Friends of Wood Island Lighthouse
Service Animal Policy
The Friends of Wood Island Lighthouse (“FOWIL”) share Wood Island with Maine Audubon. Wood Island Lighthouse guests arrive at the western end of the island and traverse the island over the boardwalk through Maine Audubon property. As a result, the entire island serves as a sanctuary for birds and other animals. The Executive Committee of the Friends of Wood Island Lighthouse adopts the same restrictions on dogs on the island as stated by Maine Audubon.
“In order to sustain local wildlife populations, we ask that you leave your furry friends at home. Just the scent of a foreign predator can be enough to deter many species, and dog waste has many negative impacts on the landscape, including but not limited to negatively impacting water quality, introducing many harmful bacteria and parasites, and encouraging the growth of invasive species.”
However, both organizations permit service animals for those with disabilities as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”).
The ADA defines a service animal as “any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability.”
FOWIL volunteers may only ask two questions if it is not obvious what service the dog or other animal provides:
1: Is the animal required because of a disability?
and
2. What work has it been trained to perform?
Not all service dogs will be “certified” or “licensed.” Papers are not required to be presented.
FOWIL does not permit “emotional support” or “comfort dogs” on the island.
When service dogs are allowed on the island, they must be on leash and restrained by the owner at all times and any feces must be picked up and removed from the island by the owner. Due to the configuration of the tower, it is impossible to accommodate a service animal in the tower.
Adopted: July 17, 2024