Worcester Cathedral is the latest cathedral to welcome dogs into its building – and they’ve even got special doggie treats in the café.
Puppychino anyone?
Worcester Cathedral opened its doors to dogs on its grounds and inside the building this week as part of a summer trial – with a few rules in place to make sure everyone feels welcome and included.
The Vice-Dean of Worcester, Canon Stephen Edwards, said: “We’ve listened to our visitors’ feedback and have decided to trial a period throughout the summer where dogs are welcome inside the Cathedral for visiting.
“We cannot wait to welcome our four-legged friends into the Cathedral. Dogs are so important to so many of our visitors and bring much love and joy to their families. So, we felt it was only right that we welcome them into the Cathedral, where we hope our visitors will be able to enjoy the beauty of the building with their canine companions.
“Staff will be listening to visitors’ feedback throughout the summer to decide whether this becomes a permanent arrangement.
During the trail, well-behaved dogs are welcome in the Cathedral and its grounds, but only assistance dogs can accompany visitors on tours, down to the Crypt, inside the shop or inside the Cloister Café (however they are welcome at café tables in the Cloister or Chapter House.)
Worcester Cathedral is aware that not everyone is comfortable with dogs and some people are allergic and so the cathedral has asked dog owners to make sure their dogs do not go up to other visitors, particularly children.
All dogs should be kept on a short lead and owners are responsible for cleaning up any accidents their four-legged friends may have – there is a poop bin directly opposite the North Door entrance.
Dogs are not able to attend services, concerts, or major events, including Worcester’s crib service (due to numbers and other animals) and information will be posted on the Cathedral’s What’s On page for certain events they can attend.
Doggy refreshments can be found at The Cloister Café – including the aptly named puppychino. Doggy treats and other dog (and cat) goodies are available for sale in the Cathedral Shop.
Worcester Cathedral’s annual pet blessing service has featured on TV twice – including BBC’s The One Show in April this year. Its annual crib service featuring live animals attracts thousands each year.
At the end of May, Chichester Cathedral announced it had opened its doors to dogs just in time for summer visitors, Canterbury followed earlier this month and now Worcester.
All three cathedrals are trialling the scheme to make sure everyone feels welcome. Bristol, Chester, Derby, Durham, Ely, Lincoln, Newcastle, Peterborough, Salisbury, Sheffield, and Wells are among the cathedrals that already welcome well-behaved dogs. Wells Cathedral won silver for best dog-friendly café in awards last year and Durham’s volunteers are currently working with the British Guide Dog Trust to ensure a better visitor experience and welcome.
All our cathedrals welcome assistance dogs.
Do check individual cathedral websites for up to date information.
