Pets in the Classroom
The Pet Care Trust has developed the Pets in the Classroom grants program to help teachers support classroom pets through direct, no-hassle grants. These easy to apply for grants can be used for the purchase of new pets, pet environments or pet food and supplies for existing classroom pets.
Grants are offered to Kindergarten through 6th grade classes, and can be used for the purchase of fish, small animals, small birds, reptiles or amphibians; as well as pet environments and supplies. Grants are awarded in amounts of $50, $100 or $150.
The program offers teachers a way to add to the classroom environment, making it more interesting, as well as providing the opportunity to utilize the pet in the curriculum itself. Classroom pets can play a role in science, math, language arts and creative arts curriculums, as well as providing a place for children to spend some of their free time in the classroom caring for and interacting with the pet.
Pets in the Classroom has funds available for 700 classrooms this year and is encouraging teachers to visit the website for information on the benefits of classroom pets and for access to the easy online application process.