November is a natural time for reflection and gratitude. As we head into the holiday season, we find ourselves reflecting on the incredible moments happening in classrooms across North America every single day.
At Pets in the Classroom, our mission is simple yet profound: to enhance learning and inspire growth through classroom pets.
This month, we want to express our deepest gratitude to the teachers, supporters, and partners who make this mission possible, share why this work matters so deeply, and outline how you can help us keep these life-changing classroom programs alive.
Grateful for the Little Moments That Make a Big Difference
When teachers bring a pet into the classroom—whether it’s a guinea pig, a gecko, a fish, or a therapy dog—something magical happens. But don’t just take our word for it. Here is how educators across the country describe the unique, survey-backed ways classroom pets impact their students every day:
Fostering Emotional Well-being & Easing Daily Transitions
“Feeding Fishy became a morning routine for one of my students who struggled with goodbyes in the morning. Our classroom pet had a positive impact on our social emotional development this year.”
— Morgan Casey, Oak Valley Elementary (Buellton, CA)
Inspiring Attendance, Academic Drive & Personal Growth
“ I have a student who has social anxiety and would not come to class very often. Once I got Craig, she would show up very often, engage with the bearded dragon and care for him daily. Once I asked her to finish her work before grabbing him, her grades improved and her overall demeanor improved.”
— Tabatha Schacht, Eastlake High School (El Paso, TX)
Sparking Communication & Language Development in Early Learners
“I teach special education preschool and one of the daily jobs is to feed the fish. This is one job the kids fight over because they love it! I have also engaged my younger 3-year-olds students by adding books and puzzles about fish and ocean life nearby the tank so they can work on their language skills.”
— Lisa Thomas, Barnes Early Childhood (Grosse Pointe, MI)
Instilling Daily Responsibility, Routine & Pride
“Everyday it is one of my students’ responsibilities to make sure the fish is fed. They love doing it and as soon as they get to school they do it. Also, when I have to be gone I always get told by the sub that they make sure our fish Bubbles is taken care of.”
— Kloe Sauter, Cannon Ball Elementary (Cannon Ball, ND)
Building Confidence, Participation & Classroom Initiative
“There’s a boy in my class who is usually very quiet and hesitates to participate. When our classroom got a new hamster pet, things started to change. For the first time, he spoke up and shared his knowledge about animals such as how they behave, what they need, and interesting facts he had learned on his own. He seemed noticeably more engaged and even a bit excited while talking, especially when connecting what he knew to the new classroom pet. It was one of the first times many of us saw him actively participate like that. Several other students have showed greater initiative and responsibility in the classroom as well with our class pet.”
— Claudia Kastelik, St. Josephine Bakhita Catholic Elementary School (Kitchener, ON)
These real stories highlight why classroom pets are transformative tools for social, emotional, and academic development.
WHY We Need Your Support: The Reality Behind the Grant Program
While the benefits of classroom pets are proven, funding them can be a major hurdle for teachers.
Many educators pay out of their own pockets for classroom supplies, enrichment materials, and pet care essentials. The Pets in the Classroom Grant Program exists to bridge that gap by providing financial support to Pre-K through 12th-grade teachers for pet purchase, habitat setup, and ongoing food and care.
WHY Your Support Is Critical Right Now
While the impact of a classroom pet is priceless, maintaining and expanding our reach requires sustained financial backing.
Like many educational and nonprofit initiatives, the costs to operate and fund our grant program have increased significantly—from purchasing habitats and essential supplies to maintaining the infrastructure needed to support teachers across the country. We remain committed to keeping our application process open to every eligible educator, but need additional help to bridge the gap and ensure we can provide grants to all teachers who apply.
We firmly believe that a teacher’s personal budget shouldn’t dictate whether their students get to experience the human-animal bond. Our grants ensure that educators are supported in bringing these life-changing learning opportunities into their schools.
How You Can Support the Mission This Season
As we enter the season of giving, here are three impactful ways you can help us reach more students and teachers:
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Make a Direct Donation
Every dollar donated directly funds teacher grants. Whether it helps buy a habitat, starter supplies, or food for the school term, your contribution directly touches a classroom.
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Nominate or Share with a Teacher
Do you know an educator who would love a pet in their classroom? Help us spread the word! Point them toward our hassle-free grant application process so they can bring this experience to their students.
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Partner with Us (Corporate & Industry Champions)
If you represent a brand, retailer, or organization, your sponsorship can power dozens or even hundreds of classrooms nationwide. We love collaborating with our corporate and industry sponsors who share our passion for education and animal welfare.
Together, We Shape the Future
By supporting Pets in the Classroom, you are enabling access, supporting teachers, and nurturing empathy in the next generation.
Thank you for being part of our community and for helping us make pets a meaningful part of every child’s educational journey.
Want to see more impact in action? Follow us on Facebook or Instagram to read heartwarming stories and photos submitted directly by teachers across the country!
