At the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB), we are committed to ensuring that students have the resources they need to support their achievement and reach their full potential. Every day, educators and staff across our school board demonstrate our dedication to:
- Providing individualized accommodations to students with disabilities
- Supporting the mental health of students
We do this through evidence-based strategies that support:
- Developing their mental health literacy skills
- Enhancing their knowledge of pathways to support their future success
Service Animals in WRDSB Schools
The WRDSB supports the use of service animals for any student who requires one. The use of service animals is outlined by:
- Board Policy 1016: Use of Service Animals By Students
- Administrative Procedure 2020: Use of Service Animals, Guide Dogs and Service Dogs By Students
In each case, we take an individualized approach to assessing how to best support the needs of students when it comes to:
- Guide Dogs
- Service Dogs
Our approach is guided by direction from the Ministry of Education's Program Policy Memorandum 163.
What is a Service Animal?
The Ministry of Education states that a " service animal' means an animal that provides support relating to a student's disability to assist that student in meaningfully accessing education." Service animals require documentation. This explains how the service animal assists with the individual student's:
- Learning needs
- Disability-related needs
More information about the definition of a Service Animal:
Facility Dog Pilot Program at Sheppard Public School
At Sheppard Public School, a pilot program saw facility dogs made available to students throughout the school during the school day. The dogs belong to a parent in the school community. Facility dogs do not fit the definition of a service animal, as outlined above.
The facility dog pilot program at Sheppard PS was ended prior to the start of the 2024-25 school year. An absence of data related to the outcomes of the pilot program meant the WRDSB was unable to assess the impact of the pilot program on students, staff and families.
Working with Our Partners
We aim to provide every student with the resources and opportunities they need to reach their full potential. We also have a responsibility to ensure our schools and workplaces remain safe and welcoming spaces for all who learn and work there. We know that students, staff and families have differing feelings when it comes to animals.
We remain committed to working with our partner organizations to explore innovative strategies and methods of supporting student mental health and well-being in WRDSB schools. We must ensure our efforts align with existing legislation and WRDSB governance.
