​ Animals​

​Animals are generally not allowed on location premises without special written permission from the person in charge. However, under laws protecting the disabled, individuals with a qualifying disability may be allowed to bring a service or emotional support animal onto parish or school premises. If the animal is an emotional support animal, the location may require the disabled individual to provide documentation from a medical professional that the animal provides support that alleviates a symptom or effect of the individual's disability. A pet kept for companionship is not considered a service or emotional support animal.

The disabled individual must be in control of the service or emotional support animal at all times and is responsible for its health and welfare. A service or emotional support animal may be removed if it is a direct threat to the safety of others, is disruptive and interferes with the workplace or educational program, or creates an unsanitary condition. In its Disability Rights Section, the U.S. Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division answers ​Frequently Asked Questions About Service Animals and the ADA​.​

All persons with disabilities are welcome to church community activities. Service dogs that have been specifically trained to assist the disabled should be allowed to accompany their owners to liturgies. To maintain the reverence and attention to worship that is appropriate to Holy Mass or other liturgies, the service dogs must be controlled at all times and not cause a disturbance.

Note: Clergy residing at a location may keep pets as long as the pets comply with local ordinances and arrangements have been made with the principal to assure student safety and health.

3-29-21