Dogs in museums

When it comes to allowing dogs in museums, it can be tricky to get the balance right between being welcoming to four-legged visitors and potential disruption that small animals will bring.

To help any AIM members who might be trying to decide on their dog policy, we asked the AIM Twitter network for their help. We had a brilliant response from those who happily welcome dogs and those that have a clear no dogs policy and have put together the below points to consider when forming your own policy.

This guidance won’t tell you what to do but should help guide the decision making in your organisation. And to note – this isn’t about support dogs, which are allowed by law, but about pet dogs.

• Consider the nature of your venue and collection. Museums with outside space are more likely to be suited to being dog friendly, for example.
• Your audience should be key to the museum’s policy; what will help you improve access and inclusion for under-represented groups? Audience analysis and a SWOT analysis will show the potential of being dog-friendly for your museum.
• Have you considered the views of those that really don’t like dogs, as well as those that really do?
• Think about the potential impact on staff and volunteers; are they supportive of dogs in the museum? Or not?
• Consider a weekly dog day so that those with phobias and allergies can avoid it.
• Consider allowing dogs in just certain areas of the venue, if some areas are more suited to four-legged visitors than others.
• Make sure the policy is clearly communicated to visitors so they can plan their visit. This can be trickier where your museum is part of an outdoor site where dogs are allowed outside but not inside, but make sure that front of house colleagues are confident to explain the policy if questioned.
• Think about how you and the front of house team would deal with any poorly behaved dogs (or the owners who don’t have an acceptable level of control over their dog). Consider the small print of any policy so you are clearly welcoming well behaved dogs under control.

Examples of dog friendly museums

For those AIM members that do allow dogs, these tend to be outdoor venues, or at least venues wuth outside space, and there are often areas where dogs are not permitted.

West Highland Museum – We are situated in the heart of the Outdoor Capital of the UK in Fort William with lots of furry visitors, so are definitely dog friendly!

Wheal Martyn – We are totally dog friendly in every part of the museum. As we have lots of outdoor space and it never gets too congested – it works for us. We keep treats by the desk for the pooches too

Stained Glass Museum – It’s a no brainer for us. Dog owners are so happy to be able to visit with their four legged friends and we count them too!

Museum of the Broads – Dogs are very welcome – we are on one level plus they can go on the boat trips with our special lifejackets. We have dog parking rings on our benches & provide water for them. We want to be inclusive & many visitors have dogs plus we have a great picnic area.

Beamish Museum – allow dogs on to site, but grounds only. They’re not allowed in period exhibits or catering outlets. It’s always a very tough balance trying to be dog friendly!

Hadham Museum – We do allow dogs, mainly because we are a rural village museum and would miss out on dog walkers passing by popping in to visit. We put down a water bowl in the summer, but do ask that people keep dogs on a lead and report any toilet “accidents”.

Grampian Transport Museum – we actively encourage dogs – even have them on our price boards (free obvs), biscuits at reception, welcome everywhere in the museum. So much positive feedback from visitors – everyone loves seeing a dog. Mine comes to work too, my office doubles as a kennel!