Dog Policy AT OMCA

Dog Policy

General Policy

To protect museum collections and provide a safe experience for all visitors, dogs are generally not permitted inside the museum or event spaces unless specifically authorized under this policy.

Dogs Permitted

The following dogs are permitted:

• Service dogs trained to perform specific tasks for an individual with a disability, as defined by applicable law.
• Dogs participating in museum-approved programs or special dog-friendly events.
• Dogs approved in writing by museum management for specific marketing, educational, or rental purposes.

Emotional support animals, therapy animals, comfort animals, and pets are not permitted unless they are part of an approved museum event.

服务性动物

Service dogs are welcome throughout public areas of the museum and event spaces.

A service dog may be asked to leave if it:

• Is out of the handler’s control.
• Is aggressive or threatening.
• Is not housebroken.
• Causes damage to artwork, exhibits, or museum property.

Private Event Rentals

The museum is available for private rentals, including weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings.

Unless otherwise approved in writing:

• Pets are not permitted during private events.
• Event hosts wishing to include a dog (such as for a wedding ceremony or photographs) must obtain written approval before the event.
• Wedding Dogs: Couples may request approval for a dog to participate in wedding ceremonies or photographs. Approval must be obtained at least 30 days before the event, and the dog must leave the premises immediately following the approved activities unless otherwise authorized by museum management.
• Approved dogs must:
  • Remain on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
  • Be under the control of a designated handler at all times.
  • Stay only in approved areas.
  • Not enter collections storage, galleries containing sensitive artwork, food preparation areas, or other restricted spaces.
  • Be removed immediately after their approved role (for example, after the ceremony or photos).

The museum reserves the right to restrict access based on exhibition requirements, artwork sensitivity, or guest safety.

Owner/Handler Responsibilities

Handlers are responsible for:

• Maintaining control of the dog at all times.
• Cleaning up all waste immediately.
• Preventing excessive barking or disruptive behavior.
• Preventing contact with artwork, display cases, furniture, or museum objects.
• Paying for any damage caused by the dog.

Artwork Protection

For the protection of museum collections:

• Dogs may not touch artwork, pedestals, display cases, or exhibit furnishings.
• Dogs may not be lifted onto furniture or exhibit platforms.
• Museum staff may temporarily restrict access to certain galleries when necessary to protect collections.

Health and Safety

Dogs exhibiting aggressive behavior, illness, fleas, or other conditions that could endanger guests or collections may be denied entry or required to leave immediately.

Liability

Owners and event clients assume full responsibility for any injury, property damage, or cleaning costs resulting from the presence of an approved dog.

The museum is not responsible for injury to or loss of a visitor’s or client’s dog while on the premises.

Enforcement

Museum management, security, and/or staff reserves the right to refuse entry to or remove any dog that does not comply with this policy. Failure to comply may result in removal from the premises or additional charges for event clients.