Service Animal Policy

GFC welcomes individuals with disabilities who require the assistance of a trained service animal. We strive to be accessible while ensuring a safe, hygienic, and undistracted environment.

Definitions

• A service animal, as defined by the ADA, is a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks directly related to the disability of its handler.
• An emotional support animal (ESA – sometimes referred to as a “comfort” or “therapy” animal) is an animal that provides comfort or support through companionship. An ESA is not recognized as a service animal by the ADA.

Guidelines

 Service animals will be limited to one per attender.

 Service animals must be harnessed, leashed or tethered at all times unless it affects the animal’s ability to perform the task for which it has been trained.

 Service animals must remain under the control of their handler, and the handler will be responsible for the animal at all times.

 Service animals must be clean and housebroken.

 Service animals will be restricted from the preschool hallway and elementary age area of the building. In the case of children with service animals, every e ort will be made to accommodate the needs of the child while also considering the needs of other children present.

 GFC reserves the right to request removal of a service animal from the building if it is disruptive, poses a threat to others or is not effectively controlled by its handler.

 Emotional support animals are not permitted in church facilities, nor on the premises during church functions.

Revised 3/30/2026