As the new school year begins, many teachers may consider adding a pet to their classroom. It sounds cute and fun, but before you make the big leap there are many factors to consider for the safety of your students and the animal.

The American Association for Laboratory Animal Science advises teachers to think first about why they want a classroom pet. Good reasons to adopt a classroom pet include a desire to share your love of animals or a specific learning objective which can only be met by having a pet in the room. If you’re hoping to teach the children responsibility by having a pet, think twice. A child should already have a sense of responsibility before they are asked to care for a pet.

Remember as the teacher, the primary care of the animal will be your job. You’ll need to bring the animal home for weekends and over the Christmas, Spring, and summer breaks. It will also be your responsibility to take the animal to the veterinarian for proper care, buy all the supplies needed to keep the animal safe and healthy, and meet its behavioral and psychological needs.

Deciding which animal to adopt is essential. The Humane Society says many animals do not do well in a classroom setting. Dogs and cats need more social interaction than can be provided by children. Bunnies are cute but sensitive animals-the noise of the classroom, moving from school to home and back, and overhandling by children can cause them to fall ill and die. Lizards are easy to care for but may also carry the risk of salmonella poisoning. Hamsters can also transmit disease to children. And birds tend to be too noisy and disruptive. The Humane Society recommends aquarium fish, rats, gerbils and guinea pigs as the best choices for classroom pets.

It’s best to send a note to parents informing them of your intention to adopt a classroom pet before you get the animal. This gives the parents a chance to warn you if their child has any allergies to animals.

Caring for the pet should be a reward for your students, not a punishment. You’ll need to monitor the children to make sure they are giving the animal food, water, a clean cage, and proper interaction. Establish a schedule and keep records of who completes the task each day. Be sure to put the animal in an area of the classroom that is relatively quiet and out of direct sunlight and drafts. You’ll also need a plan of action in the event that a child is injured by the animal or contracts an infectious disease from the pet. And in the event that your classroom pet dies, decide how you will handle the students’ grief over the loss of the animal.

There are other ways to teach children about animals without committing to a classroom pet. Some parents may be willing to bring their own family pets into your classroom for a special, supervised pet show-and-tell. Just be sure the animal is socialized and that your students understand the rules for interacting with the pet. You might also consider a class birdfeeder hung just outside your window, where students can watch wild birds eat and interact. You can invite an animal conservationist into the class to make a special presentation. Some conservation groups allow classes to adopt a wild animal for learning purposes.  Some good choices include the World Wildlife Fund, the Adopt a Seal program at the Marine Mammal Center and the Adopt an Animal program at the Cincinnati Zoo.
 

For more info: American Association for Laboratory Animal Science brochure on classroom pets