I’m currently on the brink of finishing my undergraduate degree in religious studies. I go to class every day of the school week and of course Arlo comes with me. This is my first semester attending school with a service dog. I got Arlo while I was taking classes online and then took an entire year off of school to deal with my health. By the time I was ready to go back to in-person classes, Arlo was fully trained.
When I pack my backpack now, I have to make sure I have everything Arlo needs as well. I clip a foldable silicone water bowl to my bag so I can always provide Arlo with water. I also have a small treat bag that has a pocket for a roll of poop bags. Some people bring a blanket or mat for their dog to settle on in class, but I don’t. Arlo tends to get warm and usually prefers to lay directly on the floor.
In addition to my more traditional classes, I also attend two to four hours or orchestra rehearsals a week. At my first rehearsal this year, my fiancé measured the decibel level of the orchestra. With a full orchestra (meaning strings, wood winds, brass, and percussion), we can easily clock over 100 decibels. That level of volume is enough to damage a dog’s hearing over time, so I bring ear protection for Arlo. I use military-grade ear pro from Rex Specs. It goes over Arlo’s head like a hood and has padding over the ears. The ear covers feel similar to noise-canceling headphones.
I’ll likely make a more detailed post about all of Arlo’s gear. I use a variety of gear at school depending on Arlo’s comfort level, the temperature outside, etc. He always wears some sort of identification in the form of patches, a bandana, or leash covers.
I hope that this helps you if you’re planning to bring a service dog to school. There are many posts and videos out there about what to take to class for your dog. But always remember, you know yourself and your dog best.