service animal in a high school

Flare, ASN, BSN · Apr 30, 2021

if it's a true service dog (meaning an animal trained for a medical service - seeing eye, seizure alert, diabetic blood sugar alert, peanut allergy detection dog, and so forth) we are obligated by ADA to allow the animal. That being said - you will likely need to have some sort of medical documentation for the condition and the implementation of the service dog. The handler (student, parents etc) should provide proof of vaccines, registration, etc. The animal is the responsibility of the handler and because the school is considered a public space, should have a harness or lead on so that it can be controlled.

An emotional support or companion animal is not considered a service animal. While your school can still elect to allow them, know that they are not granted the same protections as a service dog.

Many years ago, I had a student with a guide dog. He had a dedicated aide who would help oversee that the animal was getting the care it needed, however, the kid was pretty amazing and hardly needed any supervision for this.

amoLucia · Apr 30, 2021

While I recognize that a student with an ADA service animal has the priority needs, please know that other classroom/school students & staff may have problems coping with an animal's presence in classrooms, halls, etc.

Simple allergies come to mind, but for me, I have a SEVERE dog phobia. A true childhood phobia from when I was attacked by a family dog. I mean we're talking true 'fight or flight' syndrome symptoms. I am PETRIFIED of dogs. I can ZERO-IN on a dog's presence better than NASA radar! And it would totally consume my attn, just knowing it's there.

At best, I could sit at the farthest end of a room opposite the dog. But It can't be loose.

I know this would complicate matters for the school, but I do PLEAD that you be cognizant of those of us with this issue. I've always wished that I could enjoy dogs like others do, but it's been a life-long fear.

However you deal with this animal, I ask that we others are remembered, too.

TY on all our behalves.

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Apr 30, 2021

24 minutes ago, amoLucia said:

While I recognize that a student with an ADA service animal has the priority needs, please know that other classroom/school students & staff may have problems coping with an animal's presence in classrooms, halls, etc.

Simple allergies come to mind, but for me, I have a SEVERE dog phobia. A true childhood phobia from when I was attacked by a family dog. I mean we're talking true 'fight or flight' syndrome symptoms. I am PETRIFIED of dogs. I can ZERO-IN on a dog's presence better than NASA radar! And it would totally consume my attn, just knowing it's there.

At best, I could sit at the farthest end of a room opposite the dog. But It can't be loose.

I know this would complicate matters for the school, but I do PLEAD that you be cognizant of those of us with this issue. I've always wished that I could enjoy dogs like others do, but it's been a life-long fear.

However you deal with this animal, I ask that we others are remembered, too.

TY on all our behalves.

100% of this ^^^^^^

Emergent, RN · Apr 30, 2021

Fortunately these service dog abuses seem to have simmered down somewhat. I'm not seeing as many phony service dogs around town anymore.

As far as an emotional support dog, I think that's why people get dogs because they are emotionally supportive of humans. My dog is an emotional support for me. That doesn't mean I should get to take him anywhere.

I ditto what has been said above. Make sure it's legit, and protect other students and consider their rights as well.

cowboysandangels, BSN · Apr 30, 2021

2 hours ago, Flare said:

if it's a true service dog (meaning an animal trained for a medical service - seeing eye, seizure alert, diabetic blood sugar alert, peanut allergy detection dog, and so forth) we are obligated by ADA to allow the animal. That being said - you will likely need to have some sort of medical documentation for the condition and the implementation of the service dog. The handler (student, parents etc) should provide proof of vaccines, registration, etc. The animal is the responsibility of the handler and because the school is considered a public space, should have a harness or lead on so that it can be controlled.

An emotional support or companion animal is not considered a service animal. While your school can still elect to allow them, know that they are not granted the same protections as a service dog.

Many years ago, I had a student with a guide dog. He had a dedicated aide who would help oversee that the animal was getting the care it needed, however, the kid was pretty amazing and hardly needed any supervision for this.

How did you handle the other students around the dog? This question came up at my school last year and we were trying to figure out how we would handle kids with allergies to dogs and such.

Flare, ASN, BSN · Apr 30, 2021

we sent notices to all the students who would be occupying a classroom with the student and for them to contact the health office or admin for concerns. We didn't receive any concerns.

Kristen D · Apr 30, 2021

Thanks for all of your feedback! My co nurse and I have definite concerns, as do the teachers. I like the idea of sending out notices to the other students beforehand, so everyone is aware. I wasn't sure how common this situation was, I am really not finding much online other than the law. Thank you all! We'll see how it goes.

amoLucia · Apr 30, 2021

When providing notices, this would be the perfect opp'ty to lay down some educational ground rules.

Service animals are NOT pets or for recreational amusement use. They need to be left alone so they can totally focus on their charges - I do see high school 'wiseguys' trying to circumvent that caveat.

OP - have you tried directly contacting Service Animal organizations for THEIR input. I'm almost sure they most assuredly have the kid of information you seek.

Another PP questioned other children/staff with allergies. I'd guess you'd have to identify them and have some protocols, esp for needed tx, in place.

Also, you'll need an outdoors 'doggy park' for doggy business.

tining, BSN, RN · Apr 30, 2021

I had a service dog at my school. I felt so bad for that dog getting yanked and drug from the severely autistic student. Watch the lunch room. Students fed "Charlie" who developed diarrhea several times and had to get picked up.

amoLucia · Apr 30, 2021

^^^ interesting

beachynurse, ASN, BSN · May 4, 2021

On 4/30/2021 at 10:25 AM, amoLucia said:

While I recognize that a student with an ADA service animal has the priority needs, please know that other classroom/school students & staff may have problems coping with an animal's presence in classrooms, halls, etc.

Simple allergies come to mind, but for me, I have a SEVERE dog phobia. A true childhood phobia from when I was attacked by a family dog. I mean we're talking true 'fight or flight' syndrome symptoms. I am PETRIFIED of dogs. I can ZERO-IN on a dog's presence better than NASA radar! And it would totally consume my attn, just knowing it's there.

At best, I could sit at the farthest end of a room opposite the dog. But It can't be loose.

I know this would complicate matters for the school, but I do PLEAD that you be cognizant of those of us with this issue. I've always wished that I could enjoy dogs like others do, but it's been a life-long fear.

However you deal with this animal, I ask that we others are remembered, too.

TY on all our behalves.

I totally get what you are saying. However, that child's rights will supersede yours 100%. We had a student that was going to bring a service dog to school, and there was a child with a similar issue along with allergies. They moved the child with the fear and the allergies. Personally, I don't think that's right, but the ADA will overrule and let the lawsuits begin.