News Release

Pet Restrictions During Plover Season

Plover hatchling

NPS Photo

News Release Date: April 16, 2019

Contact: Daphne Yun, 718-815-3651

From March 15 through September 15, no pets are allowed on Riis Park beach, Fort Tilden beach, West Beach (area between the Silver Gull Beach Club and Reid Avenue) and the Breezy Point Tip including the Bayside Beach. Pets are also not allowed on the ocean beaches in the Sandy Hook Unit.

The only exception to the “no pets on the beach” rule are service animals that are recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Therapy and emotional support animals are not covered under the ADA. All service animals must be on a leash.

After September 15 pets are allowed on the beaches – but always on leash. Although birds may not be nesting during this time, they depend on the beach area for feeding throughout the year. Dogs on leash also provide a safer environment for other visitors on the beach.

About Gateway National Recreation Area

Gateway is a large diverse urban park with 27,000 acres in New York City and New Jersey. Gateway combines recreational activities with natural beauty, wildlife preservation, military history and more. Visitors can learn about forts, hike, or camp overnight in the New York metropolitan area. For more information about Gateway visit our web site at www.nps.gov/gate.