Several museums in Tenerife will soon welcome visitors and their pets as part of a new pilot scheme introduced by the Museums of Tenerife network.
The initiative, approved by the Tenerife Cabildo, aims to make cultural spaces more accessible and inclusive while ensuring the protection of museum collections, visitor safety and the comfort of all guests.
Three Museums Join the Trial
The three-month trial will initially be introduced at:
- Museum of Nature and Archaeology (MUNA)
- Casa Lercaro
- Casa de Carta
The latter two form part of the Museum of History of Tenerife.
Other sites, including Cueva del Viento, CEDOCAM and the Castle of San Cristóbal, will not participate in the pilot programme. The Museum of Science and Cosmos has also been excluded due to the nature of its facilities.
Rules for Pet Owners
Visitors bringing pets must follow a number of guidelines designed to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Animals must remain on a non-retractable lead at all times, behave appropriately during the visit and comply with all current health and welfare regulations. Museum staff will also have the authority to restrict access to certain areas where conservation or safety concerns require additional protection.
Pet owners will be responsible for their animals throughout the visit and must follow any instructions given by museum personnel.
Creating More Inclusive Cultural Spaces
Cabildo Vice President Lope Afonso described the initiative as an important step towards adapting public spaces to changing social realities while maintaining the highest standards of heritage conservation.
The project responds to growing demand from residents who consider pets an integral part of family life and would like to include them in leisure and cultural activities.
Officials also highlighted that many people, particularly those who live alone, often limit their social and cultural outings because they do not wish to leave their pets at home for extended periods.
Part of a Growing Trend
The Museums of Tenerife join a growing number of cultural institutions across Europe that are introducing pet-friendly policies aimed at encouraging responsible pet ownership and making public spaces more accessible.
The results of the pilot programme will be evaluated after three months, helping determine whether the initiative could be expanded to additional museum sites across the island.