Classroom Pet Grants Now Open for the 2025–26 School Year—Now Available Through 12th Grade!

We’re excited to announce that the Pets in the Classroom grant program is now accepting applications for the 2025–26 school year!

Whether you’re new to classroom pets or seeking continued support, this grant program helps offset the cost of introducing or maintaining a small animal in your classroom. And new this year—grants are now available to teachers through 12th grade in both public and private schools across the U.S. and Canada.

What is Pets in the Classroom?

The Pets in the Classroom grant program was created to provide students with the chance to interact with a classroom pet—a valuable experience that can enhance learning, boost emotional well-being, and promote responsibility. Since 2010, the program has issued more than 262,924 grants, reaching an estimated 10.5 million students.

What the Grant Covers

Our grants help teachers with the cost of purchasing and caring for a classroom pet. Teachers are still expected to contribute financially, which we believe increases investment in the experience and promotes long-term success. Funding options include start-up support for new pets and sustaining grants to help maintain existing ones.

Application Overview

Applying is simple and can be done directly at www.PetsintheClassroom.org. Teachers can choose from several grant types, including partnerships with participating retailers or a reimbursement model for local purchases.

Plan Before You Apply

Although applications are now open, grants are available throughout the school year, so we encourage you to take time to research the right pet for your classroom, explore the responsibilities involved, and review our helpful care resources before submitting your application.

Why Classroom Pets Matter

Research and teacher feedback continue to show that classroom pets contribute to:

• Increased student engagement
• Improved attendance
• Reduced anxiety
• Enhanced empathy and responsibility
• Better social-emotional skills

These benefits are especially impactful in today’s classroom environments.

Get Started

Ready to explore the possibilities? Visit www.PetsintheClassroom.org to learn more about grant types, view classroom resources, and submit your application today.

Let us help you bring the joy—and impact—of a classroom pet to your students this school year!