Procedure: 2029P
Instruction
Animals as Part of the Instructional Program
For consideration of including an animal as part of the instructional program, a written request must be made to the building principal. Requests for therapy dogs as part of the instructional program must be submitted using form 2029F1. Prior to granting or denying requests to include animals in the school’s instructional program the principal, in consultation with risk management and the Executive Director of Elementary or Secondary Education, will evaluate the following issues:
A. Whether there is an educational benefit to be gained by the inclusion of the animal in the instructional program;
B. Whether there is an appropriate plan for the control of the animal;
C. That any health concerns involving students, staff or other animals have been thoroughly addressed, in collaboration with Health Services, for instance allergies, the vaccination status of the animal, if relevant, or the transmission of disease from the animal;
D. The communication plan for families to address health or other concerns;
E. The animal’s health, safety and well-being have been appropriately evaluated; and
F. Sanitary issues have been addressed, including the treatment of animal wastes and the personal hygiene of students or staff who will come in contact with the animals.
Additional Considerations for Therapy Dogs
Therapy dogs may be allowed as part of the instructional program with the following parameters:
A. The therapy dog must be accompanied by the adult/staff handler who is either a certified professional or has received appropriate training from the owner or agency in handling the specific therapy dog.
B. The handler/owner must provide the following:
a. Certification of the dog's training from a recognized therapy dog organization.
b. Proof of the dog’s current vaccinations and health records.
C. The handler is responsible for the following:
- The cost, care, and supervision of the animal at all times.
- Ensuring the therapy dog's behavior is appropriate and non-disruptive.
- Maintaining control of the therapy dog at all times.
- Setting and enforcing guidelines on how students and staff will interact with the animal.
- Ensuring that hand washing is accessible and required after any student has contact with the animal.
- Ensuring that the dog stays in designated areas at all times.
- Any and all damage caused by the animal at school, on school premises, or at school activities.
- Addressing any immediate concerns related to the therapy dog's presence.
D. Dog bites will be reported to the Pierce County Health Department and the dog may be placed in quarantine for 10 days.
Removal or Exclusion of an animal from school property:
Approval for animals on campus may be rescinded at any time at discretion of a building principal or district administrator.
Appeals:
A staff member whose request to have an animal included in their instructional program has been denied, may appeal the decision. Appeals need to be submitted, in writing, to the Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services.
Legal References:
RCW 28A.210.010
WAC 246-100-197
Adopted 5/25