Overview
- Ikea announced on Monday, June 15, 2026, that dogs are now welcome in all its German stores and planning studios, reversing the previous policy that limited access to trained guide and assistance dogs.
- The new rules require dogs to be transported in a dog bag, basket or backpack or to be kept on a short leash for the entire visit, and place full responsibility and liability for the animal on its owner.
- Certain zones remain off-limits to pets, including the restaurant pickup line, the Swedenshop, the bistro and the children's play area Småland, while trained guide and assistance dogs are exempt from those restrictions.
- Some stores have already added practical support such as water bowls and tethering points, and Ikea is promoting a pet product range; however, planning studios inside shopping centres may follow different house rules set by mall owners.
- The announcement, posted on Ikea Deutschland's Instagram and widely shared, drew mixed public reaction with praise from dog owners and concerns over safety, hygiene and allergies, which Ikea aims to address through its specified exclusions and owner-liability rules.