We aim to create welcoming, safe, and inclusive spaces for everyone who uses our services. We are aware that for some people assistance or therapy dogs are part of their mental health recovery, however that we need to balance this need with the needs of those who may feel uncomfortable by the presence of a dog in our centres. This page gives you information about our policy for the access of dogs to Bluesci centres.
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs (including guide dogs, hearing dogs, and other registered support dogs) are welcome across all Bluesci Centres and services at any time without any prior request.
Therapy dogs and visitor dogs (non-assistance dogs)
Therapy dogs and visitor dogs can only be brought into a Bluesci centre with prior approval from the service manager and a risk assessment carried out.
While dogs are in the centre
Whilst dogs are in Bluesci centres, they must be:
- Well behaved
- Kept on a short lead at all times
- Supervised and under the owner’s control
- Not causing distress, disruption, or safety concerns for others
For health, safety, and wellbeing reasons, dogs may not be permitted in certain activities or spaces, including where there are food preparation areas, clinical or therapeutic sessions, or where another individual has an allergy, fear of dogs, or safeguarding need.
We reserve the right to ask owners to remove their dog should the owner not adhere to the above directives, or the presence of their dog is causing distress to others.
If you wish to bring a therapy or visitor dog to a Centre
Please contact the Centre Manager to arrange a discussion. You can find their details on our Contact Us page, or by calling the Centre directly.