Dogs policy

We have returned to our long-standing policy (in place from 1947 to 2017) of not allowing dogs in the Botanic Garden, with the exception of assistance dogs. This decision has been made carefully and for several important reasons.

Health, safety, and care of the Garden

Each year we welcome more than 11,000 schoolchildren, who explore all areas of the Garden. Their safety is our top priority. While many dogs are well behaved, views on what constitutes "good behaviour" can differ, and even friendly dogs can feel intimidating or disruptive to some visitors. In addition, although most dog owners are conscientious, not all are able to clean up after their pets, and it is neither fair nor appropriate to place this responsibility on our gardening staff. Dog urine, particularly from female dogs, can also damage lawns and flower beds, many of which are rare or fragile. For similar reasons, almost all botanic gardens in Britain — including Kew, Edinburgh, Cambridge, Oxford, Bristol, and Birmingham — operate no-dog policies; as do many National Trust properties.

The role of a botanic garden

The Garden’s primary purpose is teaching and research. While we warmly welcome visitors and encourage people to enjoy spending time here, it is not intended to be a dog-walking space. Allowing dog walking can unintentionally blur the distinction between the Garden and a public park, which in turn can lead to activities such as ball games or cycling that are not suitable for this environment.

Community feedback

Visitor surveys show that many people deeply value the Garden as a calm, dog-free space where they can relax without concern about encountering dogs, particularly those not kept on short leads. The feedback has been clear: among those who shared an opinion, 99% of non-dog owners and 74% of dog owners were in favour of maintaining a dog-free Garden (278 respondents in total).

We appreciate everyone’s understanding and support in helping us protect the Garden as a safe, peaceful, and welcoming place for all.