Guidelines for Visiting and Resident Animals

   Animals are effective and valuable teaching aids, but safeguards are required to reduce the risk for infection, injury, or allergic reactions.  Therefore, animals will be permitted on a limited basis in accordance with the following guidelines:

Permission must be granted by the principal prior to the entry of all animals.

A certificate of veterinary inspection must be presented for all visiting animals.

Teachers will provide advanced notification to the parents of their students when an animal will be present in the classroom (residing or visiting).

Animals will not be permitted in areas where children with identified allergies are present.  (Doctor’s verification must be supplied upon request.)

Designate specific locations for animal contact.

Supervise human-animal contact at all times.

Wash hands after contact with animals, animal products, or their environment.

Always handle and house animals humanely.

Display animals in enclosed cages or under appropriate restraint, and do not allow animals to roam or fly freely.

Clean and disinfect (adults only) all areas where animals have been present.  This should be done only by adults, and before or after school when students are not present.

Keep all resident animals clean and free of intestinal parasites, fleas, ticks, mites and lice.

Adopted by Stevens Building Council – 1/22/07