Hickman County Board of Education
Monitoring:
Descriptor Term:
Descriptor Code:
Issued Date:
3.218.2
Click here to
Review: Annually, in
October
Use of AKC trained DogsAKC
enter a date.
Trained Dogs and Service Animals in
Rescinds:
Issued:
Schools
General:
The Hickman County School District recognizes the importance of creating a positive and
supportive learning environment for all students, staff members, and visitors. We believe that
The presence of an AKC (American Kennel Club) trained dog can provide numerous benefits
to our school community, including enhancing the school culture, increasing attendance, and
boosting morale among students and staff members. This policy outlines the guidelines for
the use of an AKC trained dog in each school in the Hickman County School District.
Policy:
1. A staff member or other individual may volunteer to serve as the handler of one AKC
trained dog Each school in the Hickman County School District may have an AKC
trained dog on the premises to support the school culture, encourage attendance, and
boost morale among students and staff members. There shall be a limit of one dog per
school campus. The dog handler must apply to the Principal and Director of Schools
for approval and must reapply every 5 years. The Director of Schools shall approve
each application on a case-by-case basis and shall provide notification to the Board
when an application is approved.
2. The dog must be trained and certified by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as a good
citizen.
3. The dog handler must have be a staff member or volunteer who has completed a dog
safety training program approved by the school district.
4. The dog must be current on all vaccinations and have regular check-ups by a licensed
veterinarian. The dog must be at least two years of age.
5. The dog must be clean, well groomed, in good health, and housebroken.
6. The dog must be on a leash at all times while on school premises.
7. The dog may only interact with students or staff members with permission from the
dog handler and under the supervision of the dog handler or a designated school staff
member.
8. A permission form letter will be sent home at the start of each school year for parents
and guardians to inform school personnel ofcheck for allergies or cynophobia (extreme
fear of dogs) and/or toand express any other concerns regarding the school dog.
The school district will provide accommodations for students with disabilities who require
the use of a service dog in compliance with federal laws, including the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Version Date: 6/21/2023
Service Animals in District Facilities
3.218
9. 9. The school district shall not be responsible for any injuries or damages caused by
the dog. The dog handler will be responsible for any damages caused by the dog.
10. 10. The use of all AKC trained dogs in the Hickman County School System will be
managed and overseen by the Coordinated School Health Program. The dog handler
must apply to the Principal and Director of Schools for approval, and reapply every 5
years. The Director of Schools shall approve each dog on a case by case basis, and
provide notification to the Board when approved.
Supervision and Care
The Hhandler is solely responsible for the supervision and care of the dog, including any
feeding, exercising, and clean up while the animal is in a school building or on school
property. The school district is not responsible for providing any care, supervision, or
assistance for an AKC trained dog.
Authorized Area(s)
The Hhandler shall only allow the dog to be in areas in school buildings or on school property
that are authorized by Coordinated School Health and shall not be in areas where a student
may be made unsafe based on concerns noted by a parent or guardian. noted a concern or
allergy on the permission form. Employees may also notify their principal or supervisor of
allergies or other reasons the dog should be excluded from their areas of work. Visitors to
campus will be notified of the dog's presence on campus.
Insurance
The Hickman County School system provides liability coverage for injuries sustained by the
dog through HCSS insurance provider.
Exclusion and Removal from School
A school dog may be excluded from school property and buildings if:
1. A Hhandler does not have control of the dog;
2. The dog is not housebroken;
3. The dog presents a direct and immediate threat to others in the school; or
4. The animal's presence otherwise interferes with the educational process.
The Hhandler shall be required to remove the dog from school premises immediately upon
such determination by the Principal.
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Service Animals in District Facilities
3.218
Allergic Reactions
If any student or school employee assigned to a classroom in which a dog is permitted
suffers an allergic reaction, the Hhandler will be required to immediately remove the animal to
a different location.
Federal Laws Regarding Service Dogs for Students with Disabilities:
The Hickman County School District is committed to complying with federal and state laws
regarding service dogs for students with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) require schools to make
reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities who require the use of a service
dog. If your child requires the use of a service dog, please contact the school administration
to discuss the accommodations that will be provided in compliance with relevant laws. The
school district will provide accommodations for students with disabilities who require the use
of a service dog in compliance with federal laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Conclusion:
The use of an AKC trained dog in the Hickman County, TN school district will provide a
positive and welcoming environment for students and staff members, while also complying
with all applicable laws and regulations. The district will take all necessary steps to ensure
the proper care and training of the dog, as well as provide accommodations for students with
disabilities who require the assistance of a Service Dog.
Page 3 of 3

## Table 1

|  | Hickman County Board of | Education |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Monitoring: Review: Annually, in October | Descriptor Term: Use of AKC trained DogsAKC | Descriptor Code: 3.218.2 | Issued Date: Click here to enter a date. |
|  | Trained Dogs and Service Animals in Schools | Rescinds: | Issued: |