Twycross Zoo does not permit dogs. This includes in all car park areas and the Nature Reserve. We are unable to allow dogs as our animals may become distressed by the sight of a dog and also your dog may be upset by our animals. Assistance dogs are allowed into the zoo but are unable to go into several areas for the same reasons.
INFORMATION FROM THE RSPCA
Dogs must never be left in a car in warm weather, even with a window open. DOGS DIE IN HOT CARS. On a warm day the temperature inside a car can quickly soar to 120˚F/49˚C or even higher. If an animal left in a car is panting for breath it may be on its way to suffering heatstroke. Heatstroke can kill an animal very quickly. Leaving windows open or putting a bowl of water in the car does not help. Owners who put an animal at risk in this way could face prosecution.
Animal Welfare Act
In April 2007 the Animal Welfare Act 2006 came into force making it an offence for anyone to allow unnecessary suffering to an animal. Shutting a dog in a car on a warm day can cause it suffering as even a little sun can turn a car into an oven. Dogs only have sweat glands on the soles of their feet and up to 90% of their body is covered by hair. Panting and salivating causes them to lose massive amounts of fluid and they dehydrate quickly. On a hot day a dog’s temperature can rise very quickly and they could suffer from heatstroke in just 15 minutes.
Twycross Zoo will not allow suffering to any animals, domestic or wild. Please be aware that visitors who bring a dog to the zoo will be asked leave and take the dog off site.
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