Our Location

The Bay Center, at 482 Chesapeake Dr. in White Stone, VA, is a versatile facility designed to accommodate a wide range of events and activities. With its commitment to inclusivity, the building is fully ADA accessible, ensuring that all guests, regardless of physical ability, can comfortably navigate the space. Additionally, the center boasts ample on-site parking, making it convenient for attendees.

Our Mission

to support our community through programs that inspire personal growth, healing, & well-being.

The Bay Center continues its development as an effective resource in our community; helping people pause and reflect on their lives; being a resource for individuals and groups that seek a holistic approach to living.

Facility Guidelines for Service Dogs and Emotional Support Animals

The Bay Center “rents” space at various facilities to hold their programs. Therefore, no “pets” are allowed in such spaces for liability purposes.

If someone attending programs needs to bring their “service dog,” please reach out to us, and we will make special accommodations. Emotional support animals are not permitted.

FURTHER INFORMATION 

As defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service dogs are individually trained to perform specific tasks and to work with people with disabilities. According to the ADA, disabilities can be “physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.” The work of the service dog must be directly related to the handler’s disability. Under the ADA, State and local governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that serve the public generally must allow service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas of the facility where the public is allowed to go.

Emotional support dogs are not considered service dogs under the ADA. They may be trained for a specific owner, but they are not trained for specific tasks or duties to aid a person with a disability, and this is the main difference between ESAs and service dogs. This doesn’t minimize the support these dogs provide for people with a psychological disorder. They’re considered companion animals and ease anxiety, depression, some phobias, and loneliness.  In order to be considered an emotional support dog, it must be prescribed by a mental health professional for a patient with a diagnosed psychological or emotional disorder, such as anxiety disorder, major depression, or panic attacks.

There's no state or federal law that requires any public accommodation in Virginia to allow you to have an emotional support animal or pet.