Insurance & Liability
Complete risk management guide for animal-assisted education programs in Colorado schools
Insurance Coverage Types
General Liability Insurance
Coverage: $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate
What it covers: Bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury claims arising from your programs. If a child trips over a leash or a dog scratches furniture, this covers legal defense and settlements.
Essential for: Every program, regardless of size. Schools will require proof of coverage before allowing programs on campus.
Animal Interaction Rider
What it covers: Specifically covers incidents involving animal bites, scratches, allergic reactions, and animal-related injuries during program activities.
Why separate: Standard general liability often excludes or limits animal-related claims. This rider fills that gap explicitly.
Key detail: Confirm the rider covers therapy/education animals in school settings, not just office pets.
Directors & Officers (D&O) Insurance
Coverage: Protects board members and officers from personal liability for governance decisions
What it covers: Claims of mismanagement, breach of fiduciary duty, failure to supervise, employment practices. Covers legal defense costs even if claims are frivolous.
Why essential: Qualified board members will not serve without D&O coverage. Their personal assets (homes, savings) would otherwise be at risk.
Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions)
What it covers: Claims that your educational program caused harm through negligent instruction, poor curriculum design, or failure to meet professional standards.
Example: A parent claims your program exacerbated their child's anxiety around animals rather than helping it.
Recommended for: Once you are delivering regular programming. Can defer until pilot begins.
Insurance Providers
Nonprofits Insurance Alliance (NIA)
Website: insurancefornonprofits.org
Specialty: Exclusively serves 501(c)(3) organizations. Understands nonprofit risks. Competitive pricing.
Products: GL, D&O, Professional Liability, Property, Auto, Workers Comp
Best for: One-stop nonprofit insurance shop. Recommended first call.
Philadelphia Insurance Companies
Website: phly.com
Specialty: Nonprofit and social services organizations. Strong in education sector.
Products: Full commercial lines with nonprofit endorsements
Best for: Organizations needing customized animal interaction coverage.
Markel Specialty
Website: markel.com
Specialty: Specialty and hard-to-place risks. Strong animal-related program experience.
Products: GL, Professional, Animal Liability specifically
Best for: If NIA or Philadelphia cannot cover animal interaction component.
Pet Partners Registered Teams
This means:
- You still need your own general liability for program operations (slip/fall, etc.)
- The animal bite/scratch risk is covered by the handler's Pet Partners policy
- This can significantly reduce your animal interaction rider cost or eliminate the need entirely
- Pet Partners teams are also required to have current evaluations, health screenings, and training
- Verify each team's registration is current before every visit
Pet Partners registration includes: Handler training course, team evaluation, animal health screening, $1M liability insurance, biennial re-evaluation.
Colorado Law: Animal Liability
CRS 13-21-124 — Dog Bite Strict Liability
Colorado imposes strict liability on dog owners and keepers for serious bodily injury caused by dog bites. This means:
- The owner/keeper is liable regardless of whether they knew the dog was dangerous
- No “one free bite” rule in Colorado for serious injuries
- “Keeper” includes anyone with possession, custody, or control of the animal
- Applies to serious bodily injury (broken bones, disfigurement, etc.)
- For non-serious injuries, Colorado follows negligence standard (was handler careless?)
What this means for CCE: The organization and handler could both be considered “keepers” during program activities. This reinforces the need for: (1) excellent insurance, (2) rigorous animal screening, (3) proper handler training, and (4) signed waivers from parents.
Safety Protocols
Animal Health Requirements
- Current rabies vaccination (within 1 or 3 years per vaccine type)
- Annual veterinary wellness examination (within past 12 months)
- AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification as minimum behavioral standard
- No history of aggression, biting, or unprovoked snapping
- Current on all core vaccinations (DHPP, Bordetella)
- Clean bill of health — no contagious conditions, parasites, or skin issues
- Bathed/groomed within 24 hours of school visit
Allergy Protocol
- Pre-screen: Parent permission form asks about allergies (pet dander, animal saliva)
- Classroom prep: Notify all families 1 week before any animal visit
- Epi-pen: School nurse confirms epi-pen availability; handler carries Benadryl
- Severely allergic child: Animal does NOT enter room. Child participates in alternative activity (video of visit, stuffed animal exercise, art project about compassion). Never force exposure.
- Mild allergy: Seat child at distance, no direct contact. Observe for 15 minutes. Hand washing mandatory for all students after contact.
- Post-visit: Classroom ventilated; surfaces wiped down after animal leaves
Emergency Bite/Scratch Procedure
- Immediate: Calmly remove animal from area. Handler takes animal to separate space.
- First aid: Wash wound with soap and water for 5 minutes. Apply pressure if bleeding. Bandage.
- Report: Notify school nurse/administration immediately. Complete incident report form.
- Document: Photograph injury (with staff witness). Note time, circumstances, animal behavior before incident.
- Notify parent: Call parent/guardian within 30 minutes. Provide written incident report within 24 hours.
- Animal: Animal is removed from program pending review. Veterinary behavioral assessment required before return.
- Follow-up: Check on child next day. Offer counseling referral if needed. File with insurance carrier.
Handler-to-Student Ratios
| Setting | Ratio | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Classroom visit (K-2) | 1 handler : 8 students | Teacher also present as additional adult |
| Classroom visit (3-5) | 1 handler : 10 students | Teacher present |
| Middle school | 1 handler : 10-12 students | Teacher present |
| Small group (reading buddy) | 1 handler : 3-4 students | One-on-one preferred |
| Shelter field trip | 1 adult : 5 students | Mix of handlers, teachers, parent volunteers |
Parent Permission Form
This form is ready to copy and customize. Send home at least 1 week before first animal visit.
COLORADO COMPASSION EDUCATION
Parent/Guardian Permission & Medical Information Form
Program Description: Your child's class will participate in the Colorado Compassion Education program, which uses trained therapy animals to teach empathy, responsibility, and social-emotional skills. A certified therapy dog and trained handler will visit the classroom for structured educational activities. All animals are health-screened, vaccinated, insured, and temperament-tested.
Student Information:
Student Name: _________________________________ Grade: _______ Teacher: _________________
School: _____________________________________ Date: _______________
Medical/Allergy Information:
Does your child have any known allergies to animals (pet dander, saliva, fur)? □ Yes □ No
If yes, please describe: _______________________________________________________________
Severity: □ Mild (sneezing, itchy eyes) □ Moderate (hives, wheezing) □ Severe (anaphylaxis risk)
Does your child have an epi-pen at school? □ Yes □ No
Does your child have any fear or anxiety around dogs? □ Yes □ No
If yes, please describe: _______________________________________________________________
Any other medical conditions we should be aware of? ______________________________________
Emergency Contact:
Parent/Guardian Name: _________________________________ Relationship: __________________
Phone (primary): _________________________ Phone (alternate): ___________________________
Email: _____________________________________________________________________________
Photo/Video Release:
□ I GRANT permission for my child to be photographed/videotaped during program activities for use in CCE educational materials, reports to funders, and social media.
□ I DO NOT grant photo/video permission. My child may still participate.
Participation Permission:
□ YES — I give permission for my child to participate in the Compassion Education program, including supervised interaction with trained therapy animals.
□ NO — I do not give permission. Please provide my child with an alternative activity during program visits.
Acknowledgment: I understand that while all animals are carefully screened and handled by trained professionals, there is an inherent risk in any animal interaction. I have disclosed all relevant medical information above.
Parent/Guardian Signature: _________________________________ Date: _______________
Print Name: _____________________________________________
Hold Harmless Agreement
This agreement is signed by the school/district, not individual parents. It establishes shared responsibility.
HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT
This Hold Harmless and Indemnification Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into by and between Colorado Compassion Education ("CCE"), a Colorado nonprofit corporation, and _________________________ ("Facility/School"), located at _____________________________________________.
WHEREAS, CCE provides animal-assisted education programs using trained, insured, and health-screened therapy animals; and WHEREAS, Facility/School desires to host CCE programming on its premises for the benefit of its students;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual benefits derived from this arrangement, the parties agree as follows:
1. ASSUMPTION OF RISK. Facility/School acknowledges that animal-assisted activities involve inherent risks including but not limited to: animal bites, scratches, allergic reactions, tripping over animals or equipment, and emotional distress. Facility/School has determined that the educational benefits outweigh these risks and has voluntarily chosen to host CCE programs.
2. HOLD HARMLESS. Each party agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the other party, its officers, directors, employees, volunteers, and agents from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorney fees) arising out of or related to that party's own negligent acts or omissions in connection with the program activities described herein.
3. INSURANCE. CCE maintains general liability insurance with limits of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, with animal interaction coverage included. CCE will provide a certificate of insurance to Facility/School upon request. Individual therapy animal teams registered with Pet Partners carry separate $1,000,000 liability coverage.
4. SAFETY PROTOCOLS. CCE agrees to: (a) use only animals that are currently vaccinated, health-screened, and temperament-tested; (b) maintain handler-to-student ratios as outlined in program guidelines; (c) obtain parent permission forms before any student interaction; (d) follow all emergency and allergy protocols; (e) maintain current background checks for all personnel entering school property.
5. FACILITY RESPONSIBILITIES. Facility/School agrees to: (a) provide advance notice of known severe animal allergies; (b) ensure a staff member is present during all program activities; (c) provide appropriate space for animal visits; (d) notify CCE immediately of any incident or concern.
6. TERM. This Agreement shall remain in effect for the duration of CCE programming at Facility/School during the _______ school year and may be renewed by mutual written agreement.
_________________________________ _________________________________
CCE Authorized Representative Facility/School Authorized Representative
Date: _________________ Date: _________________
School Entry Requirements
Background Checks
- CBI Background Check: Colorado Bureau of Investigation, $39.50, required for all school volunteers in most districts
- FBI Fingerprint Check: Required by some districts for regular/ongoing volunteers. Through Identogo, $40–$55. Results in 3–5 business days.
- Valid for: Typically 1–3 years depending on district policy
- Who needs it: Every handler, every CCE staff member, every regular volunteer who enters school property during student hours
Additional School Requirements
- Volunteer Application: Most districts require a volunteer application form on file
- Facility Use Agreement: Written agreement for use of school space (see Hold Harmless above)
- Certificate of Insurance: Naming the school district as “additional insured” on your GL policy
- Animal Health Records: Current vaccination records and vet clearance letter on file with school
- Handler Credentials: Copy of CGC certificate, Pet Partners registration (if applicable), and training completion
- Mandatory Reporter Training: Some districts require all volunteers to complete mandatory reporter training (free online, 1–2 hours)
Emergency Contact Card
Every handler carries this card during school visits:
Handler Emergency Quick-Reference
- School nurse location: [fill in per school]
- Main office phone: [fill in per school]
- CCE emergency line: [founder phone]
- Poison control: 1-800-222-1222
- Animal emergency vet: [nearest 24-hr vet]
- Insurance carrier claim line: [from policy]
If bite/scratch occurs: (1) Remove animal. (2) First aid. (3) School nurse. (4) Incident form. (5) Call parent. (6) Call CCE. (7) Photograph. (8) File claim within 24 hours.