You're excited about attending an event at MetLife Stadium and want to bring your furry best friend along? It's a common question, and one that has a pretty straightforward answer, but also some important nuances to understand. So, let's dive deep into the rules and regulations for bringing dogs to MetLife Stadium.
Step 1: Understand the Core Policy - Is Your Dog a Service Animal?
The very first thing you need to consider is the purpose of your dog. MetLife Stadium, like most large venues, has a strict policy regarding animals. Generally, pets are NOT permitted inside MetLife Stadium. This is a crucial starting point.
However, there's a significant exception: service animals and service animals in training are allowed. This distinction is key. If your dog isn't a legitimate service animal, it's highly unlikely they'll be granted entry. So, before you even think about packing a leash, ask yourself: Is my dog specifically trained to perform tasks for me due to a disability?
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| Can You Bring Dogs To Metlife Stadium |
Step 2: Defining a Service Animal According to ADA Guidelines
It's important to understand what constitutes a "service animal" in the eyes of the law, specifically the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which MetLife Stadium adheres to.
What Is a Service Animal?
A service animal is defined by the ADA as any dog (or miniature horse, though dogs are far more common in this context) that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. The tasks performed must be directly related to the person's disability.
Examples of tasks a service animal might perform include:
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Guiding people who are blind.
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Alerting people who are deaf.
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Pulling a wheelchair.
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Alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure.
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Reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed medications.
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Calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack.
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Assisting individuals with mobility impairments.
What Isn't a Service Animal?
QuickTip: Skim slowly, read deeply.
It's equally important to know what the ADA doesn't consider a service animal.
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Emotional support animals (ESAs), comfort animals, and therapy animals are not considered service animals under the ADA. While these animals provide comfort and companionship, they are not trained to perform specific tasks related to a disability. Therefore, they are generally not permitted at MetLife Stadium.
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Pets brought solely for companionship or enjoyment are also not allowed.
Step 3: Preparing for Your Visit with a Service Animal
If your dog meets the criteria of a service animal, there are still a few things you should consider and prepare for to ensure a smooth visit to MetLife Stadium.
A. Documentation and Identification (Optional but Recommended)
While the ADA does not require service animals to have special certification or wear identifying vests, it can often make the entry process smoother.
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Vest or Harness: A vest that clearly identifies your dog as a "service animal" can help stadium staff and other guests recognize their role and avoid misunderstandings.
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Training Documentation: While not required for entry, having a basic understanding of what tasks your service animal performs can be helpful if staff asks. MetLife Stadium staff are generally only permitted to ask two questions:
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"Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?"
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"What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?"
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B. Stadium Access and Seating
MetLife Stadium is committed to accessibility.
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Accessible Entrances: Be aware of accessible entrances to make your entry easier. MetLife Stadium provides accessible services, including elevators for guests with disabilities.
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Designated Relief Areas: While MetLife Stadium's policy doesn't explicitly detail pet relief areas, most large venues with service animal policies provide them. It's a good idea to contact MetLife Stadium's Guest Services in advance to inquire about specific relief areas or procedures for service animals. Their contact information can typically be found on their official website.
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Seating Considerations: Your service animal must remain under your control at all times and fit within your seating area without obstructing aisles or other guests. They should not occupy a separate seat.
C. Maintaining Control of Your Service Animal
The ADA mandates that a service animal must be under the control of its handler at all times.
QuickTip: Pause after each section to reflect.
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Leash or Harness: Your service animal should be leashed, harnessed, or tethered unless these devices interfere with the service animal's work or the individual's disability prevents their use. In such cases, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls.
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Disruptive Behavior: If a service animal is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it, or if it is not housebroken, stadium staff can ask that the animal be removed from the premises.
Step 4: Reviewing MetLife Stadium's Official Policies
Before any event, it's always a good idea to review the most current guest policies directly on the MetLife Stadium official website. Policies can be updated, and it's best to be informed.
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Navigate to the "Guest Policies" or "Accessible Services" section of their website.
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Look for specific mentions of "animals," "pets," and "service animals."
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Familiarize yourself with their bag policy as well, as this applies to everyone, including those with service animals.
Step 5: Alternative Options if Your Dog Isn't a Service Animal
If your dog is a beloved pet but not a service animal, you'll need to make alternative arrangements.
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Pet Sitters/Boarding: Arrange for a trusted pet sitter to care for your dog at home or book them into a reputable boarding facility for the duration of your trip to MetLife Stadium.
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Dog-Friendly Activities Nearby (Pre/Post-Event): While your dog can't enter the stadium, you might be able to find dog-friendly parks or areas nearby for a walk before or after the event, allowing them to stretch their legs before or after being left with a sitter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to know if my dog qualifies as a service animal?
A service animal is a dog (or miniature horse) individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. If your dog's primary role is emotional support or companionship, it typically does not qualify under ADA guidelines for public access.
How to prepare my service animal for a busy stadium environment?
Tip: Don’t just scroll to the end — the middle counts too.
Ensure your service animal is well-behaved, calm, and accustomed to crowds, loud noises, and diverse environments. Practice obedience in distracting settings before your visit.
How to find accessible entrances at MetLife Stadium?
MetLife Stadium's official website under "Accessible Services" typically provides information on accessible entrances and services available for guests with disabilities.
How to contact MetLife Stadium Guest Services for service animal inquiries?
You can usually find their contact information (phone number or email) on the "Contact Us" or "Guest Services" section of the MetLife Stadium official website.
How to handle staff inquiries about my service animal?
Be prepared to answer the two permissible questions: "Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?" and "What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?" You are not required to provide documentation or demonstrate the task.
How to ensure my service animal is comfortable during the event?
Plan for potty breaks, ensure they have access to water (you can bring an empty reusable water bottle), and make sure they have enough space to lie down comfortably without obstructing others.
QuickTip: Read step by step, not all at once.
How to identify a service animal in training?
MetLife Stadium's policy also permits service animals in training. While not strictly required, some organizations or handlers may use vests or patches to indicate a dog is in training.
How to find a pet-friendly hotel near MetLife Stadium?
Search online for "pet-friendly hotels near MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ" using travel websites or hotel aggregators. Always confirm their specific pet policies and fees when booking.
How to dispose of waste from my service animal responsibly?
Always carry waste bags and dispose of them properly in designated receptacles. If there are specific relief areas, use them.
How to stay updated on MetLife Stadium's animal policies?
Regularly check the official MetLife Stadium website's "Guest Policies" or "A-Z Guide" sections, especially closer to your event date, as policies can occasionally be updated.
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