Dog-Friendly Museums Around the U.S.: A Guide to Being Cultured with Your Pet

Are you planning to travel with your furry best friend and want to do more than just visit typical parks and patios? We get it, but one of the most difficult things when it comes to traveling with your dog is finding activities that allow them to tag along with you. 

Going to a new location lets you learn more about an area’s history, and who wouldn’t want to share such experiences with their dog? Museums can be a great option for this, as more and more are implementing pet-friendly policies. Below, we’ve gathered six museums from six states around the country that are dog-friendly, detailing their policies, attractions, and locations so you can plan the perfect getaway with your pup!

Pima Air and Space Museum

In Tucson, Arizona, the Pima Air and Space Museum is one of the largest aviation and space museums in the world. Open every day of the week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., it allows leashed pets both in buildings and outside on the museum grounds. You can explore 80 acres that contain 400 different historic aircraft all with your dog. The museum also has a tram and restaurants for their guests, but only grants access for service animals. 

Museum of the Dog

In New York, New York, the Museum of the Dog holds a collection of art that celebrates the role of dogs in our society with exhibits that preserve engagement through the human-canine relationship. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and dogs are permitted on Fridays during normal business hours. 

These “Furry Fridays” let dogs with their owners, so they too can learn about their own history! The museum also has special hours and programmed events for puppies and reactive dogs who can’t attend on Fridays. Read about their reactive dog hours to learn more, then review the FAQS for additional information on this museum. 

History of Diving Museum

The History of Diving Museum in Islamorada, Florida is dedicated to the preservation of artifacts related to diving history. Featuring a collection of antiques, books, documents, photographs, and more, the museum’s mission is to inform guests on the history of exploration attempts and sea ventures. 

This museum is pet-friendly for domestic, well-behaved, and leashed animals under 50 lb. Bring your dog here so you can both bask in the history of diving in the Florida Keys.

Seashore Trolley Museum

The Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport, Maine is the world’s first and largest electric railway museum. When you visit, you’ll be able to step aboard early 1900s’ trolleys and explore restored streetcars, buses, and transit vehicles from around the world. This fun educational experience is completely dog-friendly, as the museum believes that dogs are a part of the family too. 

Dogs must remain leashed at all times and be healthy with up-to-date immunizations, and you must clean up any messes they may make. Review the museum’s dog policy closely for more information before visiting. This site is open June 1 through October 25, Wednesday through Sunday, from 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Rain or shine, you can enjoy railway rides with your dog all summer long!

Holden Forests and Gardens

For those who would prefer to learn more about nature and be outdoors, the Holden Forests and Gardens museum in Kirtland, Ohio is a must-visit. Holden provides an immersive and educational outdoor experience as the 12th largest public garden in the country! Leashed dogs are permitted on-site, with “mutt mitts” available throughout the area. You will need to bring your own waste bags to use and throw away should they be needed, and it’s recommended that you bring your pet a water container to fill at water stations. 

For the canopy walk, emergent tower, tram, and any indoor buildings, only service animals are permitted. But for hiking trails and garden paths, both you and your dog can enjoy some of the most beautiful and engaging sights nature has to offer.

International UFO Museum

In Roswell, New Mexico, the Roswell UFO Museum is centered around the 1947 Roswell UFO incident and other fascinating UFO information. Even if you’re not a believer, this is a fun attraction that’s worth the trip, and one you can bring your pet to as well! 

Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (with extended hours of 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 22 through July 30), this museum offers speakers, audio recordings, intriguing visuals, written collections, and even a glow mini golf course. Bring your furry friends so you both can experience the UFO phenomena and immerse yourself in a striking environment. 

Tips When Visiting a Museum with Your Dog

• Call ahead – Pet policies can change depending on specific events, seasons, or other reasons. It’s important to ensure you’re aware of any relevant policies before arriving with your dog.
• Bring essentials – Be sure to bring waste bags, water, and anything else your dog may need when visiting a museum. Whether you’re indoors or outdoors, you should always remain prepared to take responsibility for your dog.
• Respect the art – Museums preserve important pieces of history. Keep your pet from sniffing too closely or damaging pieces throughout the visit.
• Practice pet etiquette – Each dog brought to a public area should be properly trained, especially within a museum. Plus, you want to make sure your dog is composed and well-behaved when leashed.
• Consider limits – Always have consideration for your dog when in a new environment. Walking throughout museums can get tiresome, so ensure your dog gets plenty of restroom breaks, shade, and rest. Research beforehand to know your dog’s limits.

Planning a Trip? Let Pet Palace Watch Your Pup

Pets aren’t always welcome at every travel destination, or they don’t take well to traveling themselves, so Pet Palace is always on hand to take superior care of them. With 11 different locations throughout Ohio, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Indiana, Pet Palace is your top-rated boarding resort that can cater to your pet’s needs via day care, boarding, grooming, and more.

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Categories: All Posts, Dogs, Tips for Your Pets