How to Bring a Service Dog to Knott’s Berry Farm

Service dogs are welcome at Knott’s Berry Farm, but there are some restrictions on where they can be and what they can do. Knott’s does provide a lot for your service dog, and offers multiple relief areas and opportunities to bring your dog into restaurants and onto selected rides. Like all public settings, Knotts does require that service dogs be restrained on a leash and behave appropriately at all times. 

In this article:

• How Knotts Berry Farm defines a service animal
• Planning for your visit
• Navigating the park with your service dog
• Issues that may arise

How Knotts Berry Farm Defines a Service Animal

A service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability. It’s important to remember that emotional support dogs are not considered service animals and are not allowed in the park.

Planning for Your Visit

While your service dog is indeed welcome at the park, it’s smart to plan for your visit. Here are a few steps you can take to ensure your visit goes smoothly.

• It’s wise to read up on the Knott’s Berry Farm disability program ahead of time, and to sign up in advance for the IBCCES Accessibility Card (IAC) by registering at accessibilitycard.org or via the Accessibility Card mobile app. This card may provide you with a range of accommodations to ensure that you’re able to enjoy rides and other experiences.

• If you think you will want to experience roller coasters or other rides that are inappropriate for your dog, plan to visit with someone who is willing to look after your dog while you ride. At Knotts, you can “ride swap,” meaning you can leave your dog with someone else, go on the ride, and then “swap” so that your friend can ride while you are with your dog.

• Create a packing list to ensure you have everything you need for your dog’s well-being. While you aren’t required to dress your dog in a service vest, it’s helpful to do so to ensure that other visitors understand your dog’s special status as a working animal. You’ll also want to bring a collapsible water bottle, food, appropriate leashes or leads, poop scoopers, sealable plastic bags, and any other items that will contribute to your dog’s comfort.

• Plan to arrive at the park early so you can register as a disabled visitor with your IAC card. Knotts employees will then be able to assist you and provide recommendations.

Navigating the Park with Your Service Dog

Knott’s Berry Farm offers several rides and experiences that accommodate dogs, and many that don’t. They also provide several relief areas for your dog, and it’s helpful to know exactly where to find them.

The following rides can be ridden with your service dog, assuming your dog is comfortable in unusual settings:

• Beagle Express Railroad 
• Calico Mine Ride
• Calico Railroad
• Camp SNOOPY’S™ Off-Road Rally 
• Carrusel de California 
• Sky Cabin
• Stagecoach
• Walk through the park areas, including scare zones and mazes
• In all restaurants, restrooms, and guest service areas.

As you can see, many rides are not included in the list, including water attractions, wet decks, wading pools, and lazy rivers. If you’re planning to visit those locations, be sure you make alternative arrangements for your service dog, as Knott’s employees aren’t allowed to handle or crate your dog on their own.

Knott’s Berry Farm has an unusual number of relief stations for your service dog, which makes it easy to plan for your dog’s physical needs. Designated relief areas are located both inside and outside the park. Inside, look for relief stations at:

• Ghost Town: Left of Silver Bullet by the Stagecoach Trestle
• Ghost Town/Boardwalk: Across from the Western Entrance
• Fiesta Village: Next to Montezooma’s Revenge
• Boardwalk: Between Wipeout and HangTime

Just outside the Theme Park, you’ll find relief stations at:

• Marketplace Emporium: Grass area to the left of the store
• Grass area behind the patio or across the parking lot by GhostRider
• Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel: check with associates for details

Issues That May Arise

Your service dog is welcome at Knott’s Berry Farm, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy to have a service dog in a crowded public place. People who have visited with service dogs note that it can be challenging to cope with questions, stares, and the natural desire to play with and pet an attractive dog. Some issues may make you think twice about bringing your service dog to an amusement park, depending on your dog’s size and personality. For example:

• If the weather is especially hot, the pavement can be rough on a dog’s feet.
• If it’s very crowded, small dogs are at risk of being stepped on.
• Some dogs may find the unusual sounds and smells overwhelming.
• If your dog has any behavior issues, those issues can potentially provide grounds for being asked to leave.
• Not all staff are fully aware of the rules regarding service dogs. While you may have fulfilled all requirements, you may still face staff members who question your rights.

It’s best to arrive prepared for any contingency and to be as flexible as possible. That may require changing your plans at the last minute, or coping with curious strangers. But knowing what to expect can make all the difference.

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