Starting today (8/1), Pets in the Classroom is taking applications for the 2018-2019 school year! Pets in the Classroom is an educational grant program that provides financial support to teachers to purchase and maintain small animals in the classroom. The program was established by the Pet Care Trust to provide children with an opportunity to interact with pets—an experience that can help to shape their lives for years to come.
Please note that grants are NOT first-come, first serve, so you do not have to rush to submit the application today. If you meet the qualifications, you will receive a grant. Teachers are encouraged to wait until they are sure that the animal is the right fit for the classroom before they apply. Teachers often like to involve their students in the decision-making process as well, having students research and then vote on the best animal for their classroom. This is a great team-building project and helps foster a sense of ownership.
If you’ve received a Pets in the Classroom Grant in the past, you are only eligible to apply for a sustaining grant, which can be used to maintain your existing classroom pet. If you no longer have your original pet, you may use the sustaining grant towards a new pet and supplies. You may apply for this grant once every school year. See all the details here!