District staff presented a proposed Policy 718.1 to formalize the West Chester Area School District's existing use of therapy dogs in schools, describing required documentation and handler clearances that match the district's current practice.

"We are looking to add a new policy, Policy 7 18.1 for therapy dogs," said the staff presenter, explaining the policy is intended to put ongoing school practices into written form rather than to create a new program. Staff said the district already permits trained therapy dogs to visit elementary and secondary buildings for activities such as student reading programs and social‑emotional supports.

The draft policy lists definitions (therapy dog, handler) and documentation the building principal must receive before a therapy dog visit: proof of registration with a recognized therapy‑dog organization or equivalent certification (the presenter cited American Kennel Club registration as an example), current veterinarian records and vaccinations, state licensing, proof of insurance, and background clearances for the handler. "Anyone who wants to bring a therapy dog in would go through the building principal," the presenter said, and the principal keeps the required paperwork on file.

Committee members asked whether the policy might be extended to other animals and the presenter said the district is not proposing expansion beyond dogs at this time; she noted that some educational programs bring farm or visiting animals in a separate "zoo on wheels" model but that those are handled differently. Committee members also confirmed that therapy dogs already operating in schools meet the listed criteria.

The board did not vote on the policy at this meeting; staff said the item will go to the policy committee on Oct. 20 for formal consideration and welcomed feedback before that meeting.

No safety incidents, costs or funding sources were discussed at this presentation.