Can a service dog be denied access to church?

In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects the rights of individuals with disabilities, including those who use service dogs. Under the ADA, service dogs are allowed to accompany their handlers in all public places, including churches. This means that a church cannot deny access to a service dog unless the dog is behaving in a disruptive manner or is otherwise posing a direct threat to the health or safety of others.

However, there are some limited exceptions to the ADA's service dog rules. For example, churches may be able to deny access to service dogs if they can demonstrate that the dog's presence would fundamentally alter the nature of the religious service. Additionally, churches may be able to restrict the access of service dogs to certain areas of the church, such as the altar or the choir loft.

If you are planning to bring your service dog to church, it is always a good idea to contact the church in advance to inquire about their policies. This will help to avoid any potential problems or misunderstandings.