[Minor revision–posted 5/2/23 (replaces 3/5/20 edition)]
[PDF Version]

 

Operating Policy and Procedure

OP 61.46: Therapy Dog Sessions Within University Buildings

DATE: May 2, 2023

PURPOSE: The purpose of this Operating Policy/Procedure (OP) is to establish a standard procedure for groups bringing therapy dogs on campus or within university buildings.

REVIEW: This OP will be reviewed in August of every fourth year (to coincide with review of OP 61.38) by the Associate Vice President for Operations, the Chief of Texas Tech Police Department, the Managing Director of Texas Tech University Student Disability Services, and the Senior Managing Director for Capital Projects and Administration within the Operations Division with substantive revisions forwarded to the Senior Vice President for Administration & Finance and Chief Financial Officer.

POLICY/PROCEDURE

1.  Definitions

Therapy dog – A dog trained to provide emotional assistance to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, and disaster areas. Therapy dogs are defined but not covered or protected under the Federal Housing Act or Americans with Disabilities Act.

2.  Therapy dogs will be allowed on campus under the following conditions:

a.    Therapy dog(s) and their handlers must be certified by a third party. Third-party certification ensures the individuals hosting therapy sessions are qualified to host sessions beneficial to the well-being of the participants of that session.

b.    It is the responsibility of the individual providing the therapy session to ensure they are certified with an accredited organization. American Kennel Club, https://www.akc.org/sports/title-recognition-program/therapy-dog-program/therapy-dog-organizations/, provides a list of certified organizations.

c.    The event is sponsored by a sanctioned Texas Tech University college, department, faculty/staff member, or student group.

d.   The event is a recognized therapy session in accordance with recognized practices of the certifying organization for providing therapeutic benefits to participants attending these events.

e.   The certifying organization must provide insurance coverage of at least $1,000,000.

f.   Therapy dog(s) must have current rabies vaccinations, with tags on collars.

3.  When scheduling activities on campus, the following steps must be taken by the sponsoring group or individual

a.   Outdoor events must be approved by the Outdoor Events Coordinating Committee at least two weeks prior to the date of the event, http://www.depts.ttu.edu/sub/UniversityGrounds/.

b.    Events hosted within Education and General Use Facilities are required to take the following steps:

(1)    Schedule the event at least two weeks prior within the Event and Instructional Space Management website, http://www.depts.ttu.edu/odpa/spi/eism/.

(2)    Obtain permission from the building manager and the dean and/or chair of the department or college within the building where the event will be hosted. Contact information may be obtained from the dean's office of that location.

c.    Events hosted in Auxiliary Service facilities must be preapproved by the managing director for the facility hosting the event.

4.  Parking for dog handlers must be prearranged through Transportation & Parking Services, http://www.depts.ttu.edu/parking/Events/SubmitEvent.php.

OP Categories

01 Chancellor
02 Development
04 Audit Services
10 President
30 Academic and Student Affairs – General
32 Academic Policies – Faculty
34 Academic Policies – Students
36 Academic Programs
40 Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action
48 Communication Services
52 Information Technology
60 Environmental Health and Safety
61 Facilities Management
62 Financial and Accounting
63 General Services
64 Graduate Programs (Faculty and Students)
65 Research Accounting
66 Libraries
67 Mail Services
68 Communications and Marketing
69 Payroll and Tax Services
70 Human Resources
72 Purchasing, Contracting, and Payables
74 Research
76 Security
77 Student Services and Registrar
78 Traffic and Parking
79 Travel
80 Vehicles