Policies

The University Animals on Campus Policy governs the therapy dog visits in the libraries. We require approval from the Vice-President of Student Affairs for all therapy dog visits. 

• Certified therapy dogs only allowed to participate in University Library events.

Prior to scheduling an event, the following must be completed:

• Proof of certification of the dog and the handler must be provided
• Proof of insurance must be provided. In our case, most dogs are certified through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Certification is also proof of insurance.
• The Library Office Manager keeps copies of all documents. 
• Have a 30 minute walk through with handler and the therapy dog with either Kate Langan or Megan Brown.

Expectations

• These are high volume events. Please do not schedule your dog for other events the day before or the day after your session with the Libraries. 
• If two handlers are certified, only one should attend. 
• The first session will only be an hour. 
• Therapy dogs are volunteers and not reimbursed. 
• There is a zero tolerance policy for disruptive behavior like barking or jumping.
• Do not disturb students at computers or in quiet areas because they may be testing.

Is the Library the right fit for your dog?

• The events are in open spaces with high traffic. Can they handle a high capacity of students? We  average 60-80 individual visitors in a 2-hour time frame, and have had up to 100. There are often 5-10 students with the dog at any one time
• Will they do well with another therapy dog nearby or should they be scheduled alone?
• What are the dog's needs for breaks? 
• What is their max time for an event?

Sunny Visiting Waldo Library During Finals Week.