Service Dog Policy
Accessibility & Care
Service Animals (Dogs)
Churches and ministries are exempt from Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well
as NJ LAD (laws against discrimination) so these organizations are not required to admit people
with service animals. Service dog owners must seek permission to enter from the organization’s
leaders, who may grant or deny the request.
Under New Jersey law, the definition of "service dog"; is a dog that is individually trained to meet
the requirements of a person's disability, including (but not limited to):
— dogs that pull wheelchairs
— dogs that retrieve dropped items
— seizure dogs, and dogs that do minimal protection or rescue work.
— New Jersey law recognizes physical, mental, developmental, and psychological disabilities,
so a dog that’s individually trained to assist with any of these disabilities should qualify as a
service dog.
Also the tasks or work the dog does must be directly related to the person’s disability.