Interested in bringing a reptile into the classroom? Pets in the Classroom suggests, before you run down to the local pet shop, consider adopting a pet from one ofyour city’s herpetological groups.  All of the animals available through organizations like the Phoenix Herpetological Society have been rescued or abandoned by their previous owners and are in desperate need of a permanent, loving environment.

The goal is to provide healthy and safe habitats for hundreds of reptile species including turtles, lizards, snakes, alligators, and others.  Along with providing safe housing and relocation for these animals, these herpetological groups are setting out on a venture to educate the public on responsible ownership and proper human-animal interactions.

Some of the ways these organizations accomplish their goals is through school programs and consumer groups and foundations.  The Phoenix Herpetological Society even offers live reptile summer camps for children of all ages.  These programs are composed of educational presentations, arts and crafts projects, and even field trips through the PHS facility.

There are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to reptiles, and most are feared simply because they are misunderstood.  With organizations like PHS at work, kids as young as three years old are getting the opportunity to be exposed to some of the world’s most beautiful creatures.  At Pets in the Classroom, we understand the benefits of introducing children to animals of all kinds and support the furthering of animal education in public schools.

For more information on organizations in your state, visit www.anapsid.org/societies/#us.

To apply for your grant visit us at www.petsintheclassroom.org!