Starting July 1, 2025, even more students in public and private schools across the U.S. and Canada will experience the joy and benefits of classroom pets.

At Pets in the Classroom, we believe that every child deserves the chance to experience the joy, connection, and personal growth that comes from caring for a classroom pet. For over a decade, we’ve made that belief a reality for more than 10.5 million students—providing over 263,000 grants to PreK–9th grade teachers throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Now, we’re thrilled to announce a major milestone: beginning July 1, 2025, the Pets in the Classroom grant program will expand to include high school teachers. This long-awaited change means that PreK–12th grade educators in public and private schools will be eligible to apply for funding to support a classroom pet during the 2025–2026 school year.

Why Expand to High School?

From the start, we’ve heard from teachers at every grade level about the powerful impact classroom pets have on their students. And one request has stood out time and again: “Please include high school teachers!”

Many high school educators have found creative ways to integrate animals into their curriculum—using pets to spark engagement in biology classes, reduce anxiety during testing seasons, or build community in advisory groups. Yet, until now, these teachers haven’t had access to grant support through our program.

“We’ve consistently heard from high school teachers who are eager to bring the benefits of classroom pets to their students—many of whom have been doing so without any financial support,” said Melinda Thomas, Executive Director of the Pet Care Trust. “This expansion allows us to answer that call and help more students experience the joy, connection, and growth that pets can inspire in the classroom.”

The Impact of a Classroom Pet

The benefits of pets in the classroom go far beyond cute moments and fun science lessons. Our annual surveys and educator feedback show that pets have a profound effect on students’ academic and personal development:

  • Improved attendance: Students are more excited to come to school

  • Decreased anxiety: Pets provide emotional regulation and comfort

  • Greater empathy: Children learn to care for and understand others

  • Increased responsibility: Students take ownership of pet care routines

  • Enhanced academic engagement: Lessons become more interactive and meaningful

  • Better classroom culture: Pets promote teamwork, respect, and patience

In fact, 99% of teachers surveyed in 2024 reported that having a pet in the classroom has been a positive experience.

What the Grant Includes

The Pets in the Classroom grant program provides funding for teachers to either introduce a new pet to their classroom or support an existing pet. Grant types include:

  • Store-Specific Grants – Discounted supplies and pets from Petco, PetSmart, Pet Supplies Plus, and Petland

  • Rebate Grants – Reimbursement for purchases made at local pet stores

  • Sustaining Grants – Up to $50 to maintain or replace a classroom pet

We also offer a wide range of resources to help teachers integrate pets into their classrooms, including pet care sheets, STEM-aligned lesson plans, and guidance on choosing the right pet for your classroom environment.

How to Apply or Get Involved

We’re proud of how far the program has come—and even more excited about where it’s headed. With your help, we can continue to bring joy, engagement, and discovery into even more classrooms, one paw, fin, or scale at a time.

Calling All High School Teachers….

Just for Fun

The Grant Process

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