N.J. Stat. Ann. § 10:5-1 et seq. § 10:5-29.8
Law enforcement, emergency service workers with working dog entitled to full access
Operative Text
2. Any member of a police, fire, law enforcement or other related emergency service agency, accompanied by a working dog, trained by a recognized training agency or school, is entitled, with the dog, to full and equal access to all public facilities and modes of public transportation, subject only to the following conditions: a. A member of a police, fire, law enforcement or other related emergency service agency, if accompanied by a working dog, shall keep the dog in immediate custody at all times; b. A member of a police, fire, law enforcement or other related emergency service agency, accompanied by a working dog, shall not be charged an extra fee or payment for the dog for admission to, or use of, any public facility; and c. A member of a police, fire, law enforcement or other related emergency service agency, who has possession of a working dog, shall be liable for any damages done to the premises of a public facility by the dog. L.2006, c.88, s.2.
Under N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq. § 10:5-29.8, law enforcement and emergency service personnel who are accompanied by a trained working dog have the right to full and equal access to public facilities and public transportation without being charged extra fees for the dog. The handler must keep the dog under immediate custody at all times, and is financially responsible for any damage the dog causes to the premises. This provision balances access rights with accountability, ensuring that facilities are protected from liability while officers retain unimpeded entry.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of public facilities covered by N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq. § 10:5-29.8 generally do not impose surcharges, pet fees, or additional deposits on law enforcement or emergency service members who arrive with a trained working dog. Compliant operators recognize that the handler—not the facility—bears liability for any property damage caused by the dog, which provides a clear framework for addressing any incidents. Maintaining written policies that reflect these access and fee-waiver requirements can help staff respond consistently when working dogs accompany personnel on duty.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq. § 10:5-29.8 is primarily directed at public facilities and emergency service personnel rather than residential tenants, but it forms part of New Jersey's broader Law Against Discrimination framework that governs access rights in various settings. Tenants who believe a related access-rights issue has arisen in a residential context may find it useful to review how this provision interacts with other sections of N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq. Tenant-rights organizations and the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights can provide general information about how these access protections apply in different circumstances.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 6, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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