Many teachers wonder about the benefits of adding a pet to their classroom – will it really stimulate learning and provide emotional and developmental benefits?  The subject of children’s bond with pets has been studied repeatedly over the last fifty years, in an effort to learn more about this special relationship.

To the casual observer it might seem obvious that children walking into a classroom would be excited by and gravitate to a live creature.  Children are naturally curious, and seeing something new is exciting.  But studies have shown that the bond between children and pets goes far beyond curiosity.  In a 1998 study of the emotional bond between children and pets, Sandra L. Triebenbacher concluded that “The benefits of pet ownership and attachment to animals include minimizing emotional trauma, helping to alleviate some emotional problems as well as fear and loneliness, to lessen anxiety during times of stress, to promote good mental and physical health for both children and adults, and provide noncontingent unconditional love and opportunities for affection.”

Triebenbacher found that children conveyed their love to animals through touch and through care-giving responsibilities such as feeding.   In his 1995 paper on classroom animals, Craig Naherniak concluded, “If there is one thing that is most important for children to realize, it is that they share a world with other beings who have needs similar but not identical to theirs.  This understanding helps to develop the child’s confidence, empathy and respect for others.”  Having a pet in the classroom allows teachers to provide children with ways to develop these valuable skills.

For more information on how teachers can provide thier students with the opportunity to develop through a classroom pet, visit www.PetsintheClassroom.org.

Deadline Extended on APPA’s 3^rd Annual National Children’s Pet Poetry Contest

Third, fourth and fifth grade students nationwide have until Monday, February 14, 2011 at 5:00pm EST to submit their entry!

Greenwich, CT – American Pet Products Association (APPA) President, Bob Vetere announced today that the organization’s 3^rd Annual National Children’s Pet Poetry Contest deadline for submissions has been extended to Monday, February 14, 2011 at 5:00pm EST.

Third, fourth and fifth grade students are invited to write a unique poem about their pets, what they love about them, the joys they bring, and then post it on-line at www.petsaddlife.org or mail their final poem and submission form to: Pets Add Life, 45 Winter Street, Reno, NV 89503.

Two students 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 receive a $1,000 scholarship to spend on pet related education.

To learn more about APPA’s National Children’s Pet Poetry Contest, visit www.petsaddlife.org or contact Kerry Sutherland at The Impetus Agency, 775.322.4022 or kerry@theimpetusagency.com.

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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.