Can You Bring a Service Dog to a Hockey Game?

• Written by: Lisa Jo Rudy, M.Div.

Hockey arenas allow service dogs and provide ADA-required support for individuals with disabilities. That applies to all arenas, whether high school, college, or professional level. It’s important to know, however, that only a few arenas give much thought to your dog’s comfort. That means you really have to think ahead. In fact, it’s a good idea to call ahead before a game to be sure you have everything you need for the most comfortable possible experience.

In this article:

• Before planning to bring your dog to a hockey arena
• Gaming out your game day plan
• On game day
• Examples of hockey arena policies

Before Planning to Bring Your Dog to a Hockey Arena

Hockey arenas are cold and loud. Games can last up to three hours. And, at times, the experience can be intense and chaotic. In some cases, if you have a large service dog, you may have to pay an extra fee for a separate seat. All these factors should play into a decision about whether or not to bring your service dog with you to a hockey game.

Some questions to consider:

• Is your dog small enough to sit comfortably under your seat? If not, depending on the venue, you may have to pay double for your ticket.
• How well does your dog handle sudden increases in noise and movement? If they are inclined to be protective or bark under those circumstances, they could be ejected for “bad behavior.”
• How long can your dog “hold it?” Hockey games are very long, and if your dog needs relief, they will have to leave the building. That means making your way through big crowds and potentially finding it hard to get back to your seat in time for the start of the next period.
• Will your dog do well in a colder environment without moving around? If not, it may be an unpleasant experience.

If you’re not quite sure how your dog will handle a professional hockey game, you might want to work up to the experience. Consider starting off with a local hockey match at the high school level, where crowds will be smaller, tickets will be cheaper, and noise will be a bit less intense.

Gaming Out Your Game Day Plan

Your dog is up for the challenge, and you’re eager to see the game. Now it’s time to think through your game day strategy. Here are some tips for making the experience as smooth as it can be.

• Read up on the venue’s specific service dog policies. Most are pretty similar, but differences may be important, especially if they require the purchase of a second ticket.
• Review the venue’s seating chart, and think about options for you and your dog. Will you need to be next to an aisle to scoot out early so your dog can relieve itself? Or would you prefer to be in a location where you can sit still if necessary?
• Check out locations for accessible parking, entrances, ramps, etc., if you need them.
• Call the venue’s accessibility line ahead of time to ask any questions you have about access, crowds, best times to arrive, or best places to sit.
• Buy the exact ticket you need, and be sure to coordinate with your group. You do not have to sit in a “handicapped” area, but it may be more comfortable depending on your circumstances.

On Game Day

• Plan to arrive early. Coping with crowds as the game begins can be a challenge in itself!
• Outfit your dog for the day. Be sure your dog is wearing something to clearly identify it as a service animal. You may also want to provide your dog with a sweater for warmth, and some people even add booties for sensitive paws, as floors are cold and sticky.
• Pack along anything your dog might need. Examples include snacks, a folding bowl, a bottle of water, and a blanket for the floor.
• Be sure you have documentation asserting that your dog is, in fact, a service animal.
• Have answers to the two questions security guards will ask: “Is this a service dog required because of a disability?” and “What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?” 

Examples of Hockey Arena Policies

While every venue is slightly different, it might help to look at what’s available at the top-rated professional and college arenas. As you’ll notice, both have a range of options for people with disabilities, but there are very limited facilities for service dogs.

Professional: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville Predators: 

Bridgestone is a fantastic arena, but you’ll want to plan well in advance if you want to bring a service dog. There are no available animal relief stations, and the policies state, “If the service animal does not fit under your seat, you will need to purchase a ticket for the animal… If a patron plans on bringing a service animal into the venue, we encourage them to contact us as early as possible for potential seating relocation purposes.”

Features: Wheelchair access, accessible parking, entrance, and restrooms, family restrooms, hearing devices, wheelchair accessible, and companion seating

Contact: accessibilityservices@nashvillepredators.com or 615/722-1657

College: Yost Ice Arena, Michigan Wolverines

Yost Ice Arena is one of the most popular college arenas in the country. Of course, your service dog is welcome, including service dogs in training and their trainers. It’s important to note that there are no animal relief stations at the arena, and guests are not permitted to leave Yost Ice Arena and return on the same ticket. That means you may need to make arrangements with the Event Team if you need to take your dog for a short relief break. 

Features: Yost offers a range of services for individuals with disabilities, but none specifically for service dog owners. You can learn more about disability-friendly parking, maps, and more here.

Contact: adacoordinator@umich.edu

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