I am looking for suggestions of possible dog friendly venues for running an event.  I have been trying to find a venue for an animal communication workshop where a couple of animals would be brought in over the day for short periods of time.  I need a venue for a full day on a Sunday (9-5ish).

So far I have tried community centres(no dogs allowed), church halls (they need them for church things on a sunday) and a couple of pub function suites but no dogs allowed due to having a food licence.

Any other suggestions for the types of venues I could approach.

> .....pub function suites but no dogs allowed due to having a food licence.

I think people take health and safety too far these days.... as I understand it, dogs are not allowed in areas where food is prepared. To take it to that extreme, not allowing them in a function room when no food is being served (never mind prepared) on a day when nothing else is happening seems a bit daft.

Possibly if you have a local dog walking park, that has a country type visitor centre/conference room on the grounds, food prep depending. Then may be a talk with the supervisor in charge or dog warden, might be worth asking. Killing 2 birds with 1 stone because dog walkers may notice your offer and sign up. :)

Have you tried Leisure Centres? Different from Community Centres.

Or why not ask your local council office if they know of somewhere.

Village halls, schools sports centres?

Good idea Sian, camperdown has a zoo type place that now holds birthday parties and stuff.  They would even be able to provide the animals (small furries rather than dogs!).  I will give them a shot.  I don't think the schools would be suitable as I would have to pay the salary/overtime for the facilities staff to open up etc outwith normal hours.

I don't think there are any village halls in my area so that is a no go.  LindyLou, I hadn't thought of sports centres but the dick mctaggart centre is often used for dog shows so that might do.

thanks for all the helpful suggestions so far.

What area?

Dundee

Can you not find out where they hold local dog training classes and use that building as I am sure they won't need it on a Sunday...At least then you know they allow animals..:-)

> Can you not find out where they hold local dog training classes and use that building as I am sure they won't need it on a Sunday...At least then you know they allow animals..:-)

Might depend on insurance.... it's a minefield these days.... :(

PM'd you :-)

If you Google Village Halls, Dundee or contact your local council for a list I think you may be surprised.  Many village halls are struggling to make money nowadays and most will be flexible about dogs if you are willing to tidy up after yourselves.  Even those that say 'no dogs' are often willing to help if asked - some just haven't ever really thought about it before.  May be worth a phone call anyway

The other option is hotels: some have conference or meeting rooms to let and may be able to help you if they have the right flooring.  I remember running management training course once in Nottingham whilst a dog photographer was using the meeting room and adjacent courtyard next door!  As you can imagine my managers were a bit distracted!

Do they still do do shows at The Dick McTaggart centre? I thought they'd stopped. TVGA and Tayside and Lochee now go to Carnoustie on a regular basis.

Ive often wondered about the large hotels which are possibly struggling in the current economic climate.

The ones which do Super matches and Pup of the Year type things so could possibly stretch to what you want.
They often have large function rooms...just an idea.
The indepentant hotelier may look favourably on a little extra income especially on a Sunday.

> Do they still do do shows at The Dick McTaggart centre? I thought they'd stopped. TVGA and Tayside and Lochee now go to Carnoustie on a regular basis.

Well, now you mention it I haven't been to one there for ages and it has been Carnoustie they have gone to.  Thanks for all of the suggestions, they are all appreciated.

I have googled village halls and have found some for the surrounding villages like Tealing, Wellbank etc which aren't too far from me.  the pubs I have tried have so far been a no go but I will find some hotels and give it a shot.  A nice jaunt to the APEX for the day would be fab.

Does the Dick McTaggart actually exist anymore?  There's a big football place and school built around there.

I don't know, I've never noticed but now you mention it, soccer world is where the centre was.  I must have a look next time I am driving by.

Scout Huts often allow dogs as they are usually quite strapped for cash and welcome any extra income.

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions on this thread and especially to you Sian for the country park/wildlife centre suggestion which sparked off the idea of Camperdown park. 

We now have Camperdown Wildlife centre booked so people attending the animal communication workshop can test out their skills on the animals in the wildlife centre.  If anyone is interested or could publicise it for me, please pm me and I can send you through the publicity.  It's going to be fab, I can't wait!

I'm so glad you have got something worked out, if I lived up in Scotland I would have come along. Love your new avatar too.