Does IKEA Allow Dogs? (2026 Update)

Ask anyone who's stepped foot into IKEA before, and they'll tell you how strangely time passes inside the walls of this store. It's easy to get lost in there, and, quite frankly, I'd be lying if I said I hadn't inadvertently spent half a day in IKEA, browsing faux plants and creating a walk-in closet I'll never actually buy.

Many IKEA shoppers have had to cut their store visits short as they have dogs at home to tend to. But could you bring Fido along with you so you, too, can spend hours looking at cool lighting and Nordic-inspired home goods? The answer is maybe, but it depends entirely on where you live. You can bring your dog to IKEA with you in certain countries.

There are some stipulations you should know before getting your pup ready for a full-day adventure at IKEA. Read on to learn more.

Is IKEA Dog Friendly?

The answer to this question depends entirely on where you live and the type of dog you have.

Many stores, IKEA or not, will allow people with certified service dogs to bring their pets along with them. Businesses that discriminate against qualified service dogs may be fined. The keyword here is qualified. Therapy or emotional support dogs are those that do not perform specific tasks (e.g., seeing eye services or medical alerts) and are not given the same rights as verified service dogs, nor are they allowed in most stores.

IKEA may have gotten its start in Sweden, but it's now a multinational group of companies with over 460 stores in 59 countries and three territories. Let's look a little closer at some of IKEA’s pet policies across the world.

United States and Canada

While the Canadian and American IKEA websites talk about how cats and dogs aren't just pets but members of our families, North America-based IKEA stores do not allow pets. Of course, this does not apply to fully trained ADA-qualified service animals. Unfortunately, this invitation for entry does not extend to emotional support pets.

Thailand

In June 2023, IKEA Thailand announced that they now welcome shoppers to bring dogs and cats under 15 kilograms to shop alongside their owners. Animals must be kept inside the pet trolley at all times and are not allowed to walk freely on the shop floors. Owners are not to leave their animals unattended at all and are responsible for their pets their entire stay.

Spain

Like Thailand, IKEA Spain also allows pets to accompany their human family members. According to the website, each family unit can bring a maximum of two pets along with them while they shop.

Unlike Thailand, where pets must be kept inside trollies, the IKEA Spain website says pets can be on non-extendable leads up to 1.5 m in length during their visits. Still, they are not allowed to walk freely within the store or be left unattended. Additionally, dog breeds deemed potentially dangerous must wear a muzzle and always be on a short lead. This includes breeds such as Rottweilers, Bull Terriers, and Bullmastiffs, among others.

Switzerland

The pet policy in Switzerland's IKEA's will vary from store to store.

In Aubonne, Francia, and Venier, dogs are permitted to be with you, provided they are kept on a leash.

In Dietlikon, dogs can come in the store but must be kept in a pet trolley or carrier bag. They are not permitted in-store on leashes.

Dogs under 30 centimeters high can accompany their owners in Lyssach, Rothenburg, and Pratteln. However, they must remain in the shopping cart on a blanket provided by their owners. The store in St. Gallen has the same rule, except there are no listed stipulations on height.

Taiwan

IKEA Taipei City Shop Arena allows pets to accompany their owners, but they must be kept in travel bags or trollies. The website will not permit bags larger than 55 cm x 45 cm x 40 cm.

Hong Kong

Most IKEAs in Hong Kong allow family pets to accompany their humans while shopping. They request the animal be carried in a travel bag or trolley. Pets are not allowed to enter the Sai Wan Jo pick-up point or bargain corner due to the regulations set by the mall.

What About Other Countries?

As you probably noticed, the above-listed countries are just a partial list of some places with IKEA stores worldwide. The company has different policies for each country it is in, but here are some other countries that don’t allow pets in store (unless they’re service dogs):

What Are the Rules for Bringing My Dog Into the Store?

Though each country appears to have its own rules for allowing pets into its stores, some restrictions apply regardless of where you are.

Pets are prohibited in food units, such as Swedish restaurants, food markets, or café. This rule does not apply to guide or therapy dogs.

As with most stores that allow pets, the owner will be liable for any damages or harm caused by their pets during their visit to IKEA. Owners are also expected to be responsible for cleaning up after their pets and not allowing them on furniture.

Final Thoughts

Before getting Fido ready for a day of perusing the aisle at IKEA, it is a good idea to call your local store to inquire about their pet policy. While it's unlikely that the policy has changed, you never know! IKEA certainly has an awesome stock of pet-related products, but most shoppers will have to shop for their pets without their beloved dog or cat by their side.

Featured Image Credit: Alexander Isreb, Pexels