Resources
Wellbeing and engagement animals risk register
Schools are encouraged to complete the Wellbeing and engagement animals risk register (DOCX)(opens in a new window) before an animal-assisted wellbeing and engagement program begins.
Wellbeing and engagement animals consent form
A sample wellbeing and engagement animals consent form (DOCX)(opens in a new window) is available for schools to use with their school community.
School council agreement for animal handlers of school-owned wellbeing and engagement animals
School councils must use the School council agreement – wellbeing and engagement animal handler (school-owned) (DOCX)(opens in a new window) (staff login required) when entering into an agreement with a staff member to become a dog animal handler for a school-owned wellbeing and engagement dog.
Legal agreement for staff-owned wellbeing and engagement animals
Schools must use the School council agreement – wellbeing and engagement animal handler (staff-owned) (DOCX)(opens in a new window) (staff login required) when entering an arrangement with a staff member for their animal to work onsite as a school wellbeing and engagement animal.
Dogs in school local school policy template
Schools may choose to implement a local school policy on Dogs at school (staff login required)(opens in a new window) available on the School Policy Template Portal.
Professional development
Access the department’s free 20-minute online module on Implementing animal-assisted wellbeing and engagement programs in schools(opens in a new window).
Register for the La Trobe University 10-week course: Implementing Animal-Assisted School Programs(opens in a new window).
Assistance animals
Animal Welfare Victoria(opens in a new window) website:
NDIS website:
Updated