Bringing Learning to Life:

Imagine walking into a classroom where students are gathered around a small animal habitat, eyes wide with curiosity and smiles of delight. It’s not just a cute moment—it’s a powerful learning experience. Since 2010, the Pets in the Classroom grant program has helped over 10.5 million students across the U.S. and Canada experience this joy by supporting teachers in bringing small animals into their classrooms.

Whether it’s a gecko named Fluffy or a class guinea pig named Oreo, pets are making a measurable difference in students’ academic performance, social-emotional growth, and classroom engagement.

 

What is Pets in the Classroom?

Funded by the Pet Care Trust, Pets in the Classroom provides Pre-K through 12th grade teachers in public and private schools across the U.S. and Canada with financial support to introduce or maintain small animals in their classrooms. The program exists because, while classroom pets are a powerful teaching tool, many teachers simply can’t afford the cost on their own.

The program offers two types of grants:

Initial Grants for teachers without a pet:

• Choose a Store Grant to obtain a pet from retailers like Petco, PetSmart, Pet Supplies Plus, and Petland.
• Or choose a Rebate Grant to be reimbursed for a pet purchased at a local pet store.

Sustaining Grants offer up to $50 per school year to help cover the costs of food, bedding, and other care needs for an existing classroom pet.

The online application is direct and easy to complete. Learn more at www.PetsintheClassroom.org.

 

Real Impact in the Classroom

A recent survey of over 1,300 teachers who received grants revealed stunning results:

It’s no surprise that teachers overwhelmingly report that classroom pets help students regulate their emotions, build confidence, and foster a sense of responsibility.

 

Here’s what teachers shared:

My students love helping me take care of the gerbils. They offer to do their daily care, filling water bottle, feeding, and changing “litter box.” They help with full cage cleanings and bring in cardboard for them. The gerbils have brought extra joy and laughter to my classroom, and my students have practiced working together as they care for them.

~2025 Teacher Survey Respondent

 

My student who was very timid has now made lots of friends because he was taking care of Bobby, our bearded lizard. Kids gravitated to him and befriended him.

~2025 Teacher Survey Respondent

 

I have multiple students that have gone from being somewhat indifferent to engaged (and requesting to take on a responsibility with the tank)! As a science teacher, it has provided an opportunity to link many of our lessons to something tangible, which has increased interest for several students!

~2025 Teacher Survey Respondent

 

I work with students who have disabilities and some had very little speech. Having our pet has greatly increased their verbal skills and social skills. I’m so grateful for this opportunity.

~2025 Teacher Survey Respondent

 

Pets in the Classroom has greatly increased student engagement and responsibilities. Our bearded dragon, Chubbs is an integral part of our day to day classroom life and is a valued member of our classroom family. I highly recommend Pets in the Classroom to promote engagement, social emotional learning as well as developing a sense of respect for the world around them.

~2025 Teacher Survey Respondent

 

Expanding the Impact

In addition to small animal grants, the Dogs in the Classroom program brings well-trained therapy dog teams into schools through partnerships with national organizations. These visits provide additional emotional and behavioral support for students, especially those experiencing trauma or heightened anxiety.

Why We Need Your Support

Every day, more teachers turn to Pets in the Classroom for help—eager to support students with the academic, social, and emotional tools that pets naturally provide. But grant funding can’t keep up with growing demand.

While our grants help offset the cost, teachers still invest their own time, care, and additional resources into making the classroom pet experience meaningful. Your support ensures we can continue providing these essential grants, reaching more classrooms and more children who need the comfort, responsibility, and connection that pets bring.

That’s why we’re inviting you to join our $9 for 9 Benefits campaign.

For just $9/month, you can help provide students with life-changing academic, social, and emotional benefits, including:

1. Increase in empathy and compassion
2. Increase in student responsibility
3. Increase in student engagement
4. Decrease in anxiety among students
5. Increase in social skills
6. Improvement in self-esteem in students
7. Decrease in necessary student disciplinary measures
8. Improvement in attendance
9. Improvement in test/academic performance

Donate Now and help bring the joy—and benefits—of classroom pets to more students who need them.

Are You a Teacher?

Grants for the 2025–2026 school year are open now! Educators can apply anytime throughout the year. We encourage teachers to research what pet best fits their classroom before applying.

Visit www.PetsintheClassroom.org to learn more and apply today.