Pets In the Classroom

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

07/18/2025

Ever wonder why teachers across the U.S. and Canada are bringing pets into their classrooms?

The Pets in the Classroom grant program was created to help teachers provide students with hands-on learning experiences that boost academic performance, social skills, and emotional well-being.

Discover how a small pet can bring learning to life—and why this program matters now more than ever.

📖 Learn about the program, the impact, and how you can help:
👉 https://petsintheclassroom.org/bringing-learning-to-life-how-pets-in-the-classroom-transforms-education/

07/16/2025

Today is Guinea Pig Appreciation Day, and we’re celebrating these gentle, squeaky, social little classroom companions!

Guinea pigs are a popular choice for teachers thanks to their friendly personalities and ability to help students develop empathy, responsibility, and social skills. They bring comfort, curiosity, and joy into the classroom every day.

Have a guinea pig in your classroom? Share a photo and/or tell us what your students have learned from them!

Learn more or apply for a classroom pet grant at www.PetsintheClassroom.org

07/15/2025

Thinking about adding a pet to your classroom?
We’re here to help you get started the right way.

The Pets in the Classroom grant program provides funding to help teachers adopt small animals and set up a safe, enriching environment for them. That means less out-of-pocket cost—and more support for creating meaningful learning experiences.

Whether it’s a hamster, gecko, guinea pig, or fish, bringing a pet into your classroom can teach responsibility, spark curiosity, and build a stronger sense of community.

Ready to start your classroom pet journey?
Visit petsintheclassroom.org to learn more and apply for a grant.

07/13/2025

Thinking about adding a classroom pet? Start here.

Before bringing a furry, scaly, or finned friend into your classroom, it’s important to plan ahead. From checking school policies to reviewing grant options, a little preparation goes a long way in creating a successful and enriching experience for your students.

Swipe through to see what to consider before choosing your classroom pet.

Learn more and apply for a grant at www.PetsintheClassroom.org