One way to use your Pets in the Classroom grant is to adopt a pet.  There are many local rescue groups that serve small mammals, reptiles and birds, and find them stable, new homes for the pet’s lifetime.  Pets in the Classroom encourages all teachers to commit to their new classroom pet for its lifetime, and you may find a local rescue group that will agree to place a pet with you.

Petfinder.com is a great place to start your search for an adoptable pet.  You can search by type of animal or by zip code, and refine your search by size, gender, and specific breeds.  Did you know there are rescue groups for everything from snakes to rabbits to guinea pigs to rats?  Searching Petfinder.com’s database will give you access to listings of available pets and requirements of various local rescue groups.  You can then contact individual rescue groups to start a dialogue.

Most rescue groups have an adoption application and process you will need to go through.  If you are approved to adopt, most groups have an adoption contract and fee.  Most rescue groups provide valuable ongoing resources for their adopters regarding care of your new pet, so you’ll have someone to turn to with questions about feeding, behavior and care of the animal.  Many rescue animals are kept in foster homes, which is a benefit because the foster “parent” has interacted with the pet and has information on temperament, preferences of the pet and behavior that is very helpful.  They’ll know which pet will be best suited to life in a classroom and can help you make the most appropriate choice.

When looking for your new classroom pet, take a look at Petfinder.com and consider adopting. With your guidance and commitment, an unwanted pet can have a great new home in your classroom!

To apply for your grant just visit www.petsintheclassroom.org.