We went to Seattle’s Museum of Science Fiction and also the Museum of Flight during ‘free museum day’ today. We took Shadow along in her enclosed dog stroller. We did not advertise the fact that the stroller held a dog (it’s not obvious unless you’re really looking, or child height – they always seem to notice and say, “Look, a dog!”) and were successful in getting into both museums to see the exhibits. I think part of the reason we didn’t have a hard time was because it was SO busy due to the free admission day. However, as we neared the exit of the Museum of Science Fiction, a security guard walked up to us and told us we should have been told that no dogs were allowed inside, even in a stroller. We had just finished seeing the museum and were leaving anyway, so we lucked out that we didn’t run into him sooner. Personally, I think this is a silly rule when a small dog is in an enclosed stroller. All of the reasons not to allow dogs in a building are negated when they are enclosed in a stroller (no possibility of biting, no accidents, no being underfoot, no damage to anything in the building). The only problem might be barking, but with a well-behaved dog, this is not an issue. We (and we’ve noticed we’re not the only ones) are usually much more bothered by kids running around and into us without apology, toddlers throwing temper tantrums, and crying babies in strollers than any dog we’ve seen in a public place. And trust me, on this day, there were plenty of all-of-the-above in both museums.

As for the Museum of Flight, we had no problems whatsoever with Shadow in her stroller and spent about three hours in the museum enjoying our visit. Of course, it was very busy at this museum too, so perhaps less vigilance on the docents’ parts in regards to saying something or kicking us out. In conclusion, I just wanted to share our experience and say that if you have a small dog, try using a dog stroller to extend your possibilities of keeping your dog with you when sight-seeing. Assume it’s okay until someone says it’s not. If it’s not, just say thank you and leave. Most of the time, you shouldn’t have a problem.