Official church policy regarding service animals

[Tara Briggs]

It is more than the Temple where service animals are not permitted. The
following comes from the church's website:
Q: Is it appropriate to bring a service animal into Church buildings?

A: Although the Church is under no legal obligation to admit individuals
with service animals into houses of worship because it is exempt from Title
III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Church policy generally allows
the use of service dogs in Church buildings. Other types of service animals
or comfort pets are not permitted. The only places where service dogs are
not allowed are in the temple and in venues where meetings/events are being
broadcasted or recorded. In the temple, ordinance workers will gladly assist
you. In other venues, ushers will direct you to overflow viewing rooms where
your service dog is allowed. Please be aware that local laws concerning
service animals and other assistance for those with disabilities may vary.

[Tom Mitchell]

Though it can be, and usually is, expensive, why not put the dog in a
kennel for the time you'll be in the temple. Or, if you're visiting
relatives, perhaps see if friends in their ward will help out. After
all, if we are truly brothers and sisters, wouldn't you think someone
would help. Personally, I would check on kennels in the area, because
they are usually staffed by professionals who know how to take care of
dogs. You see, if the pollicies are what they are, and if those who
make the policies do so for what they feel is a good reason, why fight
them? Until they become more informed, it's not up to them to solve
our problem of what to do with our dogs, it's up to each of us. And
these policies start to make us bitter about going to the temple,
perhaps we shouldn't go until we straighten out these feelings within
ourselves.

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[Greg Kearney]

So just roll over and accept it or stop going to the temple. Is that what your saying. We have made arrangements this time but the problem remains and need to be address as the no guide dog policy seems to be becoming more common.

Sent from my iPhone

Greg Kearney

[Tom Mitchell]

Frankly, yes. Is not being able to take a dog to the temple really
going to prevent people from attending the temple. The dog is not
like a wheelchair. A person using a chair can't get along without it.
But a person with a dog can find other people who will help. I've
never been to a temple where I haven't found willing brotheren who
will help me get where I need to go.

[djep...@expertsonblindness.com]

Tara,

Thank you for sharing the church policy on guide dogs.  As a Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist with 30 years in the field of blindness I feel that it is an appropriate policy.  That being said, I think educating wherever we can is a good thing.  I am glad to see guide dogs being used by senior couples where appropriate and guide dogs in chapels. 

I just feel very bad for folks who might harbor ill feelings toward the Brethren or the temple because of these policies.  If these feelings fester it can lead to loss of testimony and resentment toward the church in general. 

I have know of patriarchs, bishops and others who are blind and made it work.  We all need to keep doing the best we can to educate others, improve accessibility to church publications, facilities and to grow in the gospel while accepting current policies. 

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