Animals In Church service

[bropro]

Just wanting to know if there are any pastors/churches that can offer their perspective on allowing service animals or emotional support animals in their church services, or what your policies are concerning this issue. Thanks.

Gary

[Alan]

I wouldn't see an issue with service animals but what are emotional support animals? What kinds of animals are they?

[Nevertheless]

If they are legitimate service animals you cannot legally keep them out, nor should you want to.

Of course there's always the chance of something like this happening:
Snake brought into restaurant rattles nerves

[Carey]

I wouldn't see an issue with service animals but what are emotional support animals? What kinds of animals are they?

There are many legitimate owners of well trained animals that serve as emotional support.  These officially registered animals by law have the right to go anywhere the owner does.  However....

Many emotional support animals are simply a sham, many are just pets registered at questionable websites, no training required. 

My dog stresses me out in public, yet still, with a visa card and a few minutes on the internet, he can be a "registered" emotional support animal.

[bropro]

I wouldn't see an issue with service animals but what are emotional support animals? What kinds of animals are they?

Thanks for your reply. An emotional support animal is any animal that provides emotional support for people. They are not considered by the DOJ as legitimate service animals.

Gary

[Texas Conservative]

Cats are unclean.

 

[bropro]

If they are legitimate service animals you cannot legally keep them out, nor should you want to.

Of course there's always the chance of something like this happening:
Snake brought into restaurant rattles nerves

Thanks for your reply. I understand what you are saying, as I am struggling to sort this out in my mind for the sake of others in the church who are afraid of animals, don't like them, have allergies, etc. As a Vietnam Veteran, I would have a hard time telling a Disabled Vet that we don't allow service animals in our services. But then again, as a pastor, I have the rest of the congregation to consider. Legally, according to the Department Of Justice and the state of Missouri, the Church is exempt from having to allow even legitimate service animals in the services. I love animals myself, so I have a dilemma to work through. Again thanks for your thoughts.

Gary

[Texas Conservative]

If they are legitimate service animals you cannot legally keep them out, nor should you want to.

Of course there's always the chance of something like this happening:
Snake brought into restaurant rattles nerves

Thanks for your reply. I understand what you are saying, as I am struggling to sort this out in my mind for the sake of others in the church who are afraid of animals, don't like them, have allergies, etc. As a Vietnam Veteran, I would have a hard time telling a Disabled Vet that we don't allow service animals in our services. But then again, as a pastor, I have the rest of the congregation to consider. Legally, according to the Department Of Justice and the state of Missouri, the Church is exempt from having to allow even legitimate service animals in the services. I love animals myself, so I have a dilemma to work through. Again thanks for your thoughts.

Gary

At least it only applies to dogs, even though you are exempt.

Perhaps you need to talk to quite a few folks to see what the lay of the land is regarding allergies, fear, etc is in the congregation.

[bropro]

I wouldn't see an issue with service animals but what are emotional support animals? What kinds of animals are they?

There are many legitimate owners of well trained animals that serve as emotional support.  These officially registered animals by law have the right to go anywhere the owner does.  However....

Many emotional support animals are simply a sham, many are just pets registered at questionable websites, no training required. 

My dog stresses me out in public, yet still, with a visa card and a few minutes on the internet, he can be a "registered" emotional support animal.

Thanks for your thoughts. The church according to the law, as well as certain private organizations, are exempt from the ADA's ruling on service animals. And you are correct about the shams. There are a multitude of people taking advantage of and abusing the "emotional support issue."  This is making it bad for people who have legitimate service animals.

Gary

[bropro]

If they are legitimate service animals you cannot legally keep them out, nor should you want to.

Of course there's always the chance of something like this happening:
Snake brought into restaurant rattles nerves

Thanks for your reply. I understand what you are saying, as I am struggling to sort this out in my mind for the sake of others in the church who are afraid of animals, don't like them, have allergies, etc. As a Vietnam Veteran, I would have a hard time telling a Disabled Vet that we don't allow service animals in our services. But then again, as a pastor, I have the rest of the congregation to consider. Legally, according to the Department Of Justice and the state of Missouri, the Church is exempt from having to allow even legitimate service animals in the services. I love animals myself, so I have a dilemma to work through. Again thanks for your thoughts.

Gary

At least it only applies to dogs, even though you are exempt.

Perhaps you need to talk to quite a few folks to see what the lay of the land is regarding allergies, fear, etc is in the congregation.

Thanks for your reply. I heard from several people and it was mostly negative. Then the other concern is, even if the people in a church were basically on board with allowing them, what about visitors that come in. They may never come back for that reason, but we would never know, unless of course they told us.

Gary

[Nevertheless]

Thanks for your reply. I heard from several people and it was mostly negative. Then the other concern is, even if the people in a church were basically on board with allowing them, what about visitors that come in. They may never come back for that reason, but we would never know, unless of course they told us.

Gary

Hmmm... What do those people do when they encounter service animals in other places such as a grocery store, theater, library, etc.? Do they stop buying groceries? Give up movies & books? If these hypothetical visitors really never returned because of the presence of service animals, then they were looking for an excuse to stop coming and that was just the one they gave. If it hadn't been that it would have been something else.

Are those people who responded negatively really suggesting that Jesus would approve of them preventing a blind person with a guide dog from worshiping with them? Do they keep people in wheelchairs out too?

[bropro]

Thanks for your reply. I heard from several people and it was mostly negative. Then the other concern is, even if the people in a church were basically on board with allowing them, what about visitors that come in. They may never come back for that reason, but we would never know, unless of course they told us.

Gary

Hmmm... What do those people do when they encounter service animals in other places such as a grocery store, theater, library, etc.? Do they stop buying groceries? Give up movies & books? If these hypothetical visitors really never returned because of the presence of service animals, then they were looking for an excuse to stop coming and that was just the one they gave. If it hadn't been that it would have been something else.

Are those people who responded negatively really suggesting that Jesus would approve of them preventing a blind person with a guide dog from worshiping with them? Do they keep people in wheelchairs out too?

First of all no one in the church is trying to keep people out, and people in wheel chairs are not the concern, unless they have an animal with them. They are simply voicing their concerns and fears. I'm trying to get insights from others on how these issues are handled in their churches and what kind of policies they have in place to address them. I am sensitive to the needs of people with disabilities, as my son and his wife are disabled themselves and dependent upon us for help. But I also have to be sensitive towards people who have fears, and possibly those who could be affected that have allergies to pet dander. How do you balance this? Both have legitimate concerns, don't they? Do you say "no service animals allowed" to the disabled, or do you tell those with their issues "you are just going to have to get over it." How can this be handled compassionately and respectfully for all concerned? So again, you see my dilemma. As far as animals in the stores, people can walk around them or go to another aisle to avoid them. In a church service, where people are there for 1 to 2 hours is where the problem arises. And maybe there are churches out there that have the answers I'm looking for, one way or the other. Thanks for you insights.

Gary

[MeMyself]

I think Never's point is a good one. If they have allergies, they can take meds.

If its fear...they are surely in the right place to take care of those fears!  I think they need to remember that service dogs are highly trained and well mannered.  They do not choose to pick breeds that are known for aggressive behaviors...but if a person cannot get over their fears, they can move to another part of the facility to a place they feel safer.

[Texas Conservative]

I think Never's point is a good one. If they have allergies, they can take meds.

If its fear...they are surely in the right place to take care of those fears!  I think they need to remember that service dogs are highly trained and well mannered.  They do not choose to pick breeds that are known for aggressive behaviors...but if a person cannot get over their fears, they can move to another part of the facility to a place they feel safer.

So we pick and choose who we upset.  Back at the heart of bropro's dilemma.  You think?  Well what about what they think?  Are their fears of dogs less of an issue than someone who needs a companion animal?

[chosenone]

If they are legitimate service animals you cannot legally keep them out, nor should you want to.

Of course there's always the chance of something like this happening:
Snake brought into restaurant rattles nerves

Thanks for your reply. I understand what you are saying, as I am struggling to sort this out in my mind for the sake of others in the church who are afraid of animals, don't like them, have allergies, etc. As a Vietnam Veteran, I would have a hard time telling a Disabled Vet that we don't allow service animals in our services. But then again, as a pastor, I have the rest of the congregation to consider. Legally, according to the Department Of Justice and the state of Missouri, the Church is exempt from having to allow even legitimate service animals in the services. I love animals myself, so I have a dilemma to work through. Again thanks for your thoughts.

Gary

At least it only applies to dogs, even though you are exempt.

Perhaps you need to talk to quite a few folks to see what the lay of the land is regarding allergies, fear, etc is in the congregation.

Thanks for your reply. I heard from several people and it was mostly negative. Then the other concern is, even if the people in a church were basically on board with allowing them, what about visitors that come in. They may never come back for that reason, but we would never know, unless of course they told us.

Gary

 

How sad that some were negative and how selfish of them.    What harm is a well behaved service dog going to do?
How about the person who needs their service dog not coming back because they cant take their dog in?
If someone is really that scared, then they can sit the other side of the church. I am pretty sure that most people would just want to make a fuss of the dog.

[chosenone]

I think Never's point is a good one. If they have allergies, they can take meds.

If its fear...they are surely in the right place to take care of those fears!  I think they need to remember that service dogs are highly trained and well mannered.  They do not choose to pick breeds that are known for aggressive behaviors...but if a person cannot get over their fears, they can move to another part of the facility to a place they feel safer.

So we pick and choose who we upset.  Back at the heart of bropro's dilemma.  You think?  Well what about what they think?  Are their fears of dogs less of an issue than someone who needs a companion animal?

   

We are not talking about just a pet here, but a dog that is needed for either medical emotional or physical support for someone who is either physically disabled or ill, or mentally ill or whatever.
If the church is large enough then surely there is room for both?

[Texas Conservative]

If they are legitimate service animals you cannot legally keep them out, nor should you want to.

Of course there's always the chance of something like this happening:
Snake brought into restaurant rattles nerves

Thanks for your reply. I understand what you are saying, as I am struggling to sort this out in my mind for the sake of others in the church who are afraid of animals, don't like them, have allergies, etc. As a Vietnam Veteran, I would have a hard time telling a Disabled Vet that we don't allow service animals in our services. But then again, as a pastor, I have the rest of the congregation to consider. Legally, according to the Department Of Justice and the state of Missouri, the Church is exempt from having to allow even legitimate service animals in the services. I love animals myself, so I have a dilemma to work through. Again thanks for your thoughts.

Gary

At least it only applies to dogs, even though you are exempt.

Perhaps you need to talk to quite a few folks to see what the lay of the land is regarding allergies, fear, etc is in the congregation.

Thanks for your reply. I heard from several people and it was mostly negative. Then the other concern is, even if the people in a church were basically on board with allowing them, what about visitors that come in. They may never come back for that reason, but we would never know, unless of course they told us.

Gary

 

How sad that some were negative and how selfish of them.    What harm is a well behaved service dog going to do?
How about the person who needs their service dog not coming back because they cant take their dog in?
If someone is really that scared, then they can sit the other side of the church. I am pretty sure that most people would just want to make a fuss of the dog.

How selfish of the person who wants to bring in the dog!  Can't they get someone to help them around without the dog?  Are you the one who should determine whose fear can be tossed aside?

Once again, bropro has got a dilemma with people's feelings on different sides.  If someone is legitimately fearful, which I have come across, this isn't an easy situation.

[Texas Conservative]

I think Never's point is a good one. If they have allergies, they can take meds.

If its fear...they are surely in the right place to take care of those fears!  I think they need to remember that service dogs are highly trained and well mannered.  They do not choose to pick breeds that are known for aggressive behaviors...but if a person cannot get over their fears, they can move to another part of the facility to a place they feel safer.

So we pick and choose who we upset.  Back at the heart of bropro's dilemma.  You think?  Well what about what they think?  Are their fears of dogs less of an issue than someone who needs a companion animal?

   

We are not talking about just a pet here, but a dog that is needed for either medical emotional or physical support for someone who is either physically disabled or ill, or mentally ill or whatever.
If the church is large enough then surely there is room for both?

And we may not be talking about someone who just is mildly scared of dogs.  Once again, it is a dilemma that is easy to pontificate on but it involves real people with real feelings who may feel unloved and be genuinely hurt if their needs are not taken in consideration.

[chosenone]

Thanks for your reply. I heard from several people and it was mostly negative. Then the other concern is, even if the people in a church were basically on board with allowing them, what about visitors that come in. They may never come back for that reason, but we would never know, unless of course they told us.

Gary

Hmmm... What do those people do when they encounter service animals in other places such as a grocery store, theater, library, etc.? Do they stop buying groceries? Give up movies & books? If these hypothetical visitors really never returned because of the presence of service animals, then they were looking for an excuse to stop coming and that was just the one they gave. If it hadn't been that it would have been something else.

Are those people who responded negatively really suggesting that Jesus would approve of them preventing a blind person with a guide dog from worshiping with them? Do they keep people in wheelchairs out too?

First of all no one in the church is trying to keep people out, and people in wheel chairs are not the concern, unless they have an animal with them. They are simply voicing their concerns and fears. I'm trying to get insights from others on how these issues are handled in their churches and what kind of policies they have in place to address them. I am sensitive to the needs of people with disabilities, as my son and his wife are disabled themselves and dependent upon us for help. But I also have to be sensitive towards people who have fears, and possibly those who could be affected that have allergies to pet dander. How do you balance this? Both have legitimate concerns, don't they? Do you say "no service animals allowed" to the disabled, or do you tell those with their issues "you are just going to have to get over it." How can this be handled compassionately and respectfully for all concerned? So again, you see my dilemma. As far as animals in the stores, people can walk around them or go to another aisle to avoid them. In a church service, where people are there for 1 to 2 hours is where the problem arises. And maybe there are churches out there that have the answers I'm looking for, one way or the other. Thanks for you insights.

Gary

 

If the church is a reasonable size, then surely the person with a dog can go one end, and anyone who doesn't want to be near a dog the other?
I cant see many churches in the uk where I live stopping someone with their service dog from coming in. Some churches even have occasional services where people can bring their animals along.

[chosenone]

If they are legitimate service animals you cannot legally keep them out, nor should you want to.

Of course there's always the chance of something like this happening:
Snake brought into restaurant rattles nerves

Thanks for your reply. I understand what you are saying, as I am struggling to sort this out in my mind for the sake of others in the church who are afraid of animals, don't like them, have allergies, etc. As a Vietnam Veteran, I would have a hard time telling a Disabled Vet that we don't allow service animals in our services. But then again, as a pastor, I have the rest of the congregation to consider. Legally, according to the Department Of Justice and the state of Missouri, the Church is exempt from having to allow even legitimate service animals in the services. I love animals myself, so I have a dilemma to work through. Again thanks for your thoughts.

Gary

At least it only applies to dogs, even though you are exempt.

Perhaps you need to talk to quite a few folks to see what the lay of the land is regarding allergies, fear, etc is in the congregation.

Thanks for your reply. I heard from several people and it was mostly negative. Then the other concern is, even if the people in a church were basically on board with allowing them, what about visitors that come in. They may never come back for that reason, but we would never know, unless of course they told us.

Gary

 

How sad that some were negative and how selfish of them.    What harm is a well behaved service dog going to do?
How about the person who needs their service dog not coming back because they cant take their dog in?
If someone is really that scared, then they can sit the other side of the church. I am pretty sure that most people would just want to make a fuss of the dog.

How selfish of the person who wants to bring in the dog!  Can't they get someone to help them around without the dog?  Are you the one who should determine whose fear can be tossed aside?

Once again, bropro has got a dilemma with people's feelings on different sides.  If someone is legitimately fearful, which I have come across, this isn't an easy situation.

 

Service dogs are allowed anywhere in the uk. We all manage. How very sad if the ONLY place they were banned from was a church. Service dogs are a constant lifeline to these people, there is no way they should have to leave them.

If someone is THAT frightened, then its about time they sought help. Prayer and ministry may help. Its not normal to be that afraid of a harmless creature.

[Texas Conservative]

If they are legitimate service animals you cannot legally keep them out, nor should you want to.

Of course there's always the chance of something like this happening:
Snake brought into restaurant rattles nerves

Thanks for your reply. I understand what you are saying, as I am struggling to sort this out in my mind for the sake of others in the church who are afraid of animals, don't like them, have allergies, etc. As a Vietnam Veteran, I would have a hard time telling a Disabled Vet that we don't allow service animals in our services. But then again, as a pastor, I have the rest of the congregation to consider. Legally, according to the Department Of Justice and the state of Missouri, the Church is exempt from having to allow even legitimate service animals in the services. I love animals myself, so I have a dilemma to work through. Again thanks for your thoughts.

Gary

At least it only applies to dogs, even though you are exempt.

Perhaps you need to talk to quite a few folks to see what the lay of the land is regarding allergies, fear, etc is in the congregation.

Thanks for your reply. I heard from several people and it was mostly negative. Then the other concern is, even if the people in a church were basically on board with allowing them, what about visitors that come in. They may never come back for that reason, but we would never know, unless of course they told us.

Gary

 

How sad that some were negative and how selfish of them.    What harm is a well behaved service dog going to do?
How about the person who needs their service dog not coming back because they cant take their dog in?
If someone is really that scared, then they can sit the other side of the church. I am pretty sure that most people would just want to make a fuss of the dog.

How selfish of the person who wants to bring in the dog!  Can't they get someone to help them around without the dog?  Are you the one who should determine whose fear can be tossed aside?

Once again, bropro has got a dilemma with people's feelings on different sides.  If someone is legitimately fearful, which I have come across, this isn't an easy situation.

 

Service dogs are allowed anywhere in the uk. We all manage. How very sad if the ONLY place they were banned from was a church. Service dogs are a constant lifeline to these people, there is no way they should have to leave them.

If someone is THAT frightened, then its about time they sought help. Prayer and ministry may help. Its not normal to be that afraid of a harmless creature.

I love dogs.  I have two.  And they are not harmless.  I don't think you have the right to say one person's fear is meaningless in favor of another's fear without the dog.

I think you need to recognize both people's feelings/fears/needs, or you may be heartless.

[MeMyself]

I think Never's point is a good one. If they have allergies, they can take meds.

If its fear...they are surely in the right place to take care of those fears!  I think they need to remember that service dogs are highly trained and well mannered.  They do not choose to pick breeds that are known for aggressive behaviors...but if a person cannot get over their fears, they can move to another part of the facility to a place they feel safer.

So we pick and choose who we upset.  Back at the heart of bropro's dilemma.  You think?  Well what about what they think?  Are their fears of dogs less of an issue than someone who needs a companion animal?

But, they have to go about real life and are confronted by those same things there.  As Never said, grocery shopping, running errands, etc.  The way they deal with their issues in the "real world" should apply in Church, shouldn't they?

[Texas Conservative]

I think Never's point is a good one. If they have allergies, they can take meds.

If its fear...they are surely in the right place to take care of those fears!  I think they need to remember that service dogs are highly trained and well mannered.  They do not choose to pick breeds that are known for aggressive behaviors...but if a person cannot get over their fears, they can move to another part of the facility to a place they feel safer.

So we pick and choose who we upset.  Back at the heart of bropro's dilemma.  You think?  Well what about what they think?  Are their fears of dogs less of an issue than someone who needs a companion animal?

But, they have to go about real life and are confronted by those same things there.  As Never said, grocery shopping, running errands, etc.  The way they deal with their issues in the "real world" should apply in Church, shouldn't they?

Is the Church different than the "real world" at all?  Do I expect to see people swearing, alcohol for sale in the assembly?  The people with intense fear of dogs probably avoid places with dogs.  So you are saying they should deal with their issues in the "real world" by avoiding their family church as well?

 

[MeMyself]

I think Never's point is a good one. If they have allergies, they can take meds.

If its fear...they are surely in the right place to take care of those fears!  I think they need to remember that service dogs are highly trained and well mannered.  They do not choose to pick breeds that are known for aggressive behaviors...but if a person cannot get over their fears, they can move to another part of the facility to a place they feel safer.

So we pick and choose who we upset.  Back at the heart of bropro's dilemma.  You think?  Well what about what they think?  Are their fears of dogs less of an issue than someone who needs a companion animal?

But, they have to go about real life and are confronted by those same things there.  As Never said, grocery shopping, running errands, etc.  The way they deal with their issues in the "real world" should apply in Church, shouldn't they?

Is the Church different than the "real world" at all?  Do I expect to see people swearing, alcohol for sale in the assembly?  The people with intense fear of dogs probably avoid places with dogs.  So you are saying they should deal with their issues in the "real world" by avoiding their family church as well?

 

I feel like you are reading more into my posts than are there.

The truth is, service animals are out and about.  How people with fear of animals cope when they are out and about, should be the same coping mechanisms inside a church building.

[Texas Conservative]

I think Never's point is a good one. If they have allergies, they can take meds.

If its fear...they are surely in the right place to take care of those fears!  I think they need to remember that service dogs are highly trained and well mannered.  They do not choose to pick breeds that are known for aggressive behaviors...but if a person cannot get over their fears, they can move to another part of the facility to a place they feel safer.

So we pick and choose who we upset.  Back at the heart of bropro's dilemma.  You think?  Well what about what they think?  Are their fears of dogs less of an issue than someone who needs a companion animal?

But, they have to go about real life and are confronted by those same things there.  As Never said, grocery shopping, running errands, etc.  The way they deal with their issues in the "real world" should apply in Church, shouldn't they?

Is the Church different than the "real world" at all?  Do I expect to see people swearing, alcohol for sale in the assembly?  The people with intense fear of dogs probably avoid places with dogs.  So you are saying they should deal with their issues in the "real world" by avoiding their family church as well?

 

I feel like you are reading more into my posts than are there.

The truth is, service animals are out and about.  How people with fear of animals cope when they are out and about, should be the same coping mechanisms inside a church building.

So they leave?  Avoid church?  That is the logical conclusion you are failing to grasp.

[MeMyself]

I think Never's point is a good one. If they have allergies, they can take meds.

If its fear...they are surely in the right place to take care of those fears!  I think they need to remember that service dogs are highly trained and well mannered.  They do not choose to pick breeds that are known for aggressive behaviors...but if a person cannot get over their fears, they can move to another part of the facility to a place they feel safer.

So we pick and choose who we upset.  Back at the heart of bropro's dilemma.  You think?  Well what about what they think?  Are their fears of dogs less of an issue than someone who needs a companion animal?

But, they have to go about real life and are confronted by those same things there.  As Never said, grocery shopping, running errands, etc.  The way they deal with their issues in the "real world" should apply in Church, shouldn't they?

Is the Church different than the "real world" at all?  Do I expect to see people swearing, alcohol for sale in the assembly?  The people with intense fear of dogs probably avoid places with dogs.  So you are saying they should deal with their issues in the "real world" by avoiding their family church as well?

 

I feel like you are reading more into my posts than are there.

The truth is, service animals are out and about.  How people with fear of animals cope when they are out and about, should be the same coping mechanisms inside a church building.

So they leave?  Avoid church?  That is the logical conclusion you are failing to grasp.

 

 

[MeMyself]

Ima "duck" out now.  I got no "dog" in this fight.

Ba-dumdum!  Thank you! Thank you! I'm here all week.

[mommydi]

Cats are unclean.

 

Amen! A cat will sleep on a baby's face and smother the infant. They walk on kitchen countertops and plop their nasty little be-hinds on food items on the counters. How many times do you ever see a dog walking across a kitchen counter?? They have ringworm and you can catch cat scratch fever from them. They hang around witches, too!     

[mommydi]

Some liturgical churches hold a Blessing of the Animals liturgy, where people can bring in their pets to have them blessed.

[Texas Conservative]

Some liturgical churches hold a Blessing of the Animals liturgy, where people can bring in their pets to have them blessed.

I wouldn't be anywhere that has female clergy.

[mommydi]

I wouldn't be anywhere that has female clergy.

I didn't notice that in the pic, but I wouldn't either. I want my clergy, doctors, and surgeons to be male. Call me old-fashioned, traditional, superstitious, or whatever, but I prefer men to take those big roles in my life.

[Alan]

I do not like dogs in the least, a person that brought a dog to church as a companion drawing attention from the congregation would be disturbing to me, however I have no issue with service dogs, in my experience they are extremely well behaved.

[Texas Conservative]

I do not like dogs in the least, a person that brought a dog to church as a companion drawing attention from the congregation would be disturbing to me, however I have no issue with service dogs, in my experience they are extremely well behaved.

Now I am wondering if you are evil.  Do you like cats?

 

[bropro]

I would like to thank everyone for their comments and insights. A lot of interesting viewpoints.

Gary

[Alan]

I do not like dogs in the least, a person that brought a dog to church as a companion drawing attention from the congregation would be disturbing to me, however I have no issue with service dogs, in my experience they are extremely well behaved.

Now I am wondering if you are evil.  Do you like cats?

 

No, in fact I despise having any animals in my house, animals belong in the wild where God intended them to be, that is the place my adoration for animals begins.