If you have a pet dog, you might decide to take it with you when you go shopping at one of 50 different IKEA locations across the US.
But does IKEA actually allow dogs in-store, and are they pet-friendly? All your questions are answered!
Does IKEA Allow Dogs?
IKEA does allow dogs in-store, but only if they are service dogs. This is in compliance with the American Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. No pet dogs, other pet animals, or emotional support animals are allowed in-store. You can, however, leave your dog outside some IKEA stores at a designated dog parking spot.
Want to know more? Keep on reading to find out exactly why IKEA does not allow pets – and which IKEA stores have been known to bend the rules.
Is IKEA Pet Friendly?
No, IKEA is not pet-friendly. So, no pets of any kind are allowed in-store – although some shoppers have reported exceptions to this rule, which you can read about below.
While there is no mention of IKEA’s no-pet policy on the website, customers on Yelp clarified by calling the company.
It was verified that IKEA stores in the US only allow service dogs to accompany customers in-store.
So, you will not be allowed to take pet dogs, cats, birds, or other animals in to shop with you.
This is similar to the policies adopted by other supermarkets and warehouse stores such as Walmart and Costco.
All of these stores are prohibited from allowing animals inside under the Food And Drug Administration’s (FDA) Food Service Codes.
While IKEA Does Not Officially Allow Dogs, Some Stores Break The Rules…
It would seem that IKEA’s no-dog policy is not enforced equally in all locations.
Additionally, a number of shoppers have reported seeing customers with pet dogs in their local IKEA stores!
Dog owners might take some comfort from this. But, if you were hoping to take your dog with you to IKEA, remember that the official policy is that pets are not allowed. Many stores will be strict about enforcing those rules.
Why Does IKEA Not Allow Pets?
IKEA does not allow pets because they want all customers to enjoy their shopping experience, including those who, for example, are scared of animals or allergic to their hair.
So, to ensure that every single customer feels comfortable in-store, pets, in general, are prohibited.
There are also health and safety reasons involved. Because IKEA stores serve food at their in-store restaurants, pet dogs and other animals cannot be allowed in.
This is in accordance with the FDA’s Food Service Codes, which rule that live animals should not be allowed entry to any establishment that sells or serves food.
The concern is that an untrained animal could track dirt, drool, or other unsanitary substances into the store and contaminate food and other products.
Does IKEA Allow Service Animals?
While you cannot take pets into IKEA with you, you can take a service animal!
A service animal is one that has been specifically trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability.
The tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the disability the owner has.
This exception to the “no dogs allowed” rule is sanctioned by ADA guidelines, which recognize the important role service animals play in the lives of disabled individuals.
Are All Service Animals Allowed In IKEA?
Generally speaking, yes, all service dogs and other service animals are allowed into IKEA stores. However, some rules and restrictions do apply.
For example, owners and their service animals may be asked to leave if the animal is disruptive and not on a leash.
Also, according to the ADA, IKEA employees are within their rights to ask if a customer’s animal is, in fact, a service animal.
They are also legally allowed to ask what functions or tasks the animal is trained to perform.
However, any questioning outside of these two lines of inquiry are not allowed, including requests to see proof of disability.
Are Emotional Support Animals Allowed In IKEA?
Under the ADA, emotional support animals are not classed as service animals.
This is because they are trained to offer therapeutic benefits to people with mental or psychiatric disabilities. They do not carry out practical tasks in the same way that service animals do.
So, no, emotional support animals are not allowed to accompany owners into IKEA stores.
Can You Leave Your Dog Outside An IKEA?
While you cannot take your dog with you into an IKEA store, that doesn’t mean that they can’t come with you and wait outside!
Some IKEA stores have installed dedicated dog parking spots outside the front doors. These are basically small patches of astroturf with poles you can tie your dog’s leash to.
They are sheltered from the sun and the rain and may have water bowls and kennels, depending on the location.
To find out if your nearest IKEA store offers dog parking, you can contact customer services on 1-888-888-4532. Or, find your local IKEA using the online locator tool and get in touch to see if they offer the service.
To learn more, you can also see guides on the Walmart dog policy, Walgreens dog policy, Target dog policy, and the Costco dog policy.
Conclusion
Service dogs and other service animals are legally allowed into IKEA stores. Service animals are defined as those that perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities.
To determine whether a customer’s animal is actually a service animal, IKEA employees may ask what specific tasks the animal performs.
Pets such as dogs, cats, and birds are prohibited from entering IKEA, as are emotional support animals. This has to do with health and safety laws applied to places that serve food, as well as customer satisfaction concerns.
For customers wishing to take their dog with them to IKEA, some locations offer dog parking outside the store entrance. Get in touch with your nearest IKEA store for more information.
