To participate in campus activities, therapy dogs teams must be certified or registered under a nationally recognized therapy dog program and be registered and approved as part of MU PAWS. 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. A 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.
To participate in MU PAWS, therapy dog handlers are required to 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, including rabies vaccination, annual negative fecal exam-parasite free, and 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
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. Is is also the handler’s responsibility to:
- Ensure the therapy dog is at least one year old.
- Ensure the therapy dog is clean, well-groomed, and pest/parasite-free, well, have no open wounds, or in heat.
- Provide water for the dog while working.
- The feeding of dog food is not permitted during a visit or event; however, handlers may discretely provide small, soft treats during visits or events.
- Only handler-provided treats may be given to the dogs.
- The feeding of dog food is not permitted during a visit or event; however, handlers may discretely provide small, soft treats during visits or events.
Handlers may only handle one dog at a time during a visit or event. If there are multiple therapy dogs at one event, dogs must remain at least two feet apart.
Therapy dog teams are allowed in the following areas of campus:
- Outdoors
- Classrooms, offices, meeting rooms, or performance spaces where invited and approved.
- .Common areas of a university building
- 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 visiting common areas, therapy dog teams are only permitted:
- Other areas as permitted and approved by the Division of Intercultural & Student Affairs.
- 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 the following areas:
- Food preparation areas
- Laboratories
- Areas where the dog could be in potential danger
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.
Therapy dogs are not Emotional Support Animals. For more information at Marshall’s Emotional Support Animals policies, visit the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations.
