Terra Botanica, the plant park located in Angers, attracts visitors each season eager to come with their four-legged companions. However, the park’s internal regulations clearly distinguish between two categories of dogs, with direct consequences for the organization of your visit.
Assistance dog vs. pet dog: what Terra Botanica’s regulations actually allow
The internal regulations of Terra Botanica, in Article 5, establish a simple rule: access for animals is prohibited in the park, except for assistance dogs. This wording covers two very different situations depending on the animal’s status.
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| Criterion | Assistance dog / guide dog | Pet dog |
|---|---|---|
| Access to the park | Allowed | Prohibited |
| Access to attractions | Subject to security measures | Not applicable |
| Leash required | Yes, at all times | Not applicable |
| Proof required | CMI card or official certificate | Not applicable |
| Animal zones (Animal Clearing) | Access possible under the owner’s responsibility | Not applicable |
| Vehicle in parking lot | Not recommended (regulation art. 5) | Prohibited to leave the animal in the vehicle |
For those who wish to delve deeper into the applicable regulations, a detailed file on dogs allowed at Terra Botanica outlines the legal obligations related to establishments open to the public.
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Legal obligations for assistance dogs in a park in Angers
The legal framework goes beyond the park’s internal regulations. In France, the Code of Social Action and Families (Article L245-3) and the decree of August 8, 2014, regarding the accessibility of ERP require any establishment open to the public to accept assistance dogs and guide dogs.
Terra Botanica, as an ERP, is subject to this obligation. Its accessibility guide explicitly mentions that assistance animals are welcome and remain under the visitor’s responsibility.
The park cannot refuse entry to a visitor accompanied by a guide dog, even in indoor spaces such as greenhouses or performance halls. However, specific security measures may apply to certain attractions, particularly those involving water or sudden movements.
Accepted proofs at the park entrance
At the entrance, security staff may request proof of the animal’s assistance status. Recognized proofs include the mobility inclusion card (CMI) and certificates issued by accredited guide dog training centers.
- The CMI card with the mention “disability” or “priority” is sufficient in most cases to attest to the link between the visitor and their assistance dog
- A certificate from the training center, bearing the animal’s identification number, constitutes a second valid proof
- An up-to-date veterinary health record (vaccinations, identification by microchip) may be requested as a supplement, without replacing the previous documents
Why Terra Botanica has prohibited pet dogs since the opening of the Animal Clearing
The prohibition of pet dogs in the park is not an arbitrary choice. Since 2024, Terra Botanica has opened a Clearing for animals housing domestic and farm animals. This new area has reinforced the logic of excluding visitor dogs.
Three factors explain this position, shared by the majority of French amusement parks that have tightened their rules between 2023 and 2024:
- The risk of bites, both towards other visitors (particularly children on school or family visits) and towards the park’s animals
- The management of waste in a green space that constitutes the very heart of the park’s identity, with its themed gardens and plant collections
- The unpredictable interactions between dogs and the animals in the Clearing (poultry, goats, rabbits), which can generate stress for both parties
The recommendations from professional associations of animal parks go in the same direction: to limit or strictly prohibit visitor dogs in areas where captive animals coexist.
Pet care solutions for visiting Terra Botanica without your dog
The regulations specify that animals must not remain in vehicles or in parking lots during the visit. With a full day recommended to enjoy the park, leaving a dog in a car is neither legal nor viable, especially on warm days during the opening season.
Several options exist around Angers to arrange care for your pet on the day of your visit. Daycare facilities for dogs operate by reservation, and some dog sitters offer occasional care through specialized platforms. It is best to plan this arrangement at the time of booking your ticket, especially during peak dates (school holidays, spring weekends).
Points to check before departure
Before heading to the park, make sure you have confirmed the care solution. If you are accompanied by an assistance dog, prepare your proofs to facilitate entry. The security office at Terra Botanica is reachable for any questions prior to your visit.
The prohibition of pet dogs at Terra Botanica reflects an underlying trend in French theme parks, amplified by the introduction of animal spaces. For concerned visitors, the key remains anticipation: arranging for pet care in advance avoids unpleasant surprises on the day of the visit to Angers.