Animals – Wellbeing and Engagement

Animal welfare

Teachers, principals and animal handlers who are involved with the use and care of wellbeing and engagement animals in schools must ensure the welfare of animals in the following ways:

• Schools must ensure that 2 staff members are designated responsibility for the health and wellbeing of the animal. In the case of a dog, this will be its trained animal handler/s.
• Schools must ensure that animals are cared for and managed to meet their physiological and behavioural needs. The animal handler or responsible staff member must have clear processes for the day-to-day management of the animal’s needs, including food, water, rest, toileting and the provision of veterinary treatment.
• The animal handler or designated responsible staff member must ensure that the animal is not overworked.
• Schools must abide by Victoria’s animal welfare codes of practice for the specific animal that they have. Refer to Victorian codes of practice for animal welfare.