Overview
- Ikea Deutschland announced the policy change that took effect on Monday, 15 June 2026, allowing customers to bring dogs into all Einrichtungshäuser and Planungsstudios across Germany.
- The rules require small dogs to stay in a dog bag, bed, or backpack and larger dogs to be kept on a short leash while owners remain fully liable for their animals.
- Certain areas remain dog-free, including the Schwedenrestaurant food‑service and food‑sale zones, the Swedenbistro/Schwedenshop, and the Småland children’s area, with trained guide and assistance dogs exempt from those restrictions.
- Implementation will vary locally because planungsstudios inside shopping centres must follow the centre owner’s house rules and some stores have already added water bowls and tie‑up points for dogs.
- Ikea says pilots showed few customers used the option, the Instagram announcement drew large public reaction with about 38,000 likes, and the debate focuses on hygiene, allergies, child safety and how stores will enforce the new rules.