Each year, the Pets in the Classroom grant program surveys teachers who have received funding for classroom pets. The 2025 results are in—and once again, the data tells a powerful story about the positive impact pets are having in classrooms across the U.S. and Canada.

With over 1,300 teachers responding, this year’s survey reveals that classroom pets do more than brighten students’ days—they enhance their social-emotional development, improve academic engagement, and foster a love for learning.

Key Survey Findings

• 99% of teachers said having a classroom pet has been a positive experience.

• Teachers reported improvements in:

  • Attendance (76%)

  • Anxiety reduction (94%)

  • Empathy and compassion (97%)

  • Academic performance (75%)

  • Responsibility (97%)

  • Self-esteem (90%)

  • Social skills (94%)

  • Student engagement (97%)

  • Behavior and disciplinary measures (84%)

What Teachers Are Saying

“This year, we welcomed a leopard gecko into our classroom, and it’s had a surprisingly powerful impact—particularly on student attendance. Several students who previously struggled with consistent attendance are now excited to come to school each day, eager to check in on our gecko, help with its care, and observe its behavior.”

“My hamster has been a source of comfort and helps ease social anxiety. I’ve seen students go from being extremely upset to calm and ready to learn just from holding our pet.”

“I didn’t realize how much of a difference a classroom pet would have on empathy and cooperation. Students who have conflict are happy to cooperate to care for the pet.”

“I had a student with no interest in school until she started earning ‘guinea pig bucks’ to spend time with our classroom pets. She brought her grade up and improved socially—our pets were the key.”

“Having a pet has helped my children understand responsibility and caring for a living creature. Every week, students help with food, water, and bedding.”

“The classroom pet brings kids together who might not have interacted before—for the good of the pet.”

“As a science teacher, linking lessons to our pet has made abstract concepts tangible and increased student engagement.”

“Feeding the fish is a classroom job that students love—so they work hard to earn it by making safe choices.”

One teacher summed it up perfectly:

“Having a classroom pet has brought our class together in ways I never imagined. They’re learning science, responsibility, and compassion—all through caring for a tiny living creature.”

About Pets in the Classroom

The Pets in the Classroom grant program was established by the Pet Care Trust to help teachers introduce classroom pets into their learning environments. Since 2010, the program has issued over 263,000 grants, positively impacting more than 10.5 million students.

Starting July 1, 2025, Pre-K through 12th grade teachers in the U.S. and Canada can apply for funding to support a new or existing classroom pet. Grants are available throughout the school year, so teachers are encouraged to do their research and apply when ready.

Learn more and apply at www.PetsintheClassroom.org.