Denmark’s Jylland Aquarium offers dog-friendly amenities to attract pet-loving tourists

At the Jylland Aquarium in Thyborøn, Denmark, there’s more than just aquatic life to admire. The venue has a dedicated playground and agility course for dogs, making it an ideal destination for tourists traveling with their four-legged friends.

The aquarium is intentionally designed to be dog-friendly. According to Rikke Hartvig, who is responsible for the aquarium’s marketing, many visitors bring their pets along on holiday. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the facility caters to the entire family, including the canine members.

In addition to the agility course, the aquarium also offers a dog lounge where pets can be cared for if the family wishes to go on a seal safari. Hartvig believes that some families might choose not to visit the aquarium if they have to leave their dogs at home. Thankfully, the presence of dogs does not detract from the exhibitions.

The main target audience for these pet-friendly initiatives are German tourists. Every fourth German tourist visiting Denmark brings their dog along, according to the German ‘Reiseanalyse’ that analyses travel habits among German citizens.

The Hjerl Hede Open Air Museum in Vinderup, located between Holstebro and Skive, has been marketing itself as a dog-friendly attraction for the past two years. It offers water bowls for dogs and hooks to hang leashes while visitors explore the historic houses.

Holiday rental agencies also advertise their dog-friendly accommodations on websites and social media. Peter Kamp, office manager of the rental agency Sol og Strand, even used his own dog, Rex, for a promotional campaign in collaboration with Destination Limfjorden.

Kamp explains that there are approximately 10.7 million dogs in Germany, making it the European country with the most dogs, and a significant target audience. He notes that for both Danes and Germans, dogs have become part of the family and are often included in holiday plans.

Torben Kylling Petersen, destination director from Destination Vesterhavet, believes that the tourism industry could do more to cater to tourists with dogs. He suggests that Danish restaurants could consider allowing dogs, as it is common in Germany, which could encourage German tourists to spend more in local restaurants.