STAFFY’S EPIC TRIP TO DOG FRIENDLY ZOO IS FULL OF PURE JOY

This Staffy adored his trip to the zoo!

Zoos are among the most fascinating places on Earth. They offer a wide variety of animals, countless opportunities to learn something new, and, most importantly for me, they often have Dippin’ Dots.

However, most zoos aren’t typically dog-friendly, which is what made one Staffy’s visit on Monday, February 3rd, so special. He had the chance to visit a dog-friendly zoo, and he thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it:

Vinnie the Staffy had an absolute blast at the zoo, and we had just as much fun watching him. It looks like his mom might need to make regular trips with him!

Vinnie and his mom spent the day at Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens, where he saw everything from goats to giraffes and even a lion. He enjoyed every moment, but it seemed like the giraffes and turtles were among his favourite highlights!

Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens, located in Bradwell Grove, England, is dog-friendly. They ask that all pups remain on a leash and that owners clean up after them if they need to potty. Don’t worry—if you forget bags, they provide some on-site! Dogs are welcome in nearly all outdoor areas, but they’re not permitted inside any buildings or indoor animal houses.

Why Aren’t More Zoos Pet-Friendly?

All zoos allow service animals, but most do not permit regular companion pets. Vinnie is lucky to live near such a rare treat!

Even though zoos are all about animals, they typically don’t allow outside animals. This is because zoos are concerned for the well-being of their resident animals. Just as most dogs have never encountered a giraffe, most giraffes have never seen a dog. Zoos want to avoid any risk of their animals reacting negatively.

Dogs might bark, growl, or even charge at unfamiliar animals, which can startle the zoo animals and disrupt their habitats. If one animal gets frightened, it could trigger others, creating safety concerns. Additionally, zoos are popular places for children, which can also trigger certain behaviours in dogs.

In most cases, it’s best for everyone if the only animals in a zoo are the ones meant to be there. However, if you’re hoping to bring your dog along, it’s always a good idea to call ahead and ask. Some zoos even host “dog-friendly days”! The worst they can say is no!