POLICY 6163.7
CLASSROOM PETS
Drafted: April 13, 2018
Revised: June 25, 2018
Revised: February 25, 2019
Frequency of Review:
1.0 RATIONALE
1.1 The Board recognizes that students can benefit from the introduction of a domestic animal to the classroom to enhance student learning, and to provide a therapeutic measure.
2.0 DEFINITIONS
2.1 Domestic Animal is defined as an animal of a species of vertebrates that has been domesticated by humans so as to live and breed in a tame condition and/or depends on humankind for survival.
2.2 Classroom Pets do not include an animal that is brought in on a temporary basis nor are service animals
3.0 POLICY
3.1 Classroom pets may be kept for the purpose of contributing to a structured humane educational curriculum if:
3.1.1 It has been established that there are no students or staff who would be adversely affected by animals in the classroom;
3.1.2 The animal is a domesticated animal in a confined habitat or under control and is not permitted to breed;
3.1.3 The animal is not a nocturnal species and has a sleep pattern compatible with the school day;
3.1.4 The animal is capable of living in the classroom overnight without supervision; and
3.1.5 The teacher takes sole responsibility for the care and welfare of the animal.
3.2 Animals will be removed from the classroom:
3.2.1 If the animal places the safety of students or staff in jeopardy or becomes a health hazard.
3.2.2 If the animal is an impediment to learning.
4.0 RESPONSIBILITIES
4.1 The Board of Education is responsible to ensure compliance with the School Act.
4.2 The Superintendent is responsible to ensure that District policy is upheld and regulations are enforced.
5.0 REFERENCES
i. Regulation 6163.7 – Classroom Pets
ii. B.C. SPCA – Statement on Classroom Pets
iii. National Parks of Canada – Domestic Animal Regulations