Occasionally, members ask about therapy dog policies. For therapy, comfort, companion, or emotional support animals (aka “non-service animals”) we defer to a member’s discretion to prohibit or permit such animals. We do have members and/or appointing authorities that prohibit non-service animals while others permit them (e.g. juvenile courts, Children’s Services, etc.). Either way we suggest a written policy and practice be applied consistently. If a member permits animals other than service animals typically dogs, we suggest from a loss control perspective that therapy, comfort, companion, or emotional support dogs be at least one year old, in good health, and up-to-date of vaccinations. We also recommend the dog be trained and/or approved by a pet visitation program such as Angel Paws. http://angelpawstherapy.org/therapy-dog-training-courses.html. A member may consider requiring individuals, parents, guardians to sign a waiver. We suggest that before implementation of a therapy dog program that a member have the program reviewed by the Prosecutor’s Office. Also, we suggest a member have Sherry Barbosky, CORSA Underwriting Manager, review the program from a coverage perspective. I hope this email helps. Please let us know if you need anything further. Thanks. Frank Hatfield CORSA Risk Manager fhatfield@ccao.org<mailto:fhatfield@ccao.org> 614-560-1474 614-220-0209 Fax www.corsa.org<http://www.corsa.org/> “ The leader in providing Ohio Counties with exceptional value, service, and protection of assets.” CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail message (including any attachments) is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy this message and all attachments. From: CORSA-broadcast <corsa-broadcast-bounces@corsa.org> On Behalf Of Phelps, Jenny Sent: Thursday, March 3, 2022 8:26 AM To: CORSA Broadcast Email <corsa-broadcast@corsa.org> Subject: Re: [CORSA-broadcast] Therapy Dog Policy CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Richland County doesn't have a therapy dog either. What an interesting thought, though. Jenny Phelps Loss Control Program Coordinator office: 419-774-6318 fax: 419-774-3581 On Thu, Mar 3, 2022 at 8:13 AM Diane Davis <ddavis@wcgov.org<mailto:ddavis@wcgov.org>> wrote: Washington County does not have a therapy dog. On Thu, Mar 3, 2022 at 7:20 AM Spencer, Susan <Susan.Spencer@co.warren.oh.us<mailto:Susan.Spencer@co.warren.oh.us>> wrote: Warren County is looking into the possibility of purchasing a therapy dog for our Children Services Agency. We are considering using an employee as the dog handler. Does anyone have a therapy dog and do you have a policy you could share with us? Questions: How do you handle vet bills, training , food and licensures? Do you have structured arrangements for use of the dog? How do you compensate the handler if it is an employee or do you use and outside source as a handler for the dog? Thank you for any information you can share. Sue Spencer HR Manager Warren County Phone: 513-695-1747 _______________________________________________ CORSA Broadcast Email To unsubscribe, go to http://corsa.org/mailman/listinfo/corsa-broadcast_corsa.org -- Diane Davis Washington County Director HR/Safety/Wellness Coordinator 223 Putnam St Marietta Ohio 45750 740-373-6623 Ext 2015 _______________________________________________ CORSA Broadcast Email To unsubscribe, go to http://corsa.org/mailman/listinfo/corsa-broadcast_corsa.org