EJSMS Dog Policy

Dog Policy

École James S. McCormick School

Dogs in School Policy

Based on WCPS Admin Procedure 255

October 1, 2018

Note: This policy does not apply to dogs brought to school for show and tell.

For dogs to be included in the instructional environments,

see Making Comfort Dogs an Everyday Part of School
as subjects for observation and data gathering on body characteristics, habits, movement, feeding behaviour, instinctive reactions
for supporting the development of a sense of responsibility, kindness and concern for other living beings
for supporting the development of a healthy respect for the animals in our local environment
assisting with literacy
supporting emotional regulation

Dogs must have up-to-date vaccinations and be in generally good health.
A dog must be a good candidate for a school setting in terms of temperament, energy, behaviour, and health, etc. For example, an unruly dog that might jump on a child and knock him over would not be considered a good candidate.

All breeds and origins (eg., rescue dogs) will be considered for approval, as long temperament, health, and behaviour criteria are met.
Both males and females will be considered for approval; however, with regard to adult dogs, being spayed or neutered will increase the likelihood of approval.
The staff members, students, and parents/guardians affected must be informed, in advance, and given the opportunity to inform the teacher if there are any allergies or other health-related concerns (eg. fear of dogs).
Students must be prepared, in advance, for dealing with dogs. (In the same way they are prepared in advance for a field trip.) For example, they should be taught how to approach a dog. See posters to support educating students here.
Aggression in any form will not be tolerated, and any dogs with a history of aggression will not be considered for approval.
Animal hygiene must be maintained, and students must be taught to address their own hygiene before and after handling an animal.
A dog must be under adult supervision when around students (ie., students are not left alone in the classroom with the dog).

Dogs will be identified by wearing a predetermined harness (or t-shirt, collar, etc.).
Any room with a dog inside must have signage posted outside the room (eg., “Grace is working in the room today.”), so others have warning before opening the door. This is particularly important if a dog is left in a classroom unattended (eg., when the staff members are out on supervision). Signage will also alert emergency personnel to the fact a dog is in a room.
Dogs new to the school environment should be introduced to other dogs under controlled circumstances when students are not present (ie., during non-student hours).
The staff member bringing the dog to school must

“Introduce” the dog to the staff and parents/guardians (see below)
inform parents/guardians of the purpose and policy (see the website)
model and ensure ethical and humane treatment
determine the care and feeding requirements
take the dog out to designated areas for urinating and defecating
ensure fecal matter is cleaned up promptly
put the identifying harness on the dog when it is in school
put signage on the classroom door indicating a dog is in the room
regularly provide the administration with proof of updated vaccinations once the dog has been approved

If someone is bitten (adult or child), the administration must be informed immediately. If a child’s skin is punctured, follow these steps:

clean the wound immediately with soap and water
contact parents/guardians or emergency contacts immediately and recommend taking the child for medical attention right away
fill out an accident report as a follow up, including all actions taken by the home

Approvals for dogs to be at school will be reassessed if there are any complaints from school staff or the parents/guardians.