School Dog Policy and Risk Assessment Template

A template of a school’s policy for introducing a school dog and the accompanying risk assessment. The policy includes:
Policy Statement
Rationale
Information
Roles and Responsibilities
Communication and introduction of the dog
Health & Safety
Allergies and phobias
Welfare of our school dog
Training
Complaints and Allegations
Contingency
Appendix 1: Risk Assessment
Appendix 2: Reasons for a dog

I have successfully introduced a school dog in two schools using this policy. In addition to this template there is a full folder of school dog resources available for a slightly higher cost. The documents include training for staff and pupils, presentations for governors and posters. The resources will provide a clear plan of how to introduce a school dog and all the necessary considerations. Each school’s context is different and resources will need to be adapted to fit your site and dog. These resources provide guidance and ideas from my own experience.