Dogs Love Museums Too

I love my dog.

I mean, I really love my dog.

Which is why I am now a big fan of the DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park.  I will come back to that.

I am clearly not alone in loving my dog, however.  Pet ownership has never been higher in the US.  But the family dynamics of pet households, particularly those with dogs, has changed pretty dramatically.  Dogs are less likely to be the companions of children, and more likely to be the “children” of empty-nesters or childless couples or singles who truly consider their pets to be part of the family. The sheer size of the rapidly-growing pet industry is stunning as well:

• There are now twice as many households with pets than with children
• Pet-spending is one of the top ten retail segments in the US  – exceeding the toy industry

Now, I love museums.  I would not have dedicated my career to them if I did not.  So I know I should feel embarrassed (and maybe I am embarrassed that I am not embarrassed) that there have been times my husband and I have chosen not to visit a museum because Shadow, a.k.a. The Best Dog in the World, could not go.

Which makes me think. If I feel this way, how many others are making similar decisions and choosing to not visit museums because they are not doggie-friendly?

Our firm's research in other fields indicates that it's probably about a third of potential museum visitors. Among the affluent populations (who are prime museum-goers) a third of respondents would be very interested in activities that could include their dog. Another third do not care, and another third would avoid it.

I am not advocating the museums start allowing non-service dogs into galleries, historic spaces, or even zoos. That is clearly inappropriate.  But museums that have grounds should consider opening up those grounds to our beloved four-legged friends.

There have to be ground rules, of course. And you can think creatively about how to accommodate both dogs and those who would choose to avoid dogs (separate entrances, or have doggie-friendly days or times). Here are some other suggestions to consider if you choose to have doggie-friendly grounds:

• have water bowls around, especially on hot days
• designate shady spots for tying up dogs if owners choose to go inside a building
• keep a supply of plastic bags readily available for cleaning up

There may be unexpected benefits for the museum as well.  In our research for resort or master-planned community clients, we often recommend the creation of dog parks, not just for the dogs but because these types of meeting places have a powerful ability to bring community together. 

I am firmly in that third of respondents who want to include their dog in their weekend plans. And yesterday, we did – at the DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Garden.  It was great.  This museum takes a very common-sense approach to welcoming dogs; leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome on the grounds, which includes the sculpture garden. Shadow, my husband, and I had a wonderful, memorable time enjoying art in a beautiful setting that welcomed all three of us. And we will be back.

- Susie

Top:  Shadow with Marianna Pineda's Eve Celebrant.

Bottom:  Shadow sniffing around Mark di Suvero's Sunflowers for Vincent.

Comments

[Kim Civins]

I wish more cultural venues, particularly museums, would be friendly to our four-legged friends. My husband and I work all day and feel guilty "ditching" our doggies on weekends and evenings. We want to spend more time with them! Hence, we don't do a lot of museum-going or other cultural activities, even though we'd like to.

Recently, our neighbors went for a weekend trip to Rock City, Tennessee. Remember the "See Rock City" barns? ...very much a southern thing. One of the reasons they enjoyed Rock City so much, was how dog-friendly the park was. Their dog, Oscar, enjoyed the trip very much, our neighbors commented on how many well-behaved, leashed dogs were at the park. My husband and I are intrigued by their experience and are definitely considering Rock City for a day or weekend trip, because our dogs can enjoy the scenery and experience with us!

One other note, I think it's neat that major league baseball occasionally has "dog days of summer" promotions where pre-registered dogs can attend ball games with their families. This isn't up our alley, but it's another example of an effort being made to include dogs in our recreational activities.

[Erica Donnis]

One museum that has had great success at attracting dog owners is the Shelburne Museum in Shelburne, Vermont, which has an annual program called "Shelburne Museum Goes To The Dogs." Offerings include costume competitions, agility demonstrations, etc. It is very, very popular with the local community and a great family event.

[Susie Wilkening, Reach Advisors]

Hi Erica - Shelburne Museum does have a fun dog-friendly day - thanks for reminding me. I particularly enjoyed their "poop raffle." Cleaning up is much more fun when there is the possibility of a prize!

[Terri Schindel]

Hi Susie: I am a conservator in Colorado and own a building in Estes Park, gateway to the Rocky Mountain National Park. I use my building in the off season for the hostel and residential collections care and preventive conservation training (www.westendtc.org) and in the summer as the Estes Park Hostel(www.estesparkhostel.com). Our non-profit Museum Training Network is putting a Mobile Conservation Laboratory on the road in 2008 to conduct risk assessment, teach, and do minor treatments. We will be in 5 states and yes our pets will go on the road! I welcome pets and family members to all events year-round. When did people living in the US become so fearful of everything inlcuding pets? Pets travel with our global clients and are happy to find our place in the Rockies. I enjoyed hearing about your venture to the sculpture park! Happy future travels with pets! Terri