BUTLER TWP — The Butler Area School Board voted unanimously on Wednesday, Dec. 3, to advance a policy that would formally allow therapy dogs onto district property.

“We were having requests that we were supportive of for having therapy dogs in school. They’re great for some kids, especially for Center Avenue and some of our special needs kids,” superintendent Brian White told the board at the meeting.

He explained that while the district has a policy for service animals, therapy animals are legally distinct and require their own policy. He said therapy dogs have been allowed in on occasion, but there was no proper policy in place.

“We believe, in this year, every school will have a therapy dog at some point, but we don’t have any guidelines about it,” White said.

According to the proposed policy, therapy dogs would be allowed upon request and a submission of certification and insurance. A handler would also be required to accompany the dog.

White also said the district would have to make sure the people around the dogs are comfortable.

“There are some students that have allergies or fears of dogs and it might have the exact opposite impact for them,” he said.

White also clarified the policy specifically applies to dogs, since certifications change depending on the type of animal. He said he will propose any future animal-specific policies as needed.

Wednesday’s vote was for a first reading of the policy, meaning it will likely appear on the next voting agenda for the board.