Animals in School (Pets and Service Animals)

CDC Resources

General Guidelines for Animals in the School Setting-Recommendations developed by the Alabama Department of Public Health, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, National Science Teachers Association and the National Association of Biology Teachers (CDC MMWR, 2006).

MMWR Appendix D Guidelines for Animals in School and Child-Care Settings (May 1, 2009 / 58(RR05);20-21)

National Association of School Nurses Resources (NASN)

Service Animals in School Position Statement-Provides a summary, background, and rationale for the use of service animals in schools (NASN, 6/14, Revised 2019). 

NYS School Boards Association Resources (NYSSBA)

Service Animals in Schools: Recommendations for School Districts-Provides information on rights of students with disabilities (NYSSBA, 9/19/11).

National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP)

Service Animals in PreK-12 Schools: Legal and Policy Implications for School Leaders
Despite increasing animal prevalence in public spaces, few districts have proactively developed policies to integrate assistance, therapy, service, and emotional support animals that are both legally sound and support the needs of individual students. Federal legislation defines a variety of animals that could accompany students, but only those trained to perform a specific disability-related task are considered service animals. Policy development to address the increasing prevalence of service animals on school campuses has not been widely examined. This article uses standard legal analysis to gather data from court rulings in the United States; uses secondary sources such as peer-reviewed journals, special education journals, and professional organizations; and provides recommendations on how to develop a sound service animal policy and procedures.  May 2020 DOI: 10.1177/0192636520923394

U.S. Department of Justice Resources (USDOJ) Civil Rights Division

Frequently Asked Questions about Service Animals and the ADA-Provides guidance on the ADA's service animal provisions including definitions of service animals, general rules, certification and registrations, breeds, exclusions and should be read in conjunction with the publication titled Americans with Disabilities Revised Requirements on Service Animals provided below (USDOJ, 7/20/15).

 
Page Updated 5/16/2021