Dog Access Policy

Mae'r ddogfen hon hefyd ar gael yn Gymraeg
This document is also available in Welsh

National Library of Wales – Dog Access Policy

Purpose

To ensure a safe, welcoming, and accessible environment for all visitors and staff, the National Library of Wales maintains a clear policy regarding the presence of animals on its premises.

1. General Policy

Animals, including pet dogs, therapy animals, and emotional support animals, are not permitted inside the National Library of Wales building. However, visitors are welcome to bring dogs onto the Library’s external grounds, provided they are always kept under control.

Visitors are asked to keep the grounds clean and safe for everyone by:

• Cleaning up after their dogs
• Double bagging dog waste
• Disposing of waste in the designated General Bins

2. Assistance Dogs – Permitted Access

In compliance with the Equality Act 2020 and relevant accessibility legislation, accredited Assistance Dogs are welcome in all public areas of the National Library of Wales. Assistance dogs are trained to carry out specific tasks that mitigate the effects of a person's disability.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Guide dogs for individuals with visual impairments
• Hearing dogs for individuals with hearing impairments
• Medical alert or response dogs
• Mobility assistance dogs

3. Important Distinctions

Please note:

• Emotional support animals, therapy animals, and companion animals are not recognised as assistance dogs under UK law and are therefore not permitted inside the National Library of Wales building.

4. Verification of Assistance Dogs

To uphold this policy, Library staff may request reasonable verification that a dog is a qualified assistance animal. Acceptable forms of verification include:

• Identification card or documentation from an accredited assistance dog training organisation
• Clearly identifiable harness or jacket

Staff are trained to handle such inquiries respectfully and in accordance with applicable legal standards.

5. Enforcement and Cooperation

The National Library of Wales reserves the right to ask individuals to remove non-compliant animals from the premises. Visitors who fail to follow this policy may be refused entry or asked to leave.

We thank all visitors for their cooperation in supporting a respectful and inclusive environment for everyone