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IKEA is one of the UK’s most popular shopping destinations for affordable furniture, homeware, and clever space-saving solutions. But if you’re a dog owner, you may be wondering: are dogs allowed in IKEA?
With more shops across the UK opening their doors to canine companions, it’s worth knowing where you stand before you head out for a browse through flat-pack wonders and Swedish meatballs. This guide gives you everything you need to know about IKEA’s dog policy, any exceptions, and what could happen if you bring your dog along.
Are Dogs Allowed In Ikea?
In short: no, IKEA stores in the UK are not dog-friendly
Unless your dog is an assistance animal, you are not allowed to bring them inside IKEA. This applies across all locations, whether it’s a large warehouse store or a smaller city-centre concept branch.
What Is Ikea’s Official Policy On Allowing Dogs Into Their Stores?
IKEA’s official customer service guidance states clearly:
“Only assistance dogs are allowed in our stores.”
This includes guide dogs for visually impaired customers and registered assistance dogs that support people with disabilities. IKEA welcomes these dogs in accordance with UK equality laws.
For all other dogs—including emotional support animals, therapy dogs, or pets—the answer is no. IKEA’s policy is consistent across its UK stores and there are no general allowances for pet dogs. You can read it in full here.
Are There Any Exceptions?
The only exception is for official, registered assistance dogs.
These dogs are allowed anywhere in the store, including the shop floor, restaurants, cafés, and self-service areas. Staff are trained to accommodate customers with assistance dogs, and you do not need to give advance notice.
There are no exceptions for small dogs, dogs in carriers, or calm dogs on leads. Even if your dog is well-behaved, the rule still applies.
Interestingly, IKEA stores in other countries (like some locations in Germany or Switzerland) occasionally trial pet-friendly policies, but in the UK, the policy is strict.
Why Isn’t Ikea Dog Friendly?
There are several reasons IKEA has chosen to remain a no-pets zone:
🐾 Health and safety concerns: IKEA stores are busy environments with large crowds, long queues, and heavy or bulky products being moved around. Loose leads or pets underfoot increase the risk of accidents.
🍽️ Hygiene regulations: Many IKEA stores have in-house restaurants, cafés, and Swedish food markets, which operate under strict food hygiene laws that prohibit pets.
😊 Customer comfort: Not all customers are comfortable around dogs, and IKEA aims to provide an accessible shopping environment for everyone, including children, elderly customers, and those with allergies or phobias.
🛒 Store design: The large, maze-like layout with escalators, lifts, trolleys, and flat-packed goods makes the environment challenging for animals and their owners.
What Happens If I Get Caught Taking My Dog Into Ikea?
If you bring a non-assistance dog into IKEA, here’s what is likely to happen:
🚪 You may be politely stopped at the entrance by a greeter or security staff, who will explain the no-pets policy and ask you to return your dog to your car or home.
👀 If you make it inside and are noticed by staff, you may be approached and asked to leave the store.
⚠️ Refusal to comply could result in escalation to security staff or, in rare cases, being asked not to return.
💬 It’s important to note that IKEA staff are trained to handle these situations professionally and kindly—but the rules are unlikely to bend.
Key Takeaways
✔ Are dogs allowed in IKEA?
No—only registered assistance dogs are allowed.
✔ What is IKEA’s official policy?
Pets, emotional support animals, and non-registered therapy dogs are not permitted in any part of the store.
✔ Are there exceptions?
Only for assistance dogs, in line with UK law.
✔ Why isn’t IKEA dog friendly?
For health, safety, hygiene, and customer comfort reasons.
✔ What happens if I bring my dog anyway?
You’ll likely be asked to leave or refused entry at the door
You can also head here to learn if you can take your dog into B&Q or head here to learn if The Range is dog friendly. We also have a guide on Starbucks and its policy on dogs.
