Pets In the Classroom

08/06/2025

Thank you, Feeders Pet Supply, for your support!

Feeders Pet Supply is happy to partner with Pets in the Classroom. The Pets in the Classroom grant program offers funding and resources to help educators enhance their classroom experience with a class pet. The grant application is very simple. Please scan the qr code above or click here to apply fo...

08/02/2025

Help Us Spread the Word—Refer a Teacher!

We know that many teachers hear about the Pets in the Classroom program through word of mouth—and we’d love your help reaching even more educators.

Please consider:
☑ Sharing this post!
☑ Telling a teacher about the program and how to apply
☑ Spreading the word to 10th–12th grade teachers, who are now newly eligible

Together, we can bring more pets—and more smiles—to more classrooms.

www.PetsintheClassroom.org

08/02/2025

If you're attending SUPERZOO, by WPA in a couple of weeks, be sure to stop by!

Free coffee, real connections, and a chance to give back.

Join us for Paws & Perks: Coffee with PFX & Pets In the Classroom

🗓 Thursday, August 14
⏰ 11:00AM - 12:00PM
📍 WPA Networking Lounge at SUPERZOO, by WPA

Learn how just $9/month supports classroom pets and builds the next generation of compassionate pet lovers.

Join us at or click here to donate: https://hubs.ly/Q03B1h930.

08/01/2025

“Having guinea pigs in my classroom has been both rewarding and impactful. One meaningful experience involved a student who struggled significantly with reading and often became frustrated or disengaged during literacy activities. However, when we introduced our classroom guinea pigs, something shifted. This student loved animals and quickly formed a bond with them. I began incorporating the guinea pigs into our reading time—he would read simple books to them in a quiet corner. Because the guinea pigs were nonjudgmental listeners, he felt less pressure and more motivated to practice. Over time, his confidence grew, and his reading fluency noticeably improved. The guinea pigs gave him a sense of purpose and comfort, and they played a key role in transforming his relationship with reading.”
~Tamiko Laurie, Pets in the Classroom grant recipient

💡 Real stories. Real impact.
Social, emotional, and academic growth—all sparked by a pet.

Learn more at www.PetsintheClassroom.org

07/29/2025

A big shoutout to Hip2Save for sharing about our grant program! We appreciate their support!

Calling all Teachers! 🍎✏️
This amazing grant program provides teachers with financial support to purchase and maintain small animals in their classrooms!
2025-26 grants are open NOW! 👇

07/29/2025

Worried about covering the cost of a classroom pet? We’ve got you.

From teacher discounts and loyalty programs to creative fundraising and community support, we’ve rounded up smart, practical ideas to help with the cost of caring for your class pet.

✨ These tips come straight from teachers like you.
📚 Read the blog for some easy, affordable ways to keep your classroom pet happy and healthy: Link in comments.

What tips do you have? Share them with us in the comments!

07/26/2025

Meet Peanut the hamster—tiny in size, huge in impact. 🐹💛

In Ms. Patel’s class, Peanut has become more than just a pet—he’s a source of calm, connection, and community. Students feel safe, supported, and seen, all thanks to one small, furry friend.

This is the power of classroom pets. Socially, emotionally, and academically—they help students thrive.

Apply for your grant at: www.petsintheclassroom.org

07/24/2025

One of our favs (they share about our program every year!) is helping teachers clear their lists. Share yours! And don't forget to add items for your class pet!

Let's show our support. ❤️

07/24/2025

Coffee. Compassion. Classroom pets.

We’re so grateful to Pet Food Experts for featuring Pets in the Classroom at their Paws & Perks: Coffee with PFX event during SUPERZOO, by WPA, one of the pet industry’s largest trade shows.

Thanks to their generosity, we’ll have the chance to share our mission with pet professionals from around the country—showing how just $9/month can sponsor a classroom pet and help students grow socially, emotionally, and academically.
Over 10.5 million students have already been impacted by classroom pets—and with continued support, we can reach even more.

💙 Attending SuperZoo? Join us! https://blog.petfoodexperts.com/superzoo-pfx-pets-in-the-classroom

💙 Not a pet professional? You can still make a difference: https://petsintheclassroom.org/give-9-a-month-and-help-students-thrive/

07/23/2025

Middle schoolers aren’t exactly known for their enthusiasm… but Mr. Pickles had other plans. 🦔💙

Thanks to a Pets in the Classroom grant, science teacher Paula Zeballos added a hedgehog to her classroom—and witnessed a complete transformation. From student apathy to unexpected empathy, Mr. Pickles became more than a class pet… he became the heart of the room.

He’s now a local celebrity, emotional support animal, and science ambassador—all in one prickly package.

✨ Social Growth
✨ Emotional Growth
✨ Academic Growth

Read the full story of how one tiny hedgehog made a big difference:

https://petsintheclassroom.org/mr-pickles-the-pet-that-changed-everything/

07/20/2025

Thinking about adopting a classroom pet? 🐾
We love that—and we’re here to help.

The Pets in the Classroom grant program encourages teachers to adopt through reputable sources. While we don’t cover adoption fees, we do help you get set up with everything your new pet needs through our Rebate Grant.

Here’s how it works:
🛒 You purchase your habitat and supplies
📄 Submit your receipts
💸 We reimburse you — up to $75 for a bird or small animal, or up to $125 for a reptile or aquarium

Already part of our program? You can also apply for a Sustaining Grant for $50 in supply costs to support your adopted pet!

Ready to welcome a rescue into your classroom?
Start here: petsintheclassroom.org

07/20/2025

"In our SCIS classroom we have two hermit crabs. The students love to observe the crabs in and out of their tank. Majority of our students are nonverbal, but as soon as we take the crabs out for observations we hear spontaneous language and attempts at oral communication." ~Rachel Daley, Pets in the Classroom grant recipient

This is what learning in action looks like. Pets don’t just bring joy—they help unlock communication and engagement.

✨ Social Growth
✨ Emotional Growth
✨ Academic Growth

Learn how the Pets in the Classroom grant program is transforming classrooms across North America:

www.PetsintheClassroom.org