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Committee reviews animal-in-school regulations; avoids ADA-conflicting forms for service animals
Summary
The committee considered two regulation forms—one for therapy animals and one for instructional/visitor animals—and accepted Shipman's recommendation to avoid a form for certified service animals to reduce ADA concerns; forms will be used mainly for classroom pets or visiting animals.
The committee reviewed regulations and two distinct forms addressing animals in schools: one for recurring therapy animals and one for instructional or visitor animals used in classroom demonstrations. Kevin explained the forms are intended for non-certified situations such as classroom pets or zoo visitors.
Members discussed whether to require a form for certified service animals and noted that Shipman advised against a form for certified service animals because creating a form could inadvertently conflict with the Americans with Disabilities Act or create an access barrier. "They thought having a form would itself maybe be a violation of ADA," a committee member said.
The committee agreed the forms should be limited to situations that do not concern ADA-protected service animals and should address costs and caretaking where appropriate (for example, occasional fees for visitor activities or consumables for classroom pets). No final adoption was recorded at the meeting; staff will incorporate the discussion into the regulations package.
