This fall, teachers across the country shared heartfelt stories about the joy, comfort, and learning their classroom pets bring each day. As part of our Grateful for My Class Pet Giveaway, we heard from educators who described how these small animals help students grow socially, emotionally, and academically.

We’re excited to announce this year’s three randomly selected giveaway winners:

• Lindsey Clements
• Kayla Dicus
• Tiffiny Cobbs

Their entries, along with many others, highlighted the remarkable impact classroom pets have on students, from sparking curiosity to easing anxiety to helping students build responsibility and confidence.

Below, we’re sharing real, word-for-word stories from teachers who gave permission to share their experiences. Their voices show why classroom pets continue to play such an important role in today’s learning environments.

How Classroom Pets Support Social Growth

Many teachers described how caring for a pet invites students to work together, practice responsibility, and build community:

“We are thankful for our class pets as they teach us responsibility as we learn to care for their needs, offer calm and comfort during stressful moments, and spark endless curiosity and observation about the natural world. Our fish bring a unique kind of joy and patience into the classroom, fostering an environment of kindness and shared wonder that truly enriches our school day!”

~ Dominique Roche

“Twix loves participating in bingo and being a bingo buddy to students in class! He snacks on carrots while the students are busy dabbing!” ~ Amy Laggis

These simple, everyday interactions help students build connection through shared care.

How Classroom Pets Support Emotional Growth

Teachers also wrote about the comfort, calm, and joy their pets bring to students, often becoming a steady presence during the school day.

One teacher reflected on how their pet brightens the classroom:

“We are so very thankful for our hamster, Gus Gus. He is so calm and patient with all of our students. Students and staff from around the school come to visit our hamster, Gus Gus. He rolls around in his ball during center time watching our students play… We love our Gus Gus, and he has brought so much joy to our classroom.” ~ Kayla Dicus

And students themselves shared how their pet makes a difference:

“When my preschoolers are having a hard time calming themselves down I find they gravitate toward Gus. Watching him swim and eat brings them great joy. They all get so excited when it’s their turn to feed him!”

~ Meagan Hancock

These moments help students feel supported and understood.

How Classroom Pets Support Academic Growth

Teachers consistently share that classroom pets spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and help students connect learning to the world around them:

“We are very thankful for our class pet and our new aquarium for our classroom pet fish! We use the aquarium to learn about ecosystems and students love to look at all the fish swimming around.”

~ Rodonna Jackson

“Our class pet, Bing Bong, has brought so much joy, curiosity, and excitement into our classroom. The students eagerly observe, ask questions, and learn about his care and behavior. He also brings a sense of calm and reassurance. Bing Bong truly enriches our classroom experience.”

~ Stephanie Pearsall

These real stories highlight how pets open the door to deeper thinking, better focus, and true engagement with the learning process.

A Small Pet, A Big Difference

Across all the stories teachers shared, a clear theme emerged: classroom pets help students grow in ways that textbooks alone cannot. They strengthen cooperation, build empathy, reduce stress, and spark excitement for learning – all while creating classroom moments students remember.

Thank you to every teacher who entered this year’s giveaway and shared their heartfelt stories. Your reflections show just how meaningful these classroom companions truly are.