Service Animal Policy
Shield of Sisters Restoration Retreats – At Shield of Sisters, we are committed to creating a safe, supportive, and accessible environment for every woman we serve. We recognize that trained service animals can play an important role in supporting individuals with disabilities and will make reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Because our Restoration Retreats take place in shared, private living environments, the following guidelines help ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.
Service Animals
A service animal is defined as a dog that is individually trained to perform specific work or tasks related to a person’s disability.
Emotional support animals, comfort animals, and therapy animals are not considered service animals under ADA guidelines and are not permitted at Restoration Retreats.
Service Animal Requests
Participants who wish to bring a service animal will be asked limited, legally permitted questions to confirm that the animal meets the definition of a trained service animal. This helps us prepare appropriately for the retreat environment.
If a participant requests to bring more than one service animal, each animal must be individually trained to perform a distinct task related to the participant’s disability. Shield of Sisters will assess whether multiple animals can be safely accommodated within the shared retreat setting.
Health and Safety Requirements
To protect the health and comfort of all attendees, participants bringing a service animal will be required to provide:
• Current vaccination records
• A recent veterinarian statement confirming the animal is in good health
Documentation must be submitted prior to arrival at the retreat.
Behavior Expectations
Service animals must:
• Remain under the handler’s control at all times
• Be house-trained
• Not display aggressive or disruptive behavior
If an animal poses a direct threat to the safety or well-being of others, or significantly disrupts the retreat environment, Shield of Sisters may require the animal to be removed.
Handler Responsibility
Participants are responsible for the care and supervision of their service animal at all times, including feeding, hygiene, and any damage or disruption caused.
Shared Environment Considerations
Our retreats are intentionally designed as small, supportive group experiences in shared living spaces. Participants may have allergies, sensitivities, or trauma-related responses that must also be considered.
Shield of Sisters will work with each participant to support appropriate accommodations while maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all.
Participant Communication and Cooperation
Participation in a Restoration Retreat requires respectful communication and a collaborative approach. Participants requesting to bring a service animal are expected to:
• Engage in respectful, cooperative communication with staff
• Provide necessary information to support safe planning
• Follow established health, safety, and behavioral guidelines
Failure to meet these expectations or refusal to comply with safety requirements may impact a participant’s ability to attend the retreat.
Our Commitment
Our goal is to support every participant with dignity, care, and respect while maintaining a safe and stable environment for the entire group.