Animals as Part of the Instructional Program
Requests to include animals in the instructional program of the classroom or school will be approved by the principal. Health issues (allergies, vaccinated status of the animal) involving students and staff will be addressed before permission is given to allow the animal in the school.
If the instructional program involving the animal is ongoing and the animal will remain at school when school is not in session, appropriate arrangements for the animal’s care must be made.
Animals will not be transported in a school vehicle.
Animals that are part of the instructional program will be under the control of their adult-owner, the teacher or designated students at all times.
This policy does not apply to service animals for the disabled
Cross References: 2030 – Service Animals in Schools
Management Resources: Policy News, February 2002 Animals as Part of the Instructional Program
Adoption Date: 8.16
Classification: Discretionary
WSSDA 12.11
Procedures Animals as Part of the Instructional Program
Prior to granting or denying requests to include animals in the school’s instructional program the principal 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, especially for wild or poisonous animals;
C. That any health concerns involving students, staff or other animals have been thoroughly addressed, for instance allergies, the vaccination status of the animal, if relevant, or the transmission of disease from the animal;
D. The animal’s health, safety and well-being have been appropriately evaluated; and
E. 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.
Adoption Date: 8.12
Classification: Discretionary WSSDA 12.11