Animals – Wellbeing and Engagement

Communication with the school community and consent

Schools must provide parents/carers with information about the animal-assisted wellbeing and engagement program, whether it is a whole-of-school program or a class or small group program. Sufficient information must be provided to enable parents/carers to make an informed decision about whether their child will participate.

The school must provide information on:

• the purpose of the animal-assisted activity or program
• the nature of the animal-assisted activity or program. For example, whether the animal is visiting a particular class, working with a select group of students or available for students to visit
• the location of the animal-assisted activity or program. For example, whether it will take place in the child’s classroom, in the school yard or another designated area
• what arrangements will be made for students who do not have permission to participate, such as undertaking a different activity in the same room or in a different location.

The principal must consult with students and parents/carers with health or safety concerns and make appropriate arrangements on a case-by-case basis. For example, addressing a student’s fear of or anxiety around dogs may include working with the school’s wellbeing team to develop a plan to gradually expose the student to the wellbeing and engagement dog in a careful and controlled manner, incorporating positive reinforcement and building their understanding of what to expect.

Schools can decide whether consent is opt in or opt out, based on the nature and intensity of the animal-assisted wellbeing and engagement program. A sample consent form (DOCX) is available for schools to use.