The community of Bethesda-by-the-Sea has long had a special love for animals. We value the presence of pets in our shared life and look forward each year to our annual Blessing of the Animals service in October.

At the same time, in order to ensure a safe, welcoming, and worshipful environment for all, the following guidelines apply to pets on campus (with the exception of registered service animals):

General Guidelines

• Pets must be under the owner’s control at all times, either on a leash or in a carrier.

• Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.

On Campus

• Pets are not permitted in areas where food is served.

• Pets are not permitted in the Bethesda Bookshop, unless in a carrier.

Worship Services

• Only one pet per owner is permitted during worship.

• Pets may not be brought forward to the altar during the service.

These guidelines allow us to continue welcoming pets as part of the Bethesda community, while ensuring that all who gather here may do so in comfort and peace.