Visiting with dogs

Douglas the dog outside West Bromwich Building Society

Enjoy a visit to the Museum with your canine companion on select Thursdays and Sundays*

A 'paw-fect' day out

We can’t wait to welcome you and your canine companion to explore the Museum on selected* Thursdays and Sundays.

We ask that you follow our Canine Code:

  • Dogs must be kept on a short, non-retractable lead, supervised and under control at all times. 
  • You must clean up after your dog – bins are provided across the Museum. 
  • Dogs cannot enter museum buildings, except the Visitor Centre, Workers’ Institute & Café, Bottle & Glass Inn, and downstairs in the Elephant & Castle Pub. (with the exception of Guide and Assitance dogs). 
  • Dogs are permitted to enter the fairground but cannot be taken on any ride. 
  • Dogs must not enter the playing area at Folkes Park. 
  • 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. 

As a responsible owner, you know your pooch better than anyone. Please remember that the Museum is a bustling living history experience with lots of things going on, which some may find overwhelming. Do bear this in mind when considering if a visit is right for your dog. Please ensure you have read our full terms and conditions at the bottom of this page for visiting with your dog. 

Dog Webpage Banner

When are the dog-friendly days?

Dogs are permitted for daytime general admission on Thursdays and Sundays throughout 2026.

Dogs are not permitted at special events, including daytime special events such as Santa Hunts - please see individual event pages for more information.

Where can my dog go?

To protect our historic buildings and our collection items, dogs are only allowed in our grounds, except the Visitor Centre, Workers’ Institute & Café, Bottle & Glass Inn, and Elephant & Castle Pub (downstairs only).

Please note that 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).

There are water bowls available across our grounds. Please let a member of staff know if the water bowl is empty or if you would like the water changing.

Dog poo bins are located outside the Visitor Centre, in the Industrial Quarter, next to Albion Depot and in the Canalside Village. 

Guide dogs and Assistance dogs

Guide and Assistance dogs are welcome across our whole site, including our buildings, and are welcome seven days a week. A secure, designated rest area can be found by the Trap Shop (next to the Bottle & Glass Inn).
 

Read more about accessibility

Best practice around Museum animals

The Museum is home to several animals, depending on the season. Our resident horses, Charlie and Henry, live at the Museum all year round and are often seen out and about pulling carts or walking along roads. Seasonally we’re also home to pigs and chickens who are based at Jerushah (the Tilted Cottage). 

Our top three tips for controlling your dog near Museum animals:

  1. Always keep dogs on a short lead and under close control when near any of our Museum animals. 
  2. Do not approach horses with a dog when they are out on site or in their paddock. 
  3. Cross the road or give a wide berth if animals are near the path. 

Visiting Black Country Living Museum with your dog – Terms and Conditions

Please read our full terms and conditions before bringing your dog.

Dogs are welcome to explore Black Country Living Museum (the “Museum”) with you on Thursdays and Sundays (excluding Sunday 14th June, Sunday 17th May, Sunday 12th July and Santa Hunts). Dogs are not permitted to any evening event.

Entry to the Museum is subject to these terms and conditions:

  1. We welcome up to two dogs per adult to the Museum on designated days. Please note, dogs are not allowed in the Museum at other times, except for guide and assistance dogs.
  2. Dogs must be kept on a short, non-retractable lead, supervised and under control at all times. Extendable / flexi leads are not permitted in the Museum.
  3. You must pick up after your dog and place refuse in the bins provided.
  4. Dogs are not permitted in any buildings except:
    - Visitor Centre.
    - Workers’ Institute & Café.
    - Bottle & Glass Inn
    - Elephant and Castle Pub (downstairs only)
  5. Dogs are not permitted to go on any fairground ride or the playground.
  6. Dogs cannot go in the canal, any ponds or any other waterbody.
  7. Dogs are usually allowed on transport (lower deck only, not on seats, at conductor’s discretion).
  8. By bringing your dog to the Museum, you represent that the dog is in good health, complies with all current UK legislation and has not harmed or shown aggressive or threatening behaviour toward any person or any other animal.
  9. The Museum reserves the right in our absolute discretion to refuse admission to, or eject from, the Museum any dog that is or appears to be aggressive, threatening, dangerous or disruptive, or if we believe that your dog may cause harm toward any person, property or other animal.
  10. You will be liable for and indemnify us from and against all claims, costs, loss, damage and liability caused by your dog or arising out of a breach of or failure to comply with these terms.

Recommended best practice near animals:

  1. Always keep dogs on a short lead and close control when near animals.
  2. Do not approach horses with a dog when they are out on site or in their paddock.
  3. Cross the road or give wide berth if animals are near the path.