When you acquire a classroom pet, you are accepting the ultimate responsibility for the health and welfare of this living creature for its entire life. Please consider the following when choosing a pet:
- What is your own experience level with pets?
- How long are you willing to care for the pet?
- How is the classroom environment/dynamic?
- What is the noise level in your classroom?
- Are you aware of the potential Zoonotic (i.e., diseases that can be transferred from animal to human) risks associated with a specific pet?
- We recommend reviewing the Center for Disease Healthy Pets website for the most up-to-date information: https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/
- Can you afford the costs of caring for your pet?
- Do you have appropriate access to veterinary care?
- Where will the pet be when you are not in the classroom (ex. evenings, weekends, Holidays, and summer recess)?
- Do local laws limit your choice of pet?
- Do you already have pets at home? If so, will your current pet accept another pet of the same or a different species?
- Do you want a pet that can be easily handled?
- Is there potential for students with special medical considerations that would prevent certain pets (allergies, autoimmune diseases, etc.)?
Pet Type | Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced |
---|---|---|---|
Hamster/gerbil/mouse/rat | X | ||
Guinea Pig | X | ||
Chinchilla | X | ||
Parakeet | X | ||
Conure | X | ||
Hermit crab | X | ||
Bearded Dragon | X | ||
Leopard Gecko | X | ||
Ball Python | X | ||
King, Milk, Corn Snake | X | ||
Aquatic Turtle | X | ||
Tortoise | X |
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