October is Emotional Wellness Month, a time to focus on the mental and emotional well-being of our students. For teachers across the country, one surprising but powerful tool for supporting emotional health is a classroom pet.

Through the Pets in the Classroom and Dogs in the Classroom programs, thousands of educators have seen firsthand how animals help students manage emotions, reduce stress, and build resilience. In fact, in our most recent survey of grant recipients, 94% of respondents reported a reduction in student anxiety thanks to their classroom pet.

This focus on emotional support is critical: according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 1 in 6 U.S. youth ages 6–17 experience a mental health condition each year. With so many children affected, simple, daily supports like classroom pets can make a meaningful difference.

Comfort in the Classroom

Teacher Danielle Pfeilmeier shared, “Having our hamster has really helped with the social and emotional well-being of my students. They calm down when watching or holding him, and it gives them something positive to focus on when they are upset.”

Building Empathy and Cooperation

Emotional wellness also grows when students learn empathy and compassion. Teacher Stephanie Titone explained, “I didn’t realize how much of a difference a classroom pet would have on empathy and cooperation. Students who have conflict are happy to cooperate to care for the pet. Students who are atypical are easily included in the pet experience.”

Purpose and Self-Esteem

For some children, caring for a pet gives them a sense of purpose. Teacher Cindy Clarke reflected, “I have a student who is very active and needs to be helpful for her self-esteem. She takes care of our leopard gecko daily and this helps her to give her a sense of purpose and responsibility.”

Practical Ways to Use Classroom Pets for Emotional Health

Teachers often find that the presence of a classroom pet naturally benefits students’ emotional wellness—but intentional practices can maximize the impact:

• Mindful Moments: Allow students a few quiet minutes to observe or interact with the pet when they feel anxious. Watching a fish swim or petting a guinea pig can serve as a natural calming exercise.
• Emotion Check-Ins: Pair student responsibilities with reflection. For example, when feeding or caring for the pet, invite students to share how they’re feeling that day.
• Safe Space Companion: Encourage students to spend a few minutes with the pet when they’re upset or overwhelmed. This can help them self-regulate before rejoining class activities.
• Responsibility Rotation: Assign rotating pet-care roles. Students gain structure and purpose while practicing responsibility—an important part of emotional resilience.
• Therapy Dog Visits: If your school participates in Dogs in the Classroom, use therapy dog time for stress breaks, journaling sessions, or group conversations about empathy and compassion.

These practices not only support emotional health but also integrate into the daily routine of the classroom.

Why It Matters

In today’s world, students face growing pressures that can lead to anxiety, isolation, and low self-esteem. Classroom pets create a safe, calming presence that can not only improve emotional wellness but also foster social growth (through cooperation and responsibility) and academic growth (through greater engagement and motivation).

As Teacher Amanda Wiltjer explained, “My hamster has been a source of comfort, emotional support, and helps ease social anxiety in my classroom. I have had students come to my room just to be able to hold the hamster because they needed that comfort that only a pet can give. I have seen students go from being extremely upset to calm and ready to learn just from holding our pet.”

A Call to Support

Thanks to sponsors, supporters, and donors, more than 10.5 million children have experienced the benefits of classroom pets. This Emotional Wellness Month, we invite you to continue supporting these programs—because when we help students care for pets, we’re also helping them care for themselves and one another.

Learn more or get involved at www.petsintheclassroom.org.