Will Ikea dog parking bays take off in the UK?

If you take your dog out shopping with you or like to keep them around when you’re running errands, every time you have to pop into a store that doesn’t allow dogs, you have to make a decision: Leave your dog alone in the car, or tie them up outside of the store. Neither option is ideal for your pet's safety or well-being, and many retailers are beginning to understand the growing number of dog owners wanting to include their pets in daily outings.

In recent years, dog-friendly policies in UK retail have expanded, with stores offering designated tie-up areas with water bowls outside and some even allowing dogs inside certain sections, such as Robert Dyas and Fenwick, or the dedicated dog-friendly floor at Harrods in London. But Ikea takes this a step further by trialling a dedicated dog-park in their Cologne, Germany store, enabling dogs to be safely secured while owners shop, eliminating the risks of leaving dogs in hot cars or tied unsupervised outside.

More about Ikea Cologne’s dog parking area

The dog parking zone at Ikea Cologne features a shaded outdoor area divided into individual raised platforms covered in AstroTurf, each with its own tethering post and water bowl. The layout maintains sufficient space between dogs, even large ones, to prevent interaction which might cause stress or conflict. Water bowls are topped up on request, and owners secure their dogs themselves, although the park is unsupervised by staff and the type of locking mechanisms on tether posts is not clearly noted.

Owners of popular breeds, such as the French bulldog and Labrador retriever, should be particularly cautious, as these breeds appear on lists of commonly targeted dogs for theft, highlighting the need for responsible management while using such facilities.

Ikea’s aim is to reduce the danger of dogs left in hot vehicles during shopping trips and to keep store entrances free from tethered dogs that might obstruct access or alarm people uneasy around dogs.

The alternatives for dog owners while shopping

If dog parking bays are unavailable, UK dog owners face two main choices: leave their dog in the car, which poses risks particularly in warmer weather, or tie them outside the store, which can expose the dog to theft, escaping, or unwanted interactions from passers-by. Tied dogs outside may also inadvertently attract attention from members of the public assuming the dog is friendly, which can be stressful for nervous pets. These realities make alternatives like Ikea’s dog parking bays appealing for busy dog owners.

The pros and cons of Ikea’s dog parking system

While the initiative is innovative, some concerns remain. There is no indication the dog parks are supervised in Ikea stores, raising questions about how dog safety and security will be ensured, especially from potential thieves or mix-ups among owners. Still, dedicated dog parking bays offer dogs secure tethering facilities, access to water, and a cooler environment than a car. For owners, the peace of mind from knowing their dog is safe may encourage taking dogs along on daily errands more frequently.

UK pet owners are reminded that ideally, dogs should stay at home or be looked after by a trusted person when shopping is necessary. However, with the rising trend of dog-friendly facilities in retail, such dedicated spaces might become a more common feature.

This concept aligns with broader trends encouraging safe and responsible pet ownership, providing alternatives that protect animal welfare while supporting dog-inclusive lifestyles. It remains to be seen how widely Ikea’s idea will be embraced across UK stores, as the company prioritises accessibility and practical facilities for customers in current UK locations.