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Subcommittee reviews animals‑in‑schools policy; therapy dogs and service animals discussed
Summary
Committee reviewed two policy versions separating general animals in schools from service animals, discussed therapy animals and internal checklists, and agreed sample language could remain under the general animals policy with cross‑references.
The subcommittee considered North Attleborough’s animals‑in‑schools language and a model split that separates general classroom/class‑pet animals from service animals. Speaker 4 noted the district’s version included service‑animal language and suggested the model policy separates the two for clarity.
Members discussed therapy dogs, class pets and rare examples (e.g., miniature horses used for mobility or oxygen equipment), noting internal checklists and nurse consultation are used to manage requests. Speakers shared local examples of therapy animals in schools and agreed to preserve flexibility to accommodate students’ medical needs.
Direction: staff will return redlines that keep animals and service animals clearly delineated, add cross‑references to health and background procedures, and preserve an internal process for therapy/visiting animals.
