<p>Most zoos and theme parks don't allow pets, and few have anywhere to leave a dog, but a handful let dogs in on a lead. This guide separates what's allowed from what isn't, using each venue's own rules, and covers kennels, assistance dogs and planning with children.</p>
Last checked: November 2026, against each venue’s own rules and the facts on our attraction pages. Rules on dogs can change, so confirm with the venue before you travel, especially if you’re driving a long way.
Travelling with children and a dog makes a day out harder to plan. Most zoos and theme parks don’t allow pets, usually for animal welfare or safety, and few have anywhere to leave a dog. But a handful do let dogs in on a lead, and a few more have kennels. This guide separates what’s allowed from what isn’t, using the venues’ own rules. It isn’t a complete list, only what we could confirm.
Quick answer
- Theme parks that allow dogs on a lead: Europa-Park and Phantasialand, although neither allows dogs on rides.
- Zoos that allow dogs on a lead: Hellabrunn in Munich, Givskud Zoo in Denmark and Tierpark Cottbus in Germany.
- Dog days only: Elmwood Park Zoo in the US allows dogs on select event dates.
- No dogs, no kennel: Efteling doesn’t allow pets and has no kennel.
- Don’t leave a dog in the car. Brookfield Zoo and Colchester Zoo specifically forbid it.
Where dogs are allowed
| Venue | Country | Rule | Where dogs can’t go |
|---|---|---|---|
| Europa-Park | Germany | Short lead, supervised at all times | Shows, rides, specially marked areas |
| Phantasialand | Germany | Lead required; the park recommends leaving dogs at home | Restaurants, shows; dog strollers aren’t allowed |
| Tierpark Hellabrunn | Germany | Short lead; one dog per visitor | Animal houses |
| Givskud Zoo | Denmark | On a lead at all times | Safari Bus, lion and penguin enclosures, contact enclosures |
| Tierpark Cottbus | Germany | Short lead; free waste bags at the ticket office | Check at the zoo |
| Elmwood Park Zoo | US | Select event dates only, with a dog ticket and health records | Other dates (service dogs excepted) |
Europa-Park
Europa-Park’s park rules say dogs must be on a short lead and stay supervised and close to you. They aren’t permitted at shows, on rides or in the specially marked areas. Dogs classed as dangerous under German law are banned. If you have two adults, plan to take turns on the rides, because one of you will need to stay with the dog. The rules don’t cover Rulantica’s dog policy, so check with Rulantica directly.
Phantasialand
Phantasialand allows dogs on a lead under the North Rhine-Westphalia Dog Act, but it recommends leaving them at home because the loud, busy park can be stressful for them. Dogs aren’t allowed in restaurants or shows and can’t be left tied up unattended. Bring a hygiene kit for dog waste. Dog strollers aren’t allowed.
Tierpark Hellabrunn
Munich’s Hellabrunn says your dog is welcome on a short lead. Each visitor can bring one dog, and dogs aren’t allowed in animal houses. Dog groups, such as dog schools, aren’t permitted.
Givskud Zoo
Givskud Zoo welcomes dogs on a lead, but dogs can’t join the Safari Bus, the Good Morning Zoo tour, giraffe feeding or “Meet the Capybaras”. They’re also not allowed in the lion and penguin enclosures or in contact enclosures, such as those for Barbary macaques and lemurs. The zoo mentions a dog-sitting service by the entrance to the lion enclosure.
Elmwood Park Zoo
Elmwood Park Zoo in the US allows dogs only on select dates during its Dog Days and Yappy Hour events. Every dog needs an admission ticket and health records. Each handler can bring one dog, and handlers must be over 18 and can’t be responsible for managing children. That matters if you’re the only adult with your children.
Where dogs aren’t allowed
| Venue | Country | What the venue says |
|---|---|---|
| Efteling | Netherlands | No pets and no kennel. Registered assistance and guide dogs are welcome. |
| TusenFryd | Norway | Only guide dogs may enter. Other dogs can stay free in covered outdoor cages outside the park, in limited number. |
| Longleat | UK | Not on the estate or in Safari areas, except in unsupervised kennels at the Drive-Through entrance, subject to availability |
| Colchester Zoo | UK | Not on any part of the site, including the car park, and not left in cars. Guide and assistance dogs under conditions. |
| Yorkshire Wildlife Park | UK | Not permitted, except assistance dogs |
| Tierpark Hagenbeck | Germany | Not allowed, because some animals roam free |
| Cologne Zoo | Germany | Not allowed, for safety and health reasons |
| Copenhagen Zoo | Denmark | No dogs. Certified guide and service dogs are welcome, but not in the open enclosures. |
| Energylandia | Poland | Not allowed in the park |
| Tibidabo | Spain | No dogs, except guide dogs for visually impaired visitors |
| Deltapark Neeltje Jans | Netherlands | Not allowed, and no kennel on site |
| Brookfield Zoo | US | Pets not allowed or to be left in cars; service dogs welcome |
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs usually have separate rules, but they aren’t automatic, and some venues want you to register first. Efteling asks you to register the dog with its Contact Centre before your visit and report to Guest Services on the day to get an entry ticket for the dog. Some venues limit access in certain areas: Longleat says assistance dogs are welcome in most areas except the Safari Park, Boat Safari, Bat Cave and Walking Safari. At River Wonders in Singapore, dogs, including assistance dogs, aren’t allowed in ticketed areas.
Planning a day with children and a dog
- Ask about kennels before you leave. Efteling and Deltapark Neeltje Jans have none, and Longleat’s are subject to availability.
- Plan on two adults. Rules like Europa-Park’s and Phantasialand’s mean someone must stay out of rides and shows with the dog. Our guide to rider switch and parent swap explains how parks handle taking turns, but check with staff whether it can apply.
- Never leave a dog in the car. Venues forbid it, and it’s dangerous on warm days.
- Bring what the venue asks for. Waste bags, a short lead and, at some venues, health records.
Next steps
Looking for zoo ideas? See the best zoos and aquariums in Europe for kids and zoos where under-2s and under-3s go free. For theme parks, read 10 best theme parks in Europe for kids.
Tickets & tours for these places
Bookable tours via GetYourGuide. Affiliate links: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Final thoughts
<p>Check the venue's dog rule before you leave home, ask about kennels and plan who stays with the dog during rides and shows. Never leave a dog in the car, and confirm the rule directly, because it can change.</p>
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs go to Europa-Park?
Yes, on a short lead and supervised at all times, but not at shows, on rides or in specially marked areas.
Can dogs go to Efteling?
No. Pets aren't permitted, and there's no kennel. Registered assistance and guide dogs are welcome.
Can dogs go to Phantasialand?
Yes, on a lead, but the park recommends leaving them at home. They aren't allowed in restaurants or shows.
Which zoos allow dogs?
Those we could confirm are Tierpark Hellabrunn, Givskud Zoo and Tierpark Cottbus, on a lead. Elmwood Park Zoo allows them on select event dates.
Can I bring my dog to Longleat?
Longleat says dogs aren't allowed on the estate or in Safari areas except in kennels at the Drive-Through entrance, subject to availability. These aren't supervised.
