CHIGNECTO-CENTRAL

REGIONAL SCHOOL BOARD

POLICY #ES-SS-07

USE OF SERVICE DOGS BY STUDENTS

[BOARD MINUTE # 8-13, Page 2 ]

The Chignecto-Central Regional School Board is committed to meeting the

educational needs of all students. The Board recognizes and respects that some

students have special requirements in relation to the learning environment itself and/or

effectively meeting their educational needs.

Within this context, where the need is medically established, the Board supports the

attendance and use of a service dog on behalf of a student for the purposes of

securing a safe environment and/or effectively meeting that student’s education needs,

provided such attendance and use does not create an undue hardship on other(s)

within the school community.

To this end, the Board expects the Superintendent of Schools (or designate) to

prepare, implement and monitor administrative procedures and guidelines to

effectively administer the presence and use of service dogs within regional schools

and other regional facilities.

DEFINITIONS

SERVICE DOG: A service dog is a type of assistance dog specially trained to help

a person with a disability (e.g. visual/hearing/autism) or to assist a

person with a specific medical condition (e.g. anaphylaxis,

epilepsy).

A service dog has certified training to perform the skills required to

meet the needs of the specific student with whom it has been

partnered. A service dog is a working dog, not a pet; and there

are strict guidelines for access, handling and interaction with

these dogs.

For the purpose of CCRSB Policy #ES-SS-07, the term service

dog includes guide dogs, hearing dogs, autism dogs, and other

certified working dogs.

Each request will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

The service dog must graduate from a recognized accredited

training centre relevant to the type of service and work it will be

providing. The service dog must have supporting documentation

that confirms its certification and defines their role and function.

NOTE: The Nova Scotia Human Rights Act creates a right on behalf of a

student who has established a medical need to utilize a service

dog for the purpose of securing a safe environment and/or

effectively meeting that student’s education needs, provided such

attendance and use of the service dog does not create an undue

hardship on other(s) within the school community. The service

dog is highly trained and recognized by an accredited Canadian

training facility. The service dog will be used and under the care

and control of the “handler” (in most cases the student) while

attending school and school events.

There may be situations due to severe allergies or phobias where

a request for a service dog is declined even where the need is

medically established or where the use takes into account such

other factors and is planned around. The right to have a service

dog must be weighed and balanced with the rights of the rest of

the school community to also have a safe learning environment.

RULES, CONDITIONS AND STANDARDS FOR A SERVICE DOG:

a) The service dog is clean, well-groomed and does not have an

offensive odor.

b) The service dog does not urinate or defecate in inappropriate

locations.

c) The service dog does not solicit attention, visit or annoy any

member of the student body or school personnel.

d) The service dog does not vocalize unnecessarily, i.e., barking,

growling or whining.

e) The service dog shows no aggression towards people or other

animals.

f) The service dog does not solicit or steal food or other items

from the student body or school personnel.

g) The service dog must not in any other way interfere with the

educational process of any student.

h) The service dog must not pose a health or safety threat to any

student, personnel or other persons.

i) The service dog, its handler and parents/guardians must

comply with the Service Dog Management Plan and its

parameters.

Failure of the service dog, its handler or the parents/guardians to

comply with these Rules, Conditions, Standards and the Service

Dog Management Plan, may result in the Service Dog Request

being denied or the approval revoked.

USE OF SERVICE DOGS BY STUDENTS

POLICY #ES-SS-07

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

Authorization These Administrative Procedures have been authorized by the

Superintendent of Schools.

Scope Policy #ES-SS-07 and these Administrative Procedures apply

to all students, staff, parents/guardians and community

members who attend, work or visit a school wherein there is a

working service dog.

Responsibility It is the responsibility of the Director of Education Services to

ensure that Policy #ES-SS-07 and these Administrative

Procedures are implemented (as appropriate) within the

Chignecto-Central Regional School System.

Implementation Each school Principal (as appropriate), shall implement Policy

#ES-SS-07 and these Administrative Procedures.

Procedures 1. The Director of Education Services shall:

a) inform Family of Schools Supervisors and other

regional staff (e.g. transportation staff) regarding

Policy #ES-SS-07 and these Administrative

Procedures; and

b) monitor the implementation and effectiveness

of Policy #ES-SS-07 and these Administrative

Procedures throughout the region.

2. The Family of Schools Supervisors shall:

a) inform all school Principals and other Family staff

(e.g. transportation, other employee groups)

regarding Policy #ES-SS-07 and these

Administrative Procedures;

b) monitor the implementation and effectiveness

of Policy #ES-SS-07 and these Administrative

Procedures within Family schools (as appropriate);

c) consider and decide on any appeal related to the

Principal’s decision regarding the placement and

use of a service dog; and

d) advise the Director of Education Services of any

concerns and/or problems with implementation

of Policy #ES-SS-07 and these Administrative

Procedures.

3. The Student Services Consultant (Family) shall:

a) work with the school principal and staff to

effectively implement Policy #ES-SS-07 and these

Administrative Procedures;

b) advise the Family of Schools Supervisor of any

concerns or problems regarding implementation of

Policy #ES-SS-07 and these Administrative

Procedures; and

c) participate in the development of the “Service Dog

Management Plan” and approval process.

4. The school Principal shall:

a) upon receiving a request for a student to have a

service dog, inform the parent/guardian and/ or

student (as appropriate) regarding Policy #ES-

SS-07 and these Administrative Procedures;

b) request from the parent/guardian or student (as

appropriate) the following:

a completed CCRSB “Request for a Certified

Service Dog” (form), see Appendix “A”;

a letter from the student’s physician

confirming that the student requires the

assistance of a service dog in order to

participate effectively and safely in the

learning environment;

a copy of the dog’s registration and training

certification from a recognized training

centre;

a copy of current, official vaccination

certificate for the dog (to be updated

annually);

a copy of municipal dog license (to be

updated annually);

a copy of training certification of person

responsible for the dog;

c) advise the parent/guardian or the student (as

appropriate) of the protocol and process for

considering the request and subsequent

implementation (if approved);

d) inform the Family of Schools Supervisor and the

Student Services Consultant of the request;

e) inform parents/guardians of the request and solicit

information regarding students who may have

allergies, fears or phobias to the presence of a

service dog;

f) inform school staff of the request and solicit

information regarding staff who may have

allergies, fears or phobias to the presence of a

service dog;

g) inform appropriate Operational Services

(Transportation and Property Services) staff of the

request (as applicable);

h) advise the School Advisory Council of the request;

i) meet with the Student Services Consultant to

review the request, supporting documentation and

process for considering the request;

j) convene a Program Planning Team meeting

including the following individuals:

parent/guardian or student (as appropriate);

classroom teacher(s);

special needs teacher(s) (e.g. resource,

etc.);

Student Services consultant;

educational assistant(s) (as appropriate);

representative of the Operational Services

division (as appropriate);

representative from the dog training centre

(as appropriate);

the dog’s handler (student or other as

appropriate);

Occupational Health and Safety

Representative;

k) chair the planning team meeting(s) and provide

leadership in the development of a “Service Dog

Management Plan”, including:

purpose and function of the service dog;

guidelines for the personal and physical care

of the dog, including:

who will accompany and handle the dog

outside;

the safest and most environmentally

sound location for the dog to take a

“bathroom break”;

if not the handler, who will remove and

dispose of animal waste;

considerations for seasonal changes

and inclement weather;

provision and location of materials and

equipment the dog may require (e.g.

food/water, dishes, kennel, harness,

identification vest, etc.);

arrangements for the dog’s location and

movement within the classroom (e.g. seating

plan);

arrangements (and limitations) for the dog’s

movement throughout the school and school

grounds;

arrangements for a rest place for the dog (if

required);

arrangements for emergency evacuation

and drills;

rules of conduct around the service dog for

students, staff and the public;

in-service training for school staff related to

the role and function of the dog and

relationship protocol;

an alternate program accommodation plan in

the event the dog is not able to accompany

the student to school due to illness, injury or

death;

share information collected from

parents/guardians and staff and describe

accommodations required to protect the

health and safety of students and/or staff

who may have pet allergies, fears or phobias

related to the presence of a service dog at

school;

restrictions on the service dog for safety

reasons. Note: The dog may be excluded

from or have limited access to certain areas

of the school facilities or certain programs,

such as laboratories, mechanical areas,

areas where protective clothing is required,

areas that may pose a danger to the dog’s

health and safety or other designated areas

in order to protect the health and safety of

other students and staff;

transportation arrangements for the service

dog (see Appendix “D”);

a transition plan for the arrival of the dog to

the school and classroom;

a resolution strategy in the event there is a

student(s) and/or staff in the child’s class or

school who has allergies, fears or phobias

related to the presence of the service dog;

l) review the management plan with the Student

Services Consultant and approve or deny the

request for the attendance of a service dog;

m) inform the Family of Schools Supervisor of the

decision;

n) communicate the decision (approval or denial)

regarding the request to the parent/guardian or

student (as appropriate);

o) if approved, inform school staff, students and the

community of the arrival of the service dog, its

purpose, rules and regulations regarding the dog’s

presence at school (see Appendices “B” and “C”);

p) inform the local Fire Department and Police

Department of the presence of a service dog at

the school;

q) ensure that a sign(s) is placed at the entrance of

the school advising visitors of the presence of a

service dog;

r) monitor the implementation and effectiveness of

the “Service Dog Management Plan” and address

any concerns that may arise;

s) review and revise as appropriate the management

plan prior to the beginning of each school year;

t) ensure that all documentation (license,

vaccinations, etc.) is updated and maintained

current in the student’s confidential record; and

u) Provide the parents/guardians with the rules,

standards and conditions expected of the service

dog in the school.

5. The Parent/Guardian or Student (as appropriate) shall:

a) complete and submit to the school principal the

“Request for a Certified Service Dog” (see

Appendix “A”);

b) provide all appropriate documentation (per

Procedure 4. b) to the school principal;

c) participate in the development of the “Service Dog

Management Plan”;

d) provide all materials and equipment the service dog

may require;

e) assume responsibility for all costs related to the

service dog (training, care, licensing) and any other

related expenses;

f) assist the school principal with communicating

relevant information to the school community;

g) assist with in-service training for staff, students and

others (as appropriate);

h) work cooperatively with school staff to ensure the

implementation of the management plan is

successful;

i) advise the school principal of any issues related to

the dog’s health, behaviour, etc. which may arise

from time to time;

j) participate in and contribute to the annual review

and revision (as appropriate) of the management

plan; and

k) if approval is granted, ensure the service dog, its

handler and the parents/guardians comply with all

rules, standards and conditions understanding that

failure to do so may result in the service dog

approval being revoked.

6. School Staff Members shall:

a) work cooperatively with the school principal and

parent/guardian and/or student (as appropriate) to

ensure the “Service Dog Management Plan” is

implemented successfully; and

b) advise the school principal of any concerns or

issues that may arise related to the presence of the

service dog.

7. The Area Transportation Foreman (as appropriate)

shall:

a) participate in the preparation of the “Service Dog

Management Plan”;

b) inform the school bus driver(s) (regular, casual,

replacement) regarding the attendance of the

service dog on his/her bus;

c) work with the school principal to coordinate and

facilitate appropriate orientation (bus students) and

training (bus driver(s) including replacements,

casuals, new hires) related to the presence of the

dog on the school bus; and

d. monitor the effectiveness of transportation

arrangements per the “Service Dog Management

Plan”.

8. The Student (requiring the assistance of the service dog)

shall:

a) follow the procedures described in the

management plan for working with and caring for

the service dog; and

b) report any concerns or issues related to the dog’s

role, function, behaviour, etc. to his/her teacher or

the school principal.

Distribution All Policy and Procedure Manual Holders

Education Services: Student Services 69

APPENDIX “A” POLICY #ES-SS-07

REQUEST FOR A CERTIFIED SERVICE DOG

Name of Student: D.O.B.

Address:

School:

Name(s) of Parent(s)/Guardian(s):

Telephone number: e-mail:

a) Reason for a certified service dog

b) How service dog is to be used

c) Length of time the student and certified service dog have worked together

d) I/We understand that it is our responsibility to comply with the rules, conditions and

standards for a service dog in general and specifically to:

provide the principal with all required documentation, reports, and

certificates in a timely manner;

assume financial responsibility for the service dog (training, veterinary

care, municipal license and other related costs);

participate in the preparation of a Service Dog Management Plan;

Education Services: Student Services 70

assist the principal to communicate relevant information to the school

community;

work cooperatively with the school staff to ensure the accommodation of

the service dog is successful;

work with the Transportation Division to ensure successful transportation

of your child and the service dog to school every day;

provide the required equipment and dog care items;

provide food and water and possibly provide for bio-breaks to the

service dog as required; and

provide arrangements for removal and disposal of animal waste in a

safe and environmentally friendly manner, if not completed by the

handler.

e) I/We understand that if the service dog exhibits any unacceptable behaviours

(i.e. growling, scratching, nipping, biting, etc.) at school it will be removed until the

plan is re-evaluated to ensure the safety of staff, students, and visitors.

f) I/We give permission for this information to be shared with the school community

and agree to the notification of our students through letters (Appendices “B” and “C”).

g) I/We understand that the principal may use and disclose information with Board

personnel as required for the performance of their duties.

h) I/We understand that the principal shall preserve the confidentiality of all

information received and shall not disclose the information except as provided for in

g) above, or the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the

Education Act or as otherwise required by law.

i) I/We acknowledge having received and read CCRSB Policy #ES-SS-07, Use of

Service Dogs by Students and related Administrative Procedures.

Signature of Parent(s)/Guardian(s) or Student (as appropriate):

Date:

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY:

Request for service dog: Approved: Denied:

Signature of Principal: Date:

APPENDIX “B” POLICY #ES-SS-07

School

Letterhead

SAMPLE LETTER TO THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

Date

Dear Parents/Guardians:

This letter is to inform you that there will be a service dog in our school

assisting one of our students. This dog is a trained companion for the student

and is able to assist him/her in many of the daily routines while learning at

school.

This certified service dog is highly trained and recognized by an accredited

Canadian training facility. The Nova Scotia Human Rights Act creates a right

on behalf of a student who has established a medical need to utilize a service

dog for the purposes of securing a safe environment and/or effectively meeting

that student’s education needs provided such attendance and use of the

service dog does not create an undue hardship on other(s) within the school

community. This certified service dog is highly trained and recognized by an

accredited Canadian training facility. The service dog will be used and under

the care and control of “the handler” (in most cases, the student) while

attending school and school events.

There will be an information assembly at the school to help students identify

with the service dog and how it will fit into daily school routines. All students

will be informed as to proper procedures around the dog because the dog is

not a pet but a certified working service animal while at school.

We anticipate the service dog to be a benefit to the student’s learning and we

look forward to this new addition to our school community.

Thank you for your understanding and support. Should you have any

questions or concerns, please contact the school office.

Sincerely,

Principal

APPENDIX “C” POLICY #ES-SS-07

School

Letterhead

SAMPLE LETTER TO FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN

IN THE CLASSROOM

Date

Dear Parents/Guardians:

This letter is to inform you that there will be a service dog in our school assisting

one of our students. This dog is a trained companion for a student and will be

in your child’s classroom effective (insert date).

This certified service dog is highly trained and recognized by an accredited

Canadian training facility. The Nova Scotia Human Rights Act creates a right

on behalf of a student who has established a medical need to utilize a service

dog for the purposes of securing a safe environment and/or effectively meeting

that student’s education needs provided such attendance and use of the service

dog does not create an undue hardship on other(s) within the school

community. This certified service dog is highly trained and recognized by an

accredited Canadian training facility. The service dog will be used and under

the care and control of “the handler” (in most cases, the student) while attending

school and school events. An upcoming information session for

parents/guardians will offer more information on how the dog will be integrated

into the school setting.

There will be an information assembly at the school to help students identify

with the service dog and how it will fit into daily school routines. All students will

be informed as to proper procedures around the dog because the dog is not a

pet but a certified working service animal while at school.

We anticipate the service dog to be a benefit to the student’s learning and we

look forward to this new addition to our school community.

Thank you for your understanding and support. Should you have any questions

or concerns, please contact the school office.

Sincerely,

Principal

APPENDIX “D” POLICY #ES-SS-07

TRANSPORTATION PROTOCOL

The following protocol is suggested for a safe ride with the service dog.

1. A student who is eligible to bring a service dog to school is

allowed by law to have the service dog transported on the school

bus.

2. The Transportation Division should be provided with proof that the

service dog is a licensed, trained dog.

3. Ensure there is documentation about the service dog with the

route information to ensure all drivers and spare drivers are

informed.

4. The service dog should not sit in the aisle of the bus. Whenever

possible, the dog should be in a seat compartment and/or on the

floor away from the aisle to prevent the animal from becoming a

projectile or a tripping hazard.

5. The handler or school must provide basic training for the driver

and other students on the bus to ensure all parties have an

understanding of what is allowed and what is not allowed, and

procedures to be followed if problems should arise.

6. The service dog is a highly trained animal and should not be

touched or fed by anyone but the handler. The dog is working

while on the bus and therefore should be quiet, still, and attentive

to the handler.

7. The Board may determine the need for another person to

accompany the student and service dog on the bus.

8. Emergency evacuation/drills/safety procedures will address the

student and dog on the bus or other Board conveyance.

APPENDIX “E” POLICY #ES-SS-07

PRINCIPAL CHECKLIST

This guideline is to assist school administration in preparing for a service

dog to accompany a student at school.

Parents have requested permission in writing.

Parents have provided a letter from the student’s physician

confirming that the service dog is medically required and how the

service dog is intended to be used.

Parents have provided all relevant documentation related to the

service dog.

The principal has communicated with the school community to solicit

information regarding any issues/concerns prior to decision

regarding the attendance of the service dog and to ensure that

parents/guardians know a service dog will be present in the school.

Copies of the parent’s/guardian’s request and the physician’s letter

have been placed in the student’s confidential record.

The parents/guardians have been informed that the provision of the

service dog is the financial responsibility of the parent/guardian.

The parents/guardians have been informed that the maintenance of

the service dog, including bio-breaks, clean-up and and/or other care

is the responsibility of the handler and/or parent/guardian.

The parents/guardians have met with the principal to discuss the

potential impact of the service dog on the school community.

The principal, in consultation with Student Services and the Program

Planning Team, will make a decision either approving or denying the

Service Dog Request; the principal will advise the Family of Schools

Supervisor and will communicate the decision to the

parents/guardians.

A “Service Dog Management Plan” has been prepared in

consultation with appropriate stakeholders and implemented. The

principal will continue to monitor the plan, and amend as required.