Walking your children and dog to school is not just great exercise, it can also be a great bonding experience for families. However, over the years we’ve received school inquiries in regard to families bringing dogs onto school property when dropping off or picking up children. The Board does not have a written policy in respect of dogs on school property, except of course, in regard to Therapy Dogs (Protocol #13) or Service Dogs (Policy #517).
Communication to parents verbally and/or by newsletter, is a great way to remind parents when dropping off or picking up children, dogs must be on a leash and kept on the sidewalk off school property. This is the expectation for all parents/families. Some students have allergies to animal hair/dander or have a fear of dogs and there’s potential for persons to be scratched or bitten. Dog walking is not allowed on school property during the school day.