An IKEA store in Italy is acting as a temporary shelter for stray dogs as its managers opened its doors for the poor animals to take shelter. This comes as most IKEA stores in Europe have a ‘no dogs policy’ but the shop in Catania, Italy, lets the dogs take advantage of the comfort and warmth of the home furnishings in its store.

While The dogs certainly embrace the warm gesture, shoppers to have warmed up to the idea and think its brilliant.

Preview photo: PA | Noah Romley/Instagram

PA

Customers say that they not only think it’s a great move for the dogs but also because they love having the cute pets around them while they take tours in the store. They took to the internet to praise the staff and it seems the furniture retail chain just saved themselves some cash in adverts.

Noah Romley/Instagram -Via

Speaking to the media, one customer Martine Taccia said she was surprised to discover a group of dogs cuddled up in a furniture display.”My reaction was pure amazement. It's not a common thing.

”She also added that the dogs are fed by staff and some have even won themselves permanent homes as they’ve been adopted by customers-even despite the store not advertising that they let dogs in.

Martine continued,” The dogs receive daily food and pampering from IKEA's employees and customers. Some dogs have even found a family, going home with customers."

Davide Finocchiaro/Instagram -Via

Another customer shard pictures of the dogs on Instagram with a caption,” I love the Swedes for this. With IKEA even the strays have a home [sic]."

Another user commented: "What an absolutely fantastic thing to do! Showing such compassion to these poor creatures is a fine example to us all."

gscalone82 -Via

Commenting on another photo, someone else said: "What a great idea. It looks more like a home with the pup anyway."

Earlier this year, An IKEA in the UK hit the headlines when it let stranded motorists sleep in its beds after a fatal crash that had the motorway shut.

The IKEA store based in Essex earned a lot of praise which translated to good business which well, they deserved. 

This video shared on Facebook shows a couple of the dogs happily lounging between the store's furniture displays: