Hickman County Board of Education
Descriptor Code:
Issued Date:
Monitoring:
Descriptor Term:
3.218.2
Click here to
Review: Annually, in
Use of Emotional Support Dogs
enter a date
October
Rescinds:
Issued:
1
General:
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The Hickman County School District recognizes the importance of creating a positive and
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supportive learning environment for all students, staff members, and visitors. We believe that
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the presence of an AKC (American Kennel Club) trained dog can provide numerous benefits
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to our school community, including enhancing the school culture, increasing attendance, and
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boosting morale among students and staff members. This policy outlines the guidelines for
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the use of an AKC trained dog in each school in the Hickman County School District.
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Policy:
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1. Each school in the Hickman County School District may have an AKC trained dog on
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the premises to support the school culture, encourage attendance, and boost morale
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among students and staff members. There shall be a limit of one dog per school
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campus.
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2. The dog must be trained and certified by the American Kennel Club (AKC) an agency
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approved by The American Kennel Club as a good citizen.
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3. The dog handler must be a staff member or volunteer who has completed must
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complete a dog safety training program approved by the school district.
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4. The dog must be current on all vaccinations and have regular check-ups by a licensed
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veterinarian. The dog must be at least two years of age.
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5. The dog must be clean, well groomed, in good health, and housebroken.
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6. The dog must be on a leash at all times while on school premises.
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7. The dog may only interact with students or staff members with permission from the
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dog handler and under the supervision of the dog handler or a designated school staff
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member.
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8. A permission form letter will be sent home at the start of each school year for parents
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and guardians to check for alert the school of allergies and to express any concerns
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regarding the school dog.
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9. The school district will provide accommodations for students with disabilities who
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require the use of a service dog in compliance with federal laws, including the
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Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education
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Act (IDEA).
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10. The school district will not be responsible for any injuries or damages caused by the
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dog, and The dog handler will be responsible for any damages caused by the dog.
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11. The use of all AKC trained dogs in the Hickman County School System will be
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managed and overseen by the Coordinated School Health Program. The dog handler
Version Date: January 7, 2025
Service Animals in District Facilities
3.218
1
must apply to the Principal and Director of Schools for approval, and reapply every 5 3
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years. The Director of Schools shall approve each dog on a case by case basis, and
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provide notification to the Board when approved.
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Supervision and Care
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The Handler is solely responsible for the supervision and care of the dog, including any
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feeding, exercising, and clean up while the animal is in a school building or on school
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property. The school district is not responsible for providing any care, supervision, or
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assistance for an AKC trained dog.
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Authorized Area(s)
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The Handler shall only allow the dog to be in areas in school buildings or on school property
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that are authorized by Coordinated School Health and shall not be in areas where a parent
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noted a concern or an allergy. on the permission form.
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Insurance
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The Hickman County School system provides liability coverage for injuries sustained by the
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dog through HCSS insurance provider.
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Exclusion and Removal from School
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A school dog may be excluded from school property and buildings if:
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1. A Handler does not have control of the dog;
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2. The dog is not housebroken;
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3. The dog presents a direct and immediate threat to others in the school; or
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4. The animal's presence otherwise interferes with the educational process. The Handler
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shall be required to remove the dog from school premises immediately upon such
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determination by the Principal and/or Director of Schools.
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Allergic Reactions
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If any student or school employee assigned to a classroom in which a dog is permitted
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suffers an allergic reaction, the Handler will be required to remove the animal to a different
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location.
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3.218
Service Animals in District Facilities
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Federal Laws Regarding Service Dogs for Students with Disabilities:
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The Hickman County School District is committed to complying with federal laws regarding
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service dogs for students with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the
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Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) require schools to make reasonable
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accommodations for students with disabilities who require the use of a service dog. If your
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child requires the use of a service dog, please contact the school administration to discuss
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the accommodations that will be provided.
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Conclusion:
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The use of an AKC trained emotional support dog in the Hickman County, TN school district
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will provide a positive and welcoming environment for students and staff members, while also
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complying with all applicable laws and regulations. The district will take all necessary steps to
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ensure the proper care and training of the dog, as well as provide accommodations for
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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 | Descriptor Term: Use of Emotional Support Dogs | Descriptor Code: 3.218.2 | Issued Date: Click here to enter a date |
| October |  | Rescinds: | Issued: |