SEA LIFE Manchester will open its doors to pet dogs for the very first time this Friday 1 May, hosting a unique, one-night-only after-hours charity event in collaboration with The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.

The special event, Paws Beneath the Waves, invites guests to explore the full aquarium alongside their pet dogs, offering the rare opportunity for the canine visitors to walk through the attraction’s ocean tunnel as sharks, rays and tropical fish glide overhead. Guests can expect to see green sea turtles, blacktip reef sharks, a zebra shark and rays, alongside colourful clownfish, seahorses and tropical reef fish.

The event is designed to offer a more relaxed setting, allowing both guests and their dogs to enjoy the exhibits together for the first time.

Jenn McDonough, General Manager at SEA LIFE Manchester, said:

“We’re over the moon to be able to host this event in support of The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and to offer something a little different for our visitors.

“As a dog owner myself, I know how much people love to include their pets in days out. We’re a team of real animal lovers here, and we often hear from guests who wish they could bring their dogs along too, so we wanted to find a way to make that possible.

“This is quite an unusual event for an aquarium, and we’ve been very mindful to create a calm environment that works for both the animals in our care and the dogs visiting for the evening. At the same time, it’s a great opportunity to support The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and help raise funds for the vital work they do.”

All ticket proceeds from the event will be donated to The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, which relies heavily on public support to fund its life-changing services.

The organisation is already familiar with the venue, having previously used the space as part of training experiences for young guide dogs.