Dog carts become a hit at Finnish grocery stores

Dog shopping carts are growing in popularity at Finnish grocery stores, with some customers choosing where to shop based on whether carts are available, Yle reports. At busy times, shoppers are now queuing to use one at a K-Market in Kokkola.

Ulla Nisonen takes her five-year-old Shetland sheepdog, Pörri, to the grocery store almost every day. She says the cart makes it easy to stop for shopping on a walk and means she does not have to leave the dog outside.

Dogs have been legally allowed in stores since 2021, but each retailer or store owner decides whether to admit them. Around 150 smaller K-Group stores offer dog carts. The S-Group allows only assistance and guide dogs in its stores.

At the K-Market on Mariankatu in Kokkola, dogs have been welcome for about two years. Store owner Titta Rimpioja says the cart has become so popular over the past year that customers sometimes have to wait. She says the store has received no negative feedback, and that dogs have brought smiles and enjoyable encounters.

The Finnish Kennel Club says it has received positive feedback about the carts and no reports of dogs causing a disturbance. Its department head, Kaisa Gold, says owners should consider both their dogs and other customers, and make sure their dogs can behave before taking them into public places.

There were more than 4,000 grocery stores in Finland at the start of 2026, so stores that welcome dogs remain uncommon. The S-Group says its policy is based on customer safety and comfort, including the needs of people with allergies or a fear of animals.