8390 - ANIMALS ON SCHOOL CORPORATION PROPERTY/THERAPY DOG 

Therapy Dogs in Schools 

The New Albany Floyd County School Corporation recognizes the use of therapy dogs in the classroom setting may have academic, social and emotional benefits for students. The School Board authorizes the presence of therapy dogs in District classrooms, subject to the provisions of its Policy and subject to these Administrative Procedures/Guidelines. 

Definitions: 

“Therapy Dog” – A therapy dog is a dog trained to provide affection and comfort to students or other individuals under the direction and control of a qualified handler who works with the dog as a team. A therapy dog has been

1. Obedience tested and certified as Canine Good Citizens by the AKC, and
2. Certified as a therapy dog (temperament tested) by an AKC Recognized Therapy Dog Organization. Therapy dogs are not “service animals” as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, 28 C.F.R. Part 35.  

Authority: 

1. The decision as to whether a therapy dog may be used in any school building shall rest with the Building Principal. The Building Principal has sole discretion, with the oversight of the Superintendent, to determine whether therapy dogs will work in that Building Principal’s school. The privilege to allow the presence of therapy dogs generally or an individual therapy dog specifically may be revoked by the Building Principal or the Superintendent at any time for any reason. 
2. Prior Administrative approval is required before any therapy dog may enter District property. In the event that a therapy dog is needed in a different school, approval must be obtained from both the Building Principal of the home school and the Building Principal of the school being visited. 
3. The following minimum standards shall be in effect for any therapy dog approved to participate or “work” in the New Albany Floyd County School Corporation: 
    
   1. The therapy dog has been
       
      1. obedience tested and certified as Canine Good Citizens by the American Kennel Club (“AKC”); and 
      2. certified as a therapy dog (temperament tested) with a specific handler by an AKC Recognized Therapy Dog Organization. The Superintendent and/or designee shall approve the accrediting or qualifying organizations. The District must be given copies of current certifications and shall be maintained in its files. 
   2. The therapy dog’s owner must provide to the District a proof of vaccinations received by the therapy dog as determined by and signed by a veterinarian, for the District’s files. These records shall be maintained in the District’s files and school building in the principal’s office.
   3. The therapy dog’s owners must provide proof of liability insurance with a minimum limit of $1,000,000 adding New Albany Floyd County Schools as an additional insured on a primary and noncontributory basis.
   4. The therapy dog must be clean, well-groomed, and not have an offensive odor and be treated for, and kept free of, fleas and ticks. The therapy dog must be provided with all appropriate medical and other preventative treatments. The District shall be entitled to copies of records of these treatments upon request. 
   5. The therapy dog must be spayed or neutered. 
   6. The therapy dog must show no aggression toward people or other animals and must not bark or make other distracting noises while in school. 
   7. The therapy dog must not in any way pose a health or safety threat to any student, employee, or any other person while on District property or District-sponsored events. 
   8. The therapy dog may not interfere with the educational process of any student. 
   9. The therapy dog’s handler must follow the guidelines of the certifying organization.  

Parent/Guardian Notification of Dog Therapy: 

The Building Principal will send out notifications via PowerSchool to all Parents/Guardians of students in the building that hosts the dog therapy program in order to ensure full awareness of the program and to deter potential liability exposure. Parents/Guardians will be given the opportunity to have their child “opt out” of the program. 

Services/Benefits: 

Administrators, teachers, and counselors will refer students who, based on research, are likely to benefit from time spent with a therapy dog. These students include, but are not limited to: 

1. Students affected by stress and anxiety.
2. Students in need of help developing appropriate interpersonal and social skills.
3. Students lacking motivation.
4. Students struggling with low self-confidence and low self-esteem.
5. Students reading below grade level.
6. Students requiring assistance with anger management. 

New Albany-Floyd Co. School Corporation