Pets in the Classroom was founded to enhance students’ educational and personal development through interaction with pets in their classroom. Our no-hassle grant program supports Pre-K through 12th grade teachers in enhancing students’ educational and personal development through interaction with pets in their classroom. If you meet the qualifications, you will receive a grant. And, not only will we help you purchase your classroom pet and set up its classroom habitat, but we will help you continue caring for it through its lifetime!

Get a Grant Through Pet Supplies Plus

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Pets in the Classroom is proud to partner with Pet Supplies Plus to help teachers bring classroom pets into your local schools.

How it Works

Each educator is eligible for one initial grant per lifetime, and is then eligible for a $50.00 Sustaining grant each school year thereafter. Our grants follow the teacher and not the school.

Who Pets in the Classroom is for?

Our grants are for educators who teach pre-k through 12th grade students in either a public or private school in the US and Canada. But not only teachers can apply! We also invite librarians, guidance counselors, school nurses, school resource officers, daycare providers, etc., to apply for our grants. In other words, so long as you are in schools and supporting students’ enrichment and learning, you are a qualifying educator.

Who Doesn’t Qualify?

Our grant programs are currently designed to help young students and their teachers in the classroom setting. Therefore, in-home daycares, and homeschools do not qualify. If you’re an educator within these parameters, we instead invite you to check out the other resources on our site, such as our lesson plans or coloring sheets.

Choosing the Right Pet for Your Classroom

Your “Pet” in the Classroom

What exactly is a pet in the classroom? Our program defines a classroom pet as a small animal that resides in the classroom, such as a guinea pig, lizard, fish, etc. Our grants do not cover pets that visit the classroom, such as a cat or dog. We also do not cover livestock, egg incubators, worm/composting environments, etc. For more information on what is and is not a classroom pet, be sure to check out our grant terms.

The ULTIMATE Responsibility

When you acquire a classroom pet, you are accepting the ultimate responsibility for the health and welfare of this living creature for its entire life. Please consider the following when choosing a pet:

Consider Your Classroom

  • How is the classroom environment/dynamic?
  • What is the noise level in your classroom?
  • Where will the pet be when you are not in the classroom (ex. evenings, weekends, Holidays, and summer recess)?

Consider Your Students

  • Are you aware of the potential Zoonotic (i.e., diseases that can be transferred from animal to human) risks associated with a specific pet? We recommend reviewing the Center for Disease Healthy Pets website for the most up-to-date information at https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/
  • Is there potential for students with special medical considerations that would prevent certain pets (allergies, autoimmune diseases, etc.)?
  • Do you want a pet that can be easily handled?

Consider Yourself

  • What is your own experience level with pets?
  • How long are you willing to care for the pet?
  • Can you afford the costs of caring for your pet?
  • Do you have appropriate access to veterinary care?
  • Do local laws limit your choice of pet?
  • Do you already have pets at home? If so, will your current pet accept another pet of the same or a different species?

Classroom Pet Information

To help you make an informed decision, Pets in the Classroom has compiled the following resources so that teachers can easily educate themselves about popular pet choices and how to care for them.

New Teacher Application Process (Initial Grants)

After clicking the apply button, you will be prompted to make an account with us. Be sure to use your home/personal email address and not your school/work email address. Once your account is created, the grant application will start with a short eligibility questionnaire. Then you will move forward to the grant application. Carefully read all listed information and instructions on the grant application form. You will need to upload proof of employment, such as an image of your school badge or paystub, as part of the process.

Please be advised that grant applications are reviewed during a 2 week period. Then, applicants are notified of their approval/declination via email within 2 weeks after submitting their application. For more information, review our grant terms.

Start Your Application

After reviewing the information about our grants, eligibility, and pet choices, you can start your Pets in the Classroom grant application below. Find your preferred grant option and press the “Click Here to Apply” button. 

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PET SUPPLIES PLUS

Returning Teacher Application Process (Sustaining Grants)

Pets in the Classroom started using an updated grant system as of June 30, 2025. All new and returning applicants will need to make a new account. Use the LOGIN button to create a new account and to access the application.

SUSTAINING GRANT