DOG POLICIES AND GUIDELINES

Before bringing your canine companion to New England Botanic Garden, please review the following guidelines. These rules are in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all guests and dogs and the protection of New England Botanic Garden’s plant collections.

Upon entering the Garden with your canine companion(s), you hereby agree to adhere to the following rules. We ask that you use good judgment on all matters concerning your dog. Good judgment, combined with the following policies, will ensure an enjoyable and safe visit for you and your four-legged friend. If you witness an incident of concern while on the dog trail please report it at the Visitor Services desk in the lobby.

• Garden members may purchase an annual Tails ‘n Trails membership for $25 for up to a maximum of three dogs.
• Dogs not covered by a Tails ‘n Trails membership are charged $8 admission per dog.
• Only one dog per person is allowed to visit the Garden at one time.
• Dogs are allowed to visit year-round except during special after-hours ticketed events such as Night Lights. Service dogs are welcome throughout the property during all open hours.
• Dogs must be leashed at all times and under the control of their handlers. Dogs should not go off leash at any time during their visit.
• Dogs are welcome outside on paths in our formal and naturalistic gardens and on our trail system. The only indoor area where dogs are permitted is in the lobby of the Visitors Center.
• Dogs are not permitted to walk onto planting beds or into fields or woodlands. There is a high tick population, so we encourage all visitors to stick to paths and trails.
• Our ponds are habitats for birds, turtles, and small fish, as well as certain aquatic plants. In order to ensure these precious habitats remain intact, please do not allow your dog in or near the ponds. Even walking your dog on the edges of the ponds can damage this sensitive ecosystem.
• We ask that you please use discretion regarding where you permit your dog(s) to relieve themselves. The Garden is home to a beautiful and scientifically important collection of plants, which may be sensitive to dogs’ urine.
• Dog handlers are required to clean-up after their dogs. You must use plastic bags and dispose of them in the designated receptacles.
• The Garden has the right to revoke a dog’s admission or membership at any time if dog handlers do not clean-up after their dogs or abide by any of the dog policies.
• Aggressive dogs are not permitted. We reserve the right to refuse entry to or remove any dog thought to be dangerous to guests or other dogs.
• The dog admission and Tails ‘n Trails membership programs are only available for dogs. We ask that you leave all other pets at home.