Procedure 2028 - Therapy Dogs in Schools
The following requirements must be satisfied before a therapy dog will be allowed in school buildings or on school grounds:
- Request: A handler who wishes to bring a therapy dog to school district property will submit a Richland School District volunteer application and a completed written request packet to the superintendent or designee. The request packet must include the following: o The therapy dog's certification/registration to engage in therapy dog activities from a professional accredited organization;
- The therapy dog's current health/vaccination records; and
- The handler's insurance policy covering the therapy dog's activities within the public-school setting.
The volunteer application and request must be submitted each school year. The handler must submit a separate request for each therapy dog. Approval may be rescinded at any time at the discretion of the Principal or Superintendent.
The principal or designee will determine when and where the therapy dogs will be beneficial and appropriate in the school environment and will coordinate with the handler to schedule visits.
Parents/guardians will be required to fill out Therapy Dogs Opt-Out form for their student(s) if they do not wish for their student to interact with a therapy dog. The opt-out form is a one-time form to be filled out at registration (new students) or at the beginning of the school year (current students). A parent/guardian may contact their student’s school at any time to give permission for their student to interact with a therapy dog.
Therapy Dog Handler’s Responsibility
Registration and Identification
The handler will submit proof of registration as a therapy dog handler with each individual therapy dog they plan to bring to school district property. The handler and therapy dog will wear identification issued by the registered organization identifying them as a registered handler and therapy dog. The handler will carry therapy dog and handler certification, proof of insurance and dog vaccination record at all times on district property.
Health and Vaccination
The handler will submit proof from a licensed veterinarian that the therapy dog is in good health is up to date on immunizations against diseases common to dogs. Therapy dogs must be clean, well groomed, and housebroken. The handler must abide by current city, county, and state ordinances, laws, and/or regulations pertaining to licensing, vaccination, and other requirements for animals.
Insurance
The handler must submit a copy of an insurance policy that provides liability coverage for the therapy dog while on district property.
Control, Supervision and Care of Therapy Dogs
A therapy dog must be under control of the handler using a harness, leash, or tether, at all times. The handler is solely responsible for the supervision and care of the therapy dog, including any feeding, exercising, and clean up while the animal is in a school building or on school property. The handler will not leave the therapy dog unsupervised or alone at any time. The handler will clean up after and properly dispose of the animal's waste in a safe and sanitary manner. The handler is responsible for removing the animal during emergency evacuations.
No Disruption
The therapy dog must not disrupt the educational activities of the district. The handler must abide by all district policies such as assuring that the animal does not unduly interfere with the routine activities of the district.
Health and Safety
The therapy dog must not pose a health and safety risk to any student, employee, or other person at school.
Allergic Reactions/Aversions
The handler shall remove the therapy dog to a separate area as designated by a school administrator when the therapy dog is in the presence of any student, school employee, or other individual on school grounds who suffer from dog allergies or aversions.
Damages to School Property and Injuries
The handler of a therapy dog is solely responsible and liable for any damage to district property or injury to personnel, students, or others caused by the therapy dog.
Multiple Therapy Dogs on Site
When multiple therapy dogs are on site, the handlers will ensure the dogs have an opportunity to greet each other prior to entering the building, as appropriate. The handlers will take steps with staff to ensure the dogs do not engage inappropriately on district property.
Exclusion or Removal from School
A therapy dog may be excluded from school property and buildings if a school administrator determines for any reason including but not limited to:
- The handler does not have control of the therapy dog.
- The therapy dog is not house broken.
- The therapy dog does not possess the required training/certification for performing therapy dog duties.
- The therapy dog poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others or causes substantial damage to the property of others.
- The therapy dog's presence interferes with the district's educational program.
- The handler does not comply with the handler’s responsibilities set forth in this Procedure.
The handler shall be required to remove the therapy dog from school premises immediately upon such a determination.
Adoption: