FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Pets in the Classroom Grant Program Now Available to 7^th and 8^th Grade Teachers

The Pets in the Classroom Grant Program, established by the Pet Care Trust, is expanding to include 7^th and 8^th grade teachers as eligible for funding for classroom pets and supplies. 

Bel Air, Maryland – Following the tremendous success of the Pets in the Classroom Grant Program to date and numerous requests from teachers of 7^th & 8^th grade classes to be eligible for funding, the Pet Care Trust Board has agreed to expand the program’s reach to those grades beginning in 2012.

Established by the Pet Care Trust in 2009, Pets in the Classroom has provided grants to Pre-Kindergarten through Sixth grade teachers to purchase or adopt a new pet and required equipment or to support existing classroom pets. The Pets in the Classroom program has seen over 7,000  grant requests since the program’s inception.  With an average classroom size of 30 students, the program has brought a pet into the lives of an estimated 210,000 students. The addition of grant availability to 7^th and 8^th grade teachers will help increase the number of children positively influenced through the human-animal bond and the numerous benefits that come from learning about responsible pet care.

“Middle school students will benefit from interaction with classroom pets as much or more than elementary school children,” commented Pet Care Trust president Brent Weinmann. “7^th and 8^th grade teachers will be able to incorporate classroom pets into many study areas, helping their pre-teen students gain a greater understanding of the natural world and responsible pet ownership.”

Weinmann added, “This rapid expansion of grant requests is making our goal to reach one million students very realistic. To reach this number we estimate nearly $3 million in grants will need to be issued, The Trust is looking for companies or individuals willing to help us by sponsoring classrooms. As little as $100 can sponsor a classroom and reach approximately 30 kids.”

For more information on the Pet Care Trust and the Pets in the Classroom grant program, visit www.PetsintheClassroom.org.

Pet Care Trust’s Pets in the Classroom Grant Program Sees Exceptional Growth

The Pets in the Classroom Grant Program, established by the Pet Care Trust, has seen over 7,000  grant requests since the program’s inception two years ago, impacting an estimated 210,000 students.

The Pet Care Trust is pleased to announce that its Pets in the Classroom program received over 7,000 requests for grants in the program’s first two years. Established by the Pet Care Trust in 2009, Pets in the Classroom provides grants to Pre-Kindergarten through Sixth grade teachers to purchase or adopt a new pet and required equipment or to support existing classroom pets.

In 2010, its first full year of operation, the program awarded 2,060 grants to teachers. Having received over 7,000 requests in its two years of operation, The Pets in the Classroom program has more than tripled its number of requests in the second year.  With an average classroom size of 30 students, the Trust has brought a pet into the lives of 210,000 students.

The large increase of applicants in the second year is in part because of the addition of the Petco and PetSmart coupon programs to the Pets in the Classroom program. The Pets in the Classroom website (www.petsintheclassroom.org) was re-launched on August 2 to include Petco and PetSmart coupon programs, in addition to the standard redemption program for independent retailers. On the first day of the re-launch, Pets in the Classroom received more than 50 applications.  This pace continues as nearly 100 requests came in each day in the first five weeks.

The influx of grant requests will assist the Pet Care Trust in attaining their goal of reaching 1 million children in 30,000 classrooms across North America.  While the 7,000 grants are making a great impact, the organization is still a long way from reaching its goal. The Pet Care Trust is looking for companies or individuals that are willing to sponsor classrooms.  A donation of only $100 will help reach 30 students with a program that is instrumental in teaching students responsible, long-term pet care at an early age. Please visit http://www.petsintheclassroom.org/donations/.

For more information on the Pet Care Trust and the Pets in the Classroom grant program, visit www.PetsintheClassroom.org.

The Pet Care Trust is pleased to announce that Brent Weinmann, President and CEO of Vitakraft Sunseed, Inc., has been appointed as President of the Pet Care Trust, a non-profit organization that promotes public understanding regarding the value of and right to enjoy companion animals, enhances knowledge about companion animals through research and education, and promotes professionalism among members of the companion animal community.

Weinmann’ expertise in the pet industry and philanthropic work will be an asset to his leadership role. In addition to being President and CEO of Vitakraft Sunseed, Inc., a manufacturer of pet food and treats, Weinmann is on the board of American Pet Products Association, and has held seats on the boards of Wood Lane industries and Wood County Workforce Policy Board.  He has been on the board of the Pet Care Trust since 2002.

“Brent Weinmann has a long track record of service to the Pet Care Trust as a member of the Board of Trustees,” said Steven King, Executive Director of the Pet Care Trust. “His leadership skills, creativity and devotion to the Trust’s mission will be in evidence even more during his term as president.”

Weinmann will be taking the place of Lew Sutton who has served as the President of the Pet Care Trust for the past 9 years.   “Lew Sutton has helped transform the Pet Care Trust into a vital contributor to a better understanding of the importance of pets in our daily lives,” said Steven King. “Under his leadership, the Trust first created the Fish in the Classroom program, then Pets in the Classroom, which is having a profound impact on school age children throughout the country.”

Sutton’s leadership has left a lasting impact at the Pet Care Trust, an impact that Brent Weinmann plans to expand on in his own presidency.

“I am looking forward to continuing in the strong direction that Lew Sutton provided for 9 years as the President of the Pet Care Trust,” said Weinmann. “I plan to focus on our signature program, Pets in the Classroom. Working with teachers to help give them an opportunity to make pets part of the learning process is exciting.  The Trust has received hundreds of thank you letters, pictures and stories of how student engagement and stimulation increases when animals are part of the curriculum.  Since the beginning of the program the PCT has authorized over  6000 grants to teachers across the country.  This has the potential of enriching the education and lives of nearly 180,000 students.”

For more information on the Pet Care Trust, visit www.PetsintheClassroom.org/about.

The Pet Care Trust was selected to receive a grant of $10,000 for the Pets in the Classroom Program from the William H. Donner Foundation.

Bel Air, Maryland – The Pet Care Trust was selected by the William H. Donner Foundation to receive a grant of $10,000 for its Pets in the Classroom Program.  The William H. Donner Foundation makes grants to qualified non-profit organizations for the purpose of advancing thoughtful, creative projects.

The $10,000 grant from the William H. Donner Foundation will help the Pet Care Trust reach its goal of reaching 30,000 classrooms and impacting one million children by providing teachers with direct, no-hassle grants for the purchase of classroom pets and pet supplies.

Pet Care Trust Executive Director Steven King expressed appreciation for the funding from William H. Donner Foundation, “We are so honored to be selected by this prestigious organization to support our efforts to bring pets into elementary school classrooms throughout North America.  The Pet Care Trust has distributed more than 5,800 classroom pet grants since the program began less than two years ago. With an average grant of $125, the Donner foundation will allow us to fund 80 more classrooms, bringing the joy of a classroom pet to 2,400 children.”

The Pets in the Classroom program benefits students by teaching them responsible, long-term pet care at an early age and providing the psychological and developmental benefits associated with the human-animal bond.  Studies have shown that caring for pets has a positive effect on children, improving school attendance and teaching children responsibility, as well as encouraging nurturing and building self esteem.

For more information on the Pets in the Classroom program, visit www.PetsintheClassroom.org.

Pets in the Classroom wants to encourage you teachers to check out the Pets Add Life Children’s Poetry Contest. Please read the information below for details! 

APPA Announces Expansion to its 4^th Annual Pets Add Life Children’s Poetry Contest

 For the first year, APPA will accept poems from students in grades 3^rd-8^th, which will be considered to win scholarship dollars and other pet prizes-

Calling all creative kids! American Pet Products Association (APPA) will be accepting poems for its 4^th Annual Pets Add Life Children’s Poetry Contest.

“The last three years have not only been successful, but fun,” Bob Vetere, President of APPA said. “We are overwhelmed, year after year, by the number and creativity of poems we receive from kids across the country. This is a great opportunity to get and keep kids excited about pets in a fun and educational way. It was only natural for us to expand the contest in its fourth year to allow for more students to have the opportunity to participate.”

For the first year ever, students in grades 3^rd-8^th are invited to write a unique poem about their pets, what they love about them, the joys they bring, and then post it online at www.PetsAddLife.org or mail their final poem and submission form to: Pets Add Life, 661 Sierra Rose Dr., Reno, NV 89511. Deadline for submissions is January 31, 2012 at 5:00pm EST.

In addition, teachers within our contest grade levels are welcome to incorporate this national contest into their lesson plans, and submit poems in one entry, on behalf of his/her classroom.

One student from each grade level (6 total) nationwide will win a $250 gift certificate for pet products, and a “by-line” in a nationally circulated publication. In addition, the six winning students’ classrooms will each win a $1,000 scholarship to spend on pet related education.

“In past years, winning poems have featured pets from hamsters and birds to dogs that are best friends, kittens and fish,” Vetere said. “And, it has been wonderful to receive updates from our winning teachers who have spent the scholarship dollars on classroom fieldtrips to the zoo, a classroom pet and supplies, and educational materials regarding pet and animal wellness.”

To learn more about the Pets Add Life Children’s Poetry Contest, read previous winning poems, upload your submission, or download a printed submission form, please visit www.petsaddlife.org.

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The American Pet Products Association (APPA) is the leading not-for-profit trade association serving the interests of the pet products industry since 1958.  APPA membership includes nearly1,000 pet product manufacturers, their representatives, importers and livestock suppliers representing both large corporations and growing business enterprises.  APPA’s mission is to promote, develop and advance pet ownership and the pet product industry and to provide the services necessary to help its members prosper. Visit www.americanpetproducts.org for more information.

The Pet Care Trust is pleased to announce that its Pets in the Classroom program received 3,500 requests for grants in the program’s first fifteen months. The program, established by the Pet Care Trust in 2009, provides grants of $100-$150 to purchase or adopt a new pet and required equipment or $50 to support existing classroom pets.

Nearly 1,600 of the grants were redeemed at pet stores for aquariums, guinea pigs, hamsters, reptiles, amphibians and birds. With an average classroom size of 30 students, the Trust has brought a pet into the lives of 48,000 kids.

Some recent additions to the Pets in the Classroom program have helped increase the number of requests. On August 1, the Pets in the Classroom website (http://www.petsintheclassroom.org/) was re-launched to include Petco and PetSmart coupon programs, along with the standard redemption program for independent retailers. Since the re-launch, more than 2,300 grant requests have been received, with 50-60 requests coming in each day. The new coupon programs will aid the Pet Care Trust in attaining their goal of reaching 1 million children in 30,000 classrooms across North America through their popular Pets in the Classroom grants program.

The Pets in the Classroom program benefits students by teaching them responsible, long-term pet care at an early age and providing the psychological and developmental benefits associated with the human-animal bond.  Studies have shown that caring for pets has a positive effect on children, improving school attendance and teaching children responsibility, as well as encouraging nurturing and building self esteem.

For more information on the Pet Care Trust and the Pets in the Classroom grant program, visit http://www.petsintheclassroom.org/.

Steven T. King, CAE

Executive Director

The Pet Care Trust

2105 Laurel Bush Rd., Suite 200

Bel Air, MD 21015

Phone: 443-640-1060 ext. 101

Fax: 443-640-1031

E-mail: steve@ksgroup.org

www.petcaretrust.org

www.petsintheclassroom.org

Teachers Benefit from Fish in the Classroom Program at the Florida Aquarium

The Florida Aquarium trains 232 teachers on curriculum about marine biology through the Fish in the Classroom Program that is funded by the Pet Care Trust.

The Pet Care Trust is pleased to announce that the Fish in the Classroom Program at the Florida Aquarium has continued to impact teachers and their classrooms as a total of 32 teachers participated in the program in the 2010-2011 school year, equaling a total of 232 teachers that have been trained in the program.

The Pet Care Trust began sponsoring the Fish in the Classroom program in 2007 in an effort to train elementary school teachers on how to maintain a freshwater tank and how to teach their students about fish biology and fish keeping. A total of 232 teachers have participated in the one-day workshop that educated them on teaching the Fish in the Classroom curriculum and provided them with a fully equipped aquarium for their classrooms.

Through the support of the Pet Care Trust and the World Pet Association, the Fish in the Classroom program allows teachers to learn about and receive curriculum on fish biology and fish keeping, as well as tank maintenance and preparation including water chemistry. Many schools do not have the funds to support classroom pets or special curriculum, but through the Fish in the Classroom program, teachers can receive the training needed to implement this valuable curriculum on marine biology as well as a 24-gallon tank, accessories and fish for their classroom. Teachers who participate in the program can also apply to their county to receive in-service credit for participating in the program.

Lauren Tyler, Director of Youth Education at the Florida Aquarium has seen the impact of the program both locally and nationally:

We have really valued the support of the Pet Care Trust and The World Pet Association over the past four years. I recently had a call from a teacher in California that found the curriculum on the website and called me! I was both surprised and thrilled to see that the curriculum is still valued and will be used by teachers all over the country.

The Pet Care Trust recognizes that teachers often have limited resources to enhance their classrooms and curriculum.  The non-profit, charitable, public foundation has become instrumental in the funding of programs supporting companion animal welfare and the benefits of owning companion pets as well as the development of educational programs demonstrating the importance of responsible companion animal ownership. In addition to sponsoring the Fish in the Classroom program, The Pet Care Trust also sponsors the Pets in the Classroom Program, a grant program supporting responsible pet care in schools by providing direct, no-hassle grants to teachers to purchase or maintain pets in the classroom.

For more information, please visit www.petsintheclassroom.org.

Pet Industry Businesses and Organizations Unite to Help Promote Proper Pet Care to Today’s Youth

The World Pet Association and other businesses donate space and supplies to raise funds for the Pets in the Classroom Grant Program during America’s Family Pet Expo.

The World Pet Association, Hikari USA, and other pet-related businesses donated resources to the Pet Care Trust during America’s Family Pet Expo, held April 15-17 in Orange County, California, and July 8-10 in Puyallup, Washington, in an effort to raise funds for the Pet Care Trust’s Pets in the Classroom grant program. Through the efforts of these businesses and organizations, over $1251 was raised to help teachers enhance their classrooms and curriculum through classroom pets.

The World Pet Association, host of America’s Family Pet Expo, donated booth space to the Pet Care Trust at the annual events held in Orange County, California and Puyallup, Washington that are known for their notable history of placing animals in forever homes and educating people on responsible pet care. At the Expos, The Pet Care Trust hosted a Betta Fish Toss to raise funds for their Pets in the Classroom program, a grant program supporting responsible pet care in schools by providing direct, no-hassle grants to teachers to purchase or maintain pets in the classroom. The booth raised $1251 for the Pets in the Classroom program. Because Chris Clevers, President of Hikari Sales USA, Inc. was instrumental in the success of the venture, the money was donated in the name of Hikari USA.

In addition to the Betta Fish Toss booth, the World Pet Association set up a raffle at the America’s Family Pet Expo held in Puyallup, Washington to raise funds for the Pet Care Trust. The raffle was held at the educational exhibit called the “Aquatic Experience” that was sponsored by Central Pet, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, Carib Sea, Estes, Hikari USA, Segrest Farms, and United Pet Group. Attendees could purchase a raffle ticket to win a 75 gallon bow front aquarium donated by Central Pet. Proceeds were donated to the Pet Care Trust to be used towards the Pets in the Classroom program.

The Pets in the Classroom program was established by the Pet Care Trust in 2009 to assist teachers in obtaining or maintaining classroom pets. In 2010, 2,066 grants were awarded to teachers. The ultimate goal of the program is to reach 30,000 classrooms and impact one million children. The Pets in the Classroom program benefits students by teaching them responsible, long-term pet care at an early age and providing the psychological and developmental benefits associated with the human-animal bond. Studies have shown that caring for pets has a positive effect on children, improving school attendance and teaching children responsibility, as well as encouraging nurturing and building self esteem.

The Pet Care Trust recognizes that teachers often have limited resources to enhance their classrooms and curriculum. Through a simple, online application process at www.petsintheclassroom.org teachers can become eligible to receive grants of $50 to support existing classroom pets, or $100-$150 to purchase or adopt a new pet and required equipment.

Pets in the Classroom has some exciting news!  Check it out!

Pets in the Classroom Program Launches New PetSmart and PETCO Teacher Grant Program

The Pet Care Trust announced an expansion of their successful Pets in the Classroom program, enhanced by partnerships with leading pet supply retailers, PETCO and PetSmart.

Pets in the Classroom now offers four different grant opportunities for elementary school teachers. The program’s original grant is the Rebate Grant, which provides teachers with the opportunity to purchase a new classroom pet and supplies valued at $100 (small animal and bird) or $150 (fish and reptile) and receive reimbursement from the program for their purchase. Teachers with existing classroom pets can be reimbursed $50 each year by applying for the program’s sustaining grant.

The new PETCO and PetSmart grant offering provides approved teachers with coupons redeemable at PETCO or PetSmart stores for the essential supplies required for the classroom pet, as well as a coupon valued at 50% off the everyday retail price of the live animal.

The updated Pets in the Classroom Grant Application website launched on August 2, 2011. According to Pet Care Trust President, Lew Sutton, “In the first day of our new grant offerings online, we received more than 50 applications.” Sutton says, “It is clear that this is going to reach a lot more teachers through the support of these retail partners and several pet product manufacturers – all of whom have worked diligently with PCT board members and staff to get this program up and running before the start of the new school year.”

The Pet Care Trust is a non-profit, charitable, public foundation that is instrumental in the sponsorship of programs supporting companion animal welfare and the benefits of owning companion pets as well as the development of educational programs demonstrating the importance of responsible companion animal ownership. To date, more than 3,500 grants totaling $441,000 have been awarded to teachers through the Pets in the Classroom program.

For more information, or to apply for a grant, please visit www.petsintheclassroom.org.

Do you have a bird as your classroom pet?  Check out this great opportunity to learn about the basics of avian physiology and care through the American Federation of Aviculture’s newly developed online course, Fundamentals of Aviculture Level II, which was funded with the help of a grant from the Pet Care Trust.

American Federation of Aviculture Opens Online Fundamentals of Aviculture Level II, Avian Education Course Funded by the Pet Care Trust

With the support of a $10,000 grant from the Pet Care Trust, the American Federation of Aviculture (AFA) has completed the development of its Fundamentals of Aviculture Level II online course. This course, along with the Level I course, are designed to provide the basics of avian physiology and care.  According to Rick Jordan of the AFA, “The course takes the student for an educational journey’ through the scientific study of birds, including their classifications, idiosyncrasies, and all the things that make birds so interesting to us.”

Jordan explains that the Fundamentals of Aviculture classes are designed to fill the gap between available scientific data and much needed hand-on education of how to care for, breed or just enjoy birds. “Pet owners, bird breeders, veterinary assistants and veterinarians alike have applauded the Fundamentals of Aviculture courses,” Jordan says. “Whether a student is new to bird keeping or is a seasoned avian enthusiast, there is something for everyone built into the course structure.”  The Level II class and subsequent levels still in the planning stages expand the curriculum from concentrating mostly on parrots to including many other classes and families of birds.

The AFA Level I curriculum has been approved for continuing education credits for veterinarians and veterinary technicians, and the Level II course is expected to receive the same designation.

In January 2010 the Pet Care Trust followed up previous funding support of the AFA Level I curriculum with a supporting grant of $10,000 to the AFA. Jordan says, “Our partnership with the Pet Care Trust has resulted in an affordable online education series that will improve and enrich the lives of pet birds.”

The Pet Care Trust is a non-profit, charitable, public foundation that is instrumental in the sponsorship of programs supporting companion animal welfare and the benefits of owning companion pets as well as the development of educational programs demonstrating the importance of responsible companion animal ownership. The Pet Care Trust funds deserving programs through supporting grants awarded annually to non-profit organizations. In addition, through their Pets in the Classroom program, in 2010 the Pet Care Trust awarded 2066 grants to public and private school teachers in grades Pre-K through 6th grade to support pets in the learning environment.

Contact:

To sign up: http://www.fundamentalsofaviculture.com
Course Admin Email: foatech@earthlink.net
Contact AFA: afaoffice@afabirds.org