Garden Paw-licies

Pet Policy Overview

The health and safety of Garden guests, dogs, employees, and volunteers is paramount. To make this a fun and safe experience for all Garden guests, please adhere to the following policies while visiting Mounts Botanical Garden with your dog on Dogs’ Days.

As a Palm Beach County facility, Mounts Botanical Garden follows Palm Beach County’s Park and Recreation ordinances as it applies to dog parks as well as Mounts Botanical Garden’s specific policies.

Dogs in park

Canine & Owner Policies and Code of Conduct

  • All dogs must be on a leash while on Garden property, including the parking lot.
  • NO RETRACTABLE LEASHES ARE PERMITTED. Non-retractable leashes may be no longer than six feet.
  • No more than ONE DOG PER ADULT is permitted in the Garden at a time.
  • All dogs must be socialized and have updated vaccinations and registrations. The use of heartworm and tick prevention products is recommended.
  • Dogs should have a well-fitted collar and tags should be displayed on the collar.
  • Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Dogs only! Animals other than dogs are not permitted inside the Garden. This includes but is not limited to: wolf hybrids, cats, pot-bellied pigs, rabbits, ferrets, rats, birds, and reptiles.
  • For their safety, puppies under four months old are not permitted.
  • Please bring your own water and treats – and doggie disposal bags!
  • All guests are advised that visiting the Garden with a dog is at their own risk.
  • Pet owners are responsible for their dog’s actions and behavior.
  • Dog owners take full responsibility for their dog’s behavior and assume liability for damages suffered by anyone who is bitten by a guest’s dog while on Garden property. For the safety of both your dog and the natural environment, stay on established paved and dirt paths. This protects all life forms (plants and animals)!
  • Dogs must be attended and supervised at all times by a person 18 years or older. No unattended dogs are permitted in the Garden at any time.
  • Please leave the Garden as you found it! Dog feces must be cleaned up by handler immediately.
  • Please use discretion where you permit your dog to urinate. Many of the Garden’s plants can be damaged by dog urine.
  • Dogs are not permitted in plant beds or in the lake.
  • Dog handler must have leashed dog in hand at all times and dogs must be restrained at all times at a distance no greater than six feet in length from their handler.
  • Dogs must be removed from the Garden at the first sign of aggression. Dangerous dogs, as defined in Palm Beach County Ordinance No. 98-22, the Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control Ordinance, are prohibited from the Garden.
  • Female dogs in heat are prohibited from entering the Garden.
  • Spayed/neutered animals are recommended.
  • Persons who violate these rules are subject to removal from the Garden and/or suspension.