Use of Animals for Instructional Purposes
\n
\nBefore any student or employee brings an animal to school for an instructional purpose, they shall receive written permission from the principal or designee. The principal or designee shall give such permission only after they have provided written notification to all parents/guardians of students in the affected class, asking them to verify whether their child has any known allergies, asthma, or other health condition that may be aggravated by the animal's presence. When a parent/guardian has provided notification that their child has an allergy, asthma, or other health condition that may be aggravated by the animal, the principal shall take appropriate measures to protect the student from exposure to the animal.
\n
\nAll animals brought to school must be in good physical condition and must be appropriately immunized. The teacher shall ensure that the species of animal is appropriate for the instructional purpose and age and maturity of the students.
\n
\nAll animals brought to school shall be adequately fed, effectively controlled, humanely treated, and properly housed in cages or containers suitable for the species. The teacher shall ensure that cages and containers are cleaned regularly and that waste materials are removed and disposed of in an appropriate manner.
\n
\nThe teacher shall ensure that students receive instructions regarding the proper handling of and personal hygiene around animals.
\n
\nExcept for service animals, as defined below, all animals are prohibited on school transportation services. (Education Code 39839; 13 CCR 1216)
\n
\nUse of Service Animals by Individuals with Disabilities
\n
\nFor an individual with a disability, service animal means any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks related to the individual's disability and for their benefit. For example, for an individual who is blind or has low vision, a service animal would mean a dog that helps them with vision, navigation, and other tasks; for an individual who is deaf or hard of hearing, a service animal would mean a dog that alerts them to the presence of people or sounds; and for an individual with psychiatric or neurological disabilities, a service animal would mean a dog that assists them by preventing or interrupting impulsive or destructive behaviors. (28 CFR 35.104)
\n
\nIndividuals with disabilities may be accompanied on school premises and on school transportation by service animals, including specially trained guide dogs, signal dogs, or service dogs. (Education Code 39839; Civil Code 54.2; 28 CFR 35.136)
\n
\nThe Superintendent or designee may permit the use of a miniature horse as a service animal when the horse has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, provided that: (28 CFR 35.136)
\nThe Superintendent or designee may ask any individual with a disability to remove their service animal from school premises or transportation if the animal is out of control and the individual does not take effective action to control it or the animal is not housebroken. When an individual's service animal is excluded, they shall be given an opportunity to participate in the service, program, or activity without having the service animal present. (Education Code 39839; Civil Code 54.2; 28 CFR 35.136)