Therapy Dogs & MU PAWS Procedures
- Therapy dogs are not Emotional Support Animals
- Therapy Dogs are permitted outdoors on university property.
- Therapy Dog handlers are responsible for minding the Therapy Dog while on campus/in service: they must keep the dog on a harness, leash, or appropriate tether, maintain control of the dog, control excessive barking, and properly clean up and dispose of waste from the dog.
- Therapy dogs are not allowed to be left alone or stay overnight on Marshall University property.
- The Office of Public Safety reserves the right to order a Therapy Dog to be removed from campus if it poses a danger to the Marshall University community or is not following protocol.
- To participate in campus activities, therapy dogs must be registered and approved as part of the MU PAWS Therapy Dog Program.
- Therapy dog teams are allowed in the following areas of campus:
- Outdoors,
- in common areas of a university building,
- classrooms, offices, meeting rooms, or performance spaces when invited and approved,
- other areas may be permitted upon approval of the Division of Intercultural & Student Affairs
- Therapy dogs must be at least one year old.
- Therapy dogs must be clean, well-groomed, and pest/parasite-free, well, have no open wounds, or in heat.
- Handlers may only handle one dog at a time during the visit or event.
- In the case of multiple therapy dogs at one event, dogs must remain at least 2 feet apart.
- When visiting common areas, therapy dog teams are only permitted:
- in areas where the dog can be easily avoided by those not wishing to interact with the dog.
- out of the main flow of foot traffic,
- away from the immediate entrance to any building or common area, emergency exits, elevators, or stairs.
- When entering elevators, handlers must request permission to enter and respect the wishes of others using the elevator.
- Therapy dog teams are not allowed in food preparation areas, laboratories, or areas where the dog may be in potential danger.
- Handlers are responsible for providing water for the dog while working. The feeding of dog food is not permitted; however, handlers may discretely provide small, soft treats during visits or events. Only handler-provided treats may be given to the dogs.
- While the therapy dog team is on campus, the handler’s sole responsibility is to perform therapy dog work. During therapy dog visits, a Marshall University employee performing the service of a handler is not acting within the scope of Marshall University employment, and therefore, will not be covered by Marshall University / State of West Virginia Worker’s Compensation or liability coverage.
- Therapy dog teams must comply with Marshall University identification requirements and those of their therapy dog registry during visits to campus. Therapy dog registry/member ID tag must be attached to the dog’s collar, lead/leash, or harness. Therapy dog team registry/member ID card must be readily available. University-approved wearables (e.g., dog bandana or vest, and handler shirt, jacket, badge, etc.) should be worn.
- All therapy dog teams (handler and dog) must be certified or registered under a nationally recognized therapy dog program.
- Therapy dog handlers must file the following documentation with the Division of Intercultural & Student Affairs
- Current membership in Marshall University approved therapy dog certification organization
- Copy of valid insurance provided by the therapy dog team’s registry/certification organization naming Marshall University as an added insured.
- Evidence that the therapy dog meets basic health requirements, to includes rabies vaccine given by a veterinarian, annual negative fecal exam, parasite free, annual wellness exam by a veterinarian.
- Contact information includes proof that the handler is 18 years old or older, name, local address, phone number, email address, campus affiliation, and emergency numbers for both handler and dog.
- Current photograph of the therapy dog team.
- Signed Marshall University Therapy Dog Contract
