in dogs?
Only service dogs are allowed in. Emotional support dogs or pets are not allowed in.
Are dogs allowed in IKEA Atlanta?
Atlanta IKEA also makes an exception for service dogs. Still, doesn’t allow inside the building emotional support pets and/ or dog pets.
Is The Home Depot pet-friendly?
Stores such as The Home Depot have a pet-friendly policy that allows your furry friend to accompany you to do your shopping. The only requirement is that they must be leashed and behave.
