As November arrives and the season of gratitude fills the air, many teachers are reflecting on what makes their classrooms special.

For countless educators, that gratitude begins with a small but mighty presence: their classroom pet.

Big Lessons from Little Companions

Whether it is a curious hamster, a gentle guinea pig, a calm fish, or a friendly lizard, classroom pets bring daily moments of joy, comfort, and connection.
Teachers tell us that their pets do more than brighten the classroom; they help students grow in remarkable ways.

[Hamster] Ham Sandwich, has become so much more than a furry friend—she’s a quiet champion of growth, empathy, and connection. Since joining our classroom, Ham has had a powerful impact on our young learners in ways we couldn’t have predicted.    From day one, the children were drawn to Ham’s tiny paws, twitchy nose, and energetic personality. But more importantly, they began to show care and responsibility. Children who were shy or hesitant to join group activities began volunteering to help with Ham’s care—offering food, gently helping refill her water, or just observing her as she burrowed and explored. These simple tasks encouraged patience, turn-taking, and the use of gentle hands—essential skills for our developing toddlers. Ham Sandwich may be small, but the love and learning she inspires in our classroom are anything but. She’s helped us build a more nurturing, connected, and compassionate learning environment—and we’re so lucky to have her.           

~ Miriam Doggett

When students feed, clean, and care for their pet, they learn responsibility and teamwork. When they pause to observe quietly, they practice patience and empathy. And when a pet brings calm during a stressful moment, students experience the emotional support that builds confidence and belonging.

It is these everyday lessons, learned through kindness and care, that make classroom pets something to truly be thankful for.

Sharing Gratitude Beyond the Classroom

As we give thanks this month, we also want to recognize the community that makes these experiences possible: the sponsors, donors, and pet lovers who help teachers receive classroom pet grants each year.

If you have ever smiled at your class hamster’s antics, seen your students work together to care for a pet, or watched a shy child open up through an animal’s companionship, you know how special these moments are.

This November, take a moment to celebrate them. Share your stories, photos, and reflections on what your classroom pet has brought to your students using #PetsTeachUs and tag @petsintheclassroom so we can share in your gratitude.

Keep the Gratitude Growing

If you would like to extend that gratitude beyond your classroom, consider supporting the Pets in the Classroom program through our $9 for 9 campaign.
For just $9 a month, you can help provide classroom pets to students nationwide, sharing the 9 proven benefits of classroom pets:

• Social Growth: Empathy, Responsibility, Teamwork
• Emotional Growth: Confidence, Calm, Cooperation
• Academic Growth: Engagement, Attendance, Achievement

Your monthly gift helps teachers and students continue to experience the joy and life lessons that pets bring every day.

Learn more or start giving at petsintheclassroom.org/give-9-a-month-and-help-students-thrive.

A Month to Be Thankful

Classroom pets remind us to pause, appreciate the little things, and care for one another, lessons that feel especially meaningful this time of year.

From everyone at Pets in the Classroom, thank you for helping create classrooms full of compassion, curiosity, and care.

Here’s to a November filled with gratitude, wagging tails, gentle squeaks, and happy hearts.