Exotic Zoo – Assistance Dog Policy (2026)

This policy has been created with reference to BIAZA guidance regarding the admittance of assistance dogs to zoos and aquariums (correct as of March 2025).

Exotic Zoo welcomes assistance dogs and recognises the benefits that visiting attractions like ours can bring to guests with disabilities and additional needs. However, as we are a working animal environment, our priority is always the welfare of both your assistance dog and the animals in our care. For this reason, there are important conditions that must be followed during your visit.

Your assistance dog must be suitably trained, well behaved, and kept under control at all times on a lead appropriate for the environment. Due to the nature of the zoo, including busy pathways, children moving unpredictably, and the presence of free-roaming animals, extendable leads are not permitted.

We recognise that assistance dogs are not legally required to wear a harness or jacket. However, where possible, we kindly ask that these are worn so our team and other visitors can easily identify your dog, particularly if you require assistance during your visit.

As a zoo environment can be stimulating, there may be times when your dog or our animals show signs of stress. If this happens, please move away from the area immediately. Our staff may also ask you to move on if they feel it is necessary for the welfare of your dog or our animals, and we appreciate your cooperation at all times.

To help minimise stress and ensure safety, assistance dogs must be kept at a distance of at least 2 metres from all animal enclosures and habitats. Dogs must not be allowed to approach, interact with, or attempt to engage with any of our animals.

There are specific areas of the zoo where assistance dogs are not permitted due to the nature of the exhibits. These include:

-Walkthrough enclosures (such as lemur or bird walkthroughs)
-Indoor animal houses
-Close-contact viewing areas

We recommend planning your visit with these restrictions in mind. In some cases, it may be appropriate for a member of your party to remain with your dog outside restricted areas while you visit. Assistance dogs can not be left with staff, as this may cause unnecessary stress to the animal.

For the safety of your dog, other visitors, and our animals, assistance dogs must be in good health prior to arrival. Please do not bring your dog if they have shown any signs of illness within the previous 24 hours. Dogs must also be fully vaccinated and have been resident in the UK for at least 6 months.

Please ensure you bring everything your dog may need for the duration of your visit, including water and any food or supplies. Our team can assist with filling water bowls upon request.

Dog fouling presents a risk to both visitors and animals. You must bring appropriate waste bags and clean up after your dog. 

Animals must never be left unattended anywhere on site, including in vehicles. During warm weather, leaving animals in cars can be extremely dangerous. If a dog is found to be in distress, appropriate action will be taken.

In the unlikely event that an assistance dog displays aggressive behaviour towards our animals, staff, or visitors, you will be asked to leave the site immediately.

Please note - Emotional support animals do not have the same legal recognition as assistance dogs within the UK and are therefore not permitted at Exotic Zoo.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain a safe, calm, and enjoyable environment for all visitors and animals.