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Board members say therapy-dog visits are happening; staff points to general pets-in-schools policy and procedure
Summary
Board members asked whether the district has a specific policy for therapy dogs after several schools used them; staff said the district relies on existing pets-in-schools policy and a procedure requiring contact with Awilda Fonti and insurance verification.
A board member asked whether Hernando County Schools has a separate policy for therapy dogs, noting several campuses are using them and others have expressed interest.
The question matters because therapy animals on campus raise issues of insurance, provider vetting and consistency across schools.
"Do we have a policy for the therapy dogs? I know that some of our schools are using them, and some are interested," the board member asked. District staff replied that the district has an existing pets-in-schools policy and that, to their knowledge, there is no separate policy specifically for therapy dogs. Staff said they rely on the district pets policy for criteria and use procedures to ensure coverage.
Staff identified a procedure contact, Awilda Fonti, who helps ensure providers carry appropriate insurance and meet district requirements. The staff member named a provider that appears in some schools as "Caring Canines." The board member said she would follow up with interested principals.
No policy change or formal directive was approved during the informal session; staff indicated existing procedures could be used and asked board members to route requests through the identified contact to confirm insurance and provider qualifications.
