8390.01 – NON-SERVICE ANIMALS PROCEDURES

1. General Information
    
   1. Animal handler - BPS staff or contract vendors that are trained and certified with District approval.
   2. Non-service animal – Per Policy 8390, and only in support of District functions, a therapy dog that has been trained, evaluated, and certified as a therapy animal pursuant to industry standards by an organization that certifies animals as appropriate animal therapy.
2. Approval Process for Non-Service Animal on District Property
    
   1. Animal handler completes Form 8390.01 F1 and submits the form. The non-service animal must not in any way interfere with the educational process on District property. The behavioral expectations for the non-service animal and standards by which the request to use the non-service animal on a District property will be evaluated are as follows:
       
      1. Animal is clean and does not have a foul odor.
      2. Animal is under control of its handler.
      3. Animal does not urinate or defecate in inappropriate locations.
      4. Animal shall not make unsolicited contact with persons while on District property.
      5. Animal’s conduct does not disrupt the normal course of school business.
      6. Animal works without unnecessary vocalization.
      7. Animal shows no aggression toward people or other animals.
      8. Animal does not solicit or steal food or other items from persons while on District property.
      9. Animal shall have a harness, leash, or other tether, unless the use of such device would interfere with the non-service animal’s safe, effective performance of work or tasks. 
      10. Animal has been specifically trained to perform its duties in public and is accustomed to being out in public.
      11. Animal must be able to lie quietly beside the handler without blocking aisles, doorways, etc.
      12. Animal is trained to urinate or defecate on command.
      13. Animal stays within twenty-four (24) inches of the handler at all times unless the nature of a task requires it to be working at a greater distance.
3. Removal and/or Exclusion of a Non-Service Animal
    
   1. If the non-service animal demonstrates that it is not under the control of its handler, is not house broken, or the animal poses a direct threat to the health and safety of others,  the Principal or designee is responsible for the following: 
       
      1. The Principal or designee will document in writing to the Office of Student Services or designee any behavior of the non-service animal that s/he is considering as reasons for the recommendation of being removed and/or excluded from District property.
      2. A meeting will be scheduled with the handler to address concerns regarding the non-service animal and possible recommendation for removal and/or exclusion from District property.
      3. The Principal or designee will notify the Superintendent or designee in writing when a non-service animal is being recommended for removal and/or exclusion and immediately document the reason for the removal and/or exclusion.
      4. The Principal or designee will notify the handler via letter that the non-service animal is removed and/or excluded from District property.

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