Big Changes Coming to Pets in the Classroom: What Teachers Need to Know for 2025-26

As the school year winds down, now is the perfect time for teachers to reflect on the joys and successes of classroom pets—and to plan ahead for next year’s Pets in the Classroom grant opportunities. With important deadlines approaching and two exciting changes coming to the program, we want to make sure you’re in the know and ready to take full advantage.

Final Deadlines for the 2024-25 School Year

If you’re currently participating in the Pets in the Classroom program or planning to wrap up your grant usage this school year, be sure to mark your calendar:

• May 1, 2025: This is the last day to apply for a Pets in the Classroom grant for the current school year.

• May 31, 2025: All reimbursement paperwork for Rebate or Sustaining grants must be submitted by this date. Don’t forget—your receipts must show proof of payment, such as a credit/debit card charge or PayPal confirmation, in order to be processed.

During the month of June, our grant application portal will be temporarily closed for maintenance. However, teachers can still log into their accounts and access information via www.PetsintheClassroom.org.

What’s New for 2025-26

We’re excited to share two key updates that will make it easier for more teachers to bring the benefits of classroom pets to their students:

1. Earlier Application Start Date

We heard your feedback! Beginning in 2025, grant applications for the new school year will open on July 1st. This change gives teachers more time to plan, prepare, and set up their classroom pet environments before the school year begins.

2. Expanded Eligibility

Previously, our grants were limited to teachers of Pre-K through 9th grade. Starting with the 2025-26 school year, teachers through 12th grade will be eligible to apply! That means high school educators can now apply for grants to support classroom pets, expanding the opportunity to bring animal-assisted learning to even more students.

A Quick Recap

• May 1, 2025 – Final day to apply for a 2024-25 grant

• May 31, 2025 – Deadline to upload receipts for reimbursement

• June 2025 – Grant applications temporarily closed for maintenance

• July 1, 2025 – Grant applications open for the 2025-26 school year

• Now open to PreK–12th grade teachers!

We’re thrilled to continue supporting teachers and students through the power of classroom pets. Whether you’re applying for the first time or returning to care for an existing pet, we’re here to help every step of the way.

Have questions? Visit PetsintheClassroom.org to learn more or log into your account.