The owner/handler must provide a record of annual vaccinations received by the therapy dog and signed by a licensed veterinarian. These health records should be kept on file in the building in which the handler works and a copy sent to Superintendent or the Superintendent’s Designee.
The therapy dog should receive an annual Bordetella vaccination. Rabies and five-way Parvo/Distemper (DAPPv) shall be administered every three years. Note: therapy dogs less than one year of age or receiving their rabies and parvo vaccinations for the first time shall receive a follow-up vaccine in one year with administration every three years thereafter.
The therapy dog should receive an annual comprehensive wormer or fecal check.
The therapy dog should be checked for external parasite control.
Owners/handlers will administer preventative parasite (flea and tick) control and heartworm medication year-round. Annual tests for heartworms is recommended. Note: Frontline Plus is recommended due to its non-toxic nature which is important in a school environment.
The therapy dog should be groomed and bathed regularly. For dogs in a working environment, monthly to bi-monthly baths are recommended as is daily brushing. Good judgment should be used based on the dog’s hair, skin, and dander concerns. The owner/handler must also ensure proper health care through regular brushing of the dog’s teeth (several times weekly), nail trims as needed, and weekly ear cleaning/checks.
Public Access Test Documentation:
A copy of the public access test certificate of completion should be kept on file in the building in which the handler works and a copy sent to the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s Designee.
Certification verifying that both the handler and therapy dog passed the public access test must be sent by the certifying institution directly to the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s Designee.
Records of advanced obedience, agility, or other trainings should be kept on file in the building in which the handler works and a copy sent to the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s Designee.
Review of Guidelines and Procedures:
Guidelines and procedures for the use of professional therapy dogs will be reviewed annually with staff and students at the beginning of the academic year.
Guidelines and procedures for the use of professional therapy dogs will be reviewed as needed throughout the year as determined by the building administrator, handler, and Superintendent or the Superintendent’s Designee.
The privilege to bring the therapy dog into the school setting may be terminated should the owner/handler or the dog behave in a way deemed unprofessional or unsafe.
When a professional educator in the district uses a professional therapy dog according to the above guidelines, the building in which the handler works and the professional educator will be covered by the district’s general liability coverage.
PET VISITATION DOGS: A pet visitation dog is owned by a volunteer or student who is not employed by the Interstate 35 Community School District, but who has received registration and/or recognition for volunteer pet visitation. These dogs are not considered to be professional therapy dogs.
For a dog to be used on a volunteer basis these guidelines must be followed:
If the handler of the dog is an employee of the district, the handler and dog must be certified under the professional therapy dog guidelines listed above.
The dog may be used on no more than one visitation per week for a two-hour interval. Should the dog be used more often or for longer periods the dog must pass all requirements for professional therapy dog status before it may be used in the schools.
The following documentation must be kept on file in the office of the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s Designee.
and in the building in which the pet visitation dog is used:
Current certification/registration from the therapy dog organization administering the evaluation and testing.
Current veterinary records of worming schedules and annual vaccinations for five-way Parvo/Distemper (DHPP) and Bordetella, as well as rabies vaccinations every three years.
Proof of insurance.
Letter of approval from the building administrator.
If you have questions about the therapy dog program please contact:
Superintendent’s Office
405 E North Street, Truro, IA 50257
641-765-4291
Approved: May 20, 2024
Revised/Reviewed: