The end of the school year is always a hectic time in the classroom.  As you deal with end of the year parties and assemblies,  getting your grades in, and the rising energy levels of your students, don’t forget to make arrangements for your classroom pet!

The best choice for your classroom pet is probably to stay with you, the teacher.  Because you have taken care of the pet throughout the year, you know the pet’s needs and behavior best.  Plus, you know you will provide excellent, consistent care for the pet throughout the summer.  However, if this is not possible, you will need to find someone to care for the pet.

If you have not yet created a care log book, you may want to take some time to write down information about your pet’s behaviors, habitat, food and water requirements, exercise requirements and level of interaction with people.  Write a detailed outline of the feeding and cleaning instructions, veterinarian information and observations on behavior.  This can be a valuable tool when a student’s family or someone else is caring for your classroom pet during the summer months.

It is important to not disrupt your pet too much by moving it from home to home throughout the summer.  Pets can be sensitive to changes in environment and routine, and it is best to keep things as consistent as possible.  When you consider all of the love and positive things your classroom pet brings throughout the school year, take the time to plan for the best possible care for your classroom pet’s summer vacation.