From Thursday 6 November, we will be trialling allowing visitors to bring their dogs to the Museum on Thursdays and Sundays only.
Here’s a round up of everything you need to know:
- The trial will cover Thursdays and Sundays from Thursday 6 November to Sunday 4 January. All other days of the week will continue to be no dogs (with the exception of Guide dogs and assistance dogs). Dogs are not permitted at events.
- Dogs will not be permitted to enter any Museum buildings except the Visitor Centre and the Workers’ Institute Café (excluding Guide and assistance dogs – permitted to enter all buildings).
- Amenities will be provided as follows:
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- Water bowls will be located outside the Visitor Centre (front), Drift Mine, Langer’s Army & Navy Stores (side), Workers’ Institute & Cafe (courtyard), Bottle & Glass Inn (yard)
- Dog poo bins will be located at the following places:
- The side of the wooden bins in the Workers’ Institute Courtyard
- Fence at the colliery
- Side of the wooden bin in Folkes Park
- Front wall at Brook Entrance
- Dogs are permitted on transport, at the conductors’ discretion, and not on seats. On double decker buses, dogs are permitted on the lower deck only.
- School parties who have booked to visit us on Thursdays between these dates have been informed about the change.
- Our friends at Dudley Canal and Caverns are unable to accommodate dogs on their boat trips throughout the trial (with the exception of Guide or assistance dogs).
Following this trial, the Museum will evaluate how the trial went. Depending on the outcome, we will then consider doing another trial, making the change permanent, or moving back to a no-dogs policy.
Full terms and conditions have been prepared for all visitors to follow, along with a web page which cites our “Canine Code”. This emphasises the following points clearly:
- Dogs must be kept on a short, non-retractable lead, supervised and under control at all times. Our admissions team will operate a free lead-swap scheme for those that turn up with an unsuitable lead.
- Visitors must clean up after their dog – bins are provided across the Museum.
- Dogs cannot enter museum buildings, except for the Visitor Centre and the Workers’ Institute Cafe.
- Dogs are permitted to enter the fairground but cannot go on any ride.
- Dogs must not enter the playing area at Folkes Park. Signage will be in place on Dog Days, given this is the only outdoor location of the Museum that dogs cannot enter.
- Dogs must not enter the canal or any other body of water on site.
- Generally, dogs are permitted on the lower levels of historic transport (not on seats) at the conductor’s discretion.
Visitors will also be advised about the following best-practise when near the Museum’s animals:
- Always keep dogs on a short lead and close control when near animals.
- Do not approach horses with a dog when they are out on site or in their paddock.
- Cross the road or give wide berth if animals are near the path.
If you are concerned about the behaviour of a dog on site, or witness any misconduct or damage caused by a dog, please inform the duty manager who will engage with the dog owner as appropriate.
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