Service animals, which include dogs or miniature horses who are trained to perform a task or service to a person with disabilities, are allowed under the guidance of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Examples of such work may include but are not limited to: alerting their handler to a seizure, guiding their handler who is blind or visually impaired, retrieving prescription medication for their handler, or assisting in mobility needs by activating automatic doors or pulling a wheelchair. Service animals are working animals with a task or role it completes directly related to the needs of its handler.

Service animals may accompany people with disabilities in all areas of the facility where the public is normally allowed to go. Service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents using these devices. In that case, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective
controls.

The person bringing the service animal into the church building shall be financially responsible for any damage caused by the animal. It is expected that the person bringing the service animal into the building will inform the minister, staff or church officers of any safety issues, special considerations, or dangers the animal may pose to children or adults in attendance, so that these concerns can be addressed and shared with the congregation when appropriate. Since a service animal is a working animal, members of the congregation should not seek verbal or physical contact by beckoning or calling, or attempting to pet or engage the service animal in play.

The presence of pets within the church facility is prohibited. This may include (but is not limited to) domesticated cats, dogs, rodents, or reptiles. Pets whose sole function is to provide emotional comfort (“Emotional Support Animals”) do not qualify as service animals under the ADA, and are prohibited within the church facility.

Board Approved, September 2025
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Franklin

For more information, please read the Americans with Disabilities Act FAQ’s here.
We extended gratitude to the First Unitarian Society of Ithaca for a portion of this policy’s language.