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Owasso board approves modest expansion of therapy‑dog policy after pilot year
Summary
The board approved edits to Policy 1.88 to broaden acceptable therapy‑dog certifications beyond AKC programs after a multi‑site pilot. District officials cited positive anecdotal results from Barnes, Ram Academy and Northeast and said policy changes maintain training and certification requirements.
Owasso Public Schools on Monday approved edits to Policy 1.88 to allow school therapy dogs certified through recognized school‑therapy programs beyond American Kennel Club certification, reflecting lessons from a pilot year.
Mr. Kerner, district services director, described the pilot that began at Barnes Elementary with Luna and extended to Ram Academy and Northeast; Hudson had therapy dogs one day a week. “We met a couple weeks ago after school was out to bridal the sites that did implement and say, what went right? What were the challenges?” Kerner said, summarizing the district’s site review.
Administrators reported primarily positive, largely anecdotal feedback about dogs helping students regulate emotions and return to learning more quickly. The board voted to approve the policy edits, which loosen language that had required AKC certification while retaining firm training and school‑program certification standards.
Mr. Officer noted policy changes are intended to preserve parameters that ensure dogs coming to schools are properly trained and certified through school therapy dog programs. The approved edits will be incorporated into district policy language going forward.
Board members applauded the pilot and the policy tweak; staff said they will continue to monitor implementation and report outcomes.
