The Seattle School Board acknowledges its responsibility to permit students and/or adults with disabilities to be accompanied by a “service animal” as required by federal laws and Washington State’s law against discrimination. This policy governs the presence of service animals in the schools and on school property, including school buses and at school activities. 

A “service animal” means an animal that is trained for the purpose of assisting or accommodating a disabled person’s sensory, mental, psychiatric, Intellectual, or physical disability. 

Generally, the district will modify its policies, practices, or procedures to permit the use of a service animal by an individual with a disability. 

Superintendent Procedure

• 2030SP – Service Animals in Schools

Policy Cross References

• 2029 – Animals as Part of the Instructional Program
• 2161 – Special Education
• 2162 – Education of Students with Disabilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• 3210 – Nondiscrimination
• 5010 – Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action

Legal References

• American Disabilities Act (ADA), Revised Title II Regulations, §35 Service animals
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• RCW 49.60.040 Definitions; RCW 28A.642 Discrimination Prohibition
• WAC 392-145-021(3) General Operating Requirements
• WAC 392-172A-01155 (3) Related Services
• WAC 392-172A-01035 Child with a Disability or Student eligible for Special Education
• WAC 392-190 Equal Educational Opportunity – unlawful discrimination prohibited
• WAC 162-26 Public accommodations, disability discrimination

Revisions

• November 16, 2016

Adopted

• December 7, 2011