Zoos are a great way to spend the day with your family. There’s nothing better than seeing animals up close and personal while learning about the diverse creatures roaming our planet. While bringing kids to the zoo is pretty normal, what about dogs?
If you’re like most pet parents, your dog is another member of your family. You might bring them everywhere, from long vacations to short weekend getaways.
You might think zoos are the perfect place to take your dog. There’s tons of walking and plenty of ways to get socialization. Plus, zoos have many unique sights and smells your canine companion will love.
Despite all the great bonding potential at a zoo, finding one that will let your furry friend in will be challenging.
Can You Bring Dogs to the Zoo?
We hate to burst your bubble, but you’ll find that a vast majority of zoos do not allow dogs. There are no major zoos that allow pets, and that includes your dog. While your pooch might be well-behaved, those rules are concrete.
Why Can’t You Bring Dogs to a Zoo?
Ultimately, it comes down to safety for you, your dog, and the animals living in the exhibits.
Think about what zoos are. They are carefully designed habitats that house exotic species from all over the world. Some animals you’ll see at the zoo are endangered, and the establishment goes to great lengths to keep them healthy.
Now, think about your dog’s reaction to animals you encounter on your daily walks. Most pups are eager to chase small squirrels around when they see them.
Even dogs without a high prey drive will likely try to get closer to investigate. Imagine how they’d react in a zoo full of animals!
The fact is that zoos are full of sights and smells that could make a dog your otherwise well-behaved dog unpredictable. There are too many risks, and zoos don’t want to take any chances.
All it takes is one accident to potentially harm your dog or the animals living in the habitat. A determined dog will find a way to get out of their collar and explore the overwhelming smells they pick up!
Zoos Can Be Dangerous For Dogs
Zoos might put your dog at risk as well. Have you ever seen those videos of gorillas charging the glass when they see a child looking at them? What about the tiger exhibits where those ferocious felines growls and show their teeth?
Many of the animals on display are used to seeing humans. But they aren’t used to seeing dogs. They could lash out and act unpredictably, just like your dog can. That puts their safety at risk and creates unnecessary danger for zookeepers.
Seeing that “No Dogs Allowed” sign at the zoo entrance can be frustrating. But trust us: It’s for the better. The numerous safety risks make it a reasonable rule. Do yourself a favor and enjoy the zoo without your canine companion!
What About Service Animals?
Of course, service animals are allowed to enter zoos in the United States.
The Americans with Disabilities Act ensures that working service dogs can accompany their owners to the zoo. However, you and your service dog must abide by several strict rules.
The first is that only genuine service animals can join you on your trip. Comfort animals and emotional support dogs are not allowed in most zoos. The same goes for dogs that are still in training.
Your dog must be a legitimate working service dog.
Furthermore, they can’t cause disruptions. Zoos can ask you and your service dog to leave if your pup causes issues.
Typically, zoos will ask you to leave if your dog shows aggression towards people or the animals in the exhibit. That includes growling, lunging, and barking. A well-trained service dog will not do any of that.
Other violations include wild behavior that you can’t control. For example, a dog that won’t stay on a leash will likely result in removal from the property. The same goes for dogs that aren’t housebroken and make messes within public spaces.
A legitimate service dog will stay by your side and not violate those rules. Unfortunately, many people try to pass off companion animals as service animals to get their dogs into zoos.
Because of how the Americans with Disabilities Act works, zoos often don’t question those animals. It’s not until they start to violate the rules and cause disruptions that it’s clear they aren’t legitimate working service dogs.
Don’t be one of those people! Many individuals need assistance from real service dogs to visit public spaces like the zoo. Attempting to pass your companion dog as a service dog only increases the risks of the worst-case scenario, ruining things for people with legitimate disabilities.
Can Dogs Go to the Zoo Anywhere?
You won’t be able to bring your dog to most zoos in the United States. However, there is one exception!
Elmwood Zoo Park in Norristown, Pennsylvania, started to allow dogs into the park in 2021. It became the first in the country to do so. But before you hop in the car with your dog for a road trip, there are some caveats.
First, dogs aren’t permitted into the park every day. It’s only for special events and select park dates. The zoo dubs these days “Dog Days.” You can read the exact dates on the Elmwood Zoo Park website. However, it’s typically Wednesday and Friday during the spring and summer.
Dogs are permitted to enter the park from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. During winter, the hours change from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. There are also some special events when your dog can accompany you.
The Elmwood Zoo Park has strict rules for dogs. Families can only bring a single dog and must complete an application beforehand. The zoo only allows registered dogs to enter if visitors go through the application process because it requires you to provide information about vaccinations.
The zoo also has rules about the types of harnesses, leashes, and collars you can use.
If you want to visit Elmwood Zoo Park, visit the website to read the rules and prepare for your trip.
In Germany, dog owners can visit several zoos. One of the most popular is ZOO Erlebniswelt. Like Elmwood Zoo Park, Zoo Erlebniswelt has specific rules to follow.
Can Dogs Go to the Zoo: Final Thoughts
As much as you might love to take your dog to see animals at the zoo, dogs aren’t allowed in most establishments nationwide. There’s a single exception, but every other zoo in the United States does not allow companion dogs. Service dogs can enter public spaces, but there are still rules.
Don’t let these rules prevent you from showing your dog a good time. There are plenty of other places you can go to appreciate wildlife. Countless parks, hiking trails, and beaches have no problem with canine companions. Wherever your adventures take you, read up on local laws and rules to ensure that you keep your pup safe.
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