Over the past month, several incidents involving animals at school have prompted several questions about what is appropriate. The questions include the following:
- Can dogs/rabbits/hampsters/gerbils/cats come to school? Can my dog come to school for the morning?
- My child is scared of dogs. Aren't dogs supposed to stay off of school grounds?
- Can I walk my child to school with my dog?
The answers to these questions show below but before the answers, please know that my car license plate does not say "DOG
HTR." :-) The answers are intended to reflect a focus on student needs and safe, clear practices.
- Answer to Q1: It might be OK for an animal to come to school for a short period of time that is prearranged with the classroom teacher. However, it might also inappropriate based on the individual needs in the classroom. In all cases, a plan with the classroom teacher is necessary before any animal comes to school.
- Answer to Q2: Dogs should not generally be on school grounds when the school is being used for school activities (including KingCare and evening PTO activities). When school is not in session, the community is welcome to use the walking track and other areas provided the area is kept clean of pet waste.
- Answer to Q3: If you walk to school with your child and dog, please know that some are afraid of the presence of dogs (yes, even your docile dog). Please feel free to walk your child and dog to the school boundary, but please also be aware that the closer you are to the school building, the greater the anxiety for some.
