Classrooms can get a little hectic around the holidays, with special decorations, activities, parties and treats.  Don’t forget your classroom pet’s needs in the midstofholiday celebrations.  Even though your class schedule may change due to special holiday events, make sure your classroom pet stays on a consistent schedule of feeding, watering, general care and activity periods.

Pets in the Classroom encourages extra supervision of your classroom pet, especially if there are decorations in the room that might endanger your pet – holiday lights, garlands, candy and decorative materials like fake snow are best kept away from animals that may nibble or get tangled.  Children’s energy level around the holiday break can skyrocket, so be sure to stick to carefully supervising handling of your classroom pet.  Be sure your pet has some quiet time and a place to stay safe during holiday celebrations.

Of course, you will need to make arrangements for care of your classroom pet over holiday weekends and winter break.  Be sure to send clear instructions and veterinary information with your pet if it is being cared for by classroom families or other volunteers.

Gifts for your classroom pet make great teacher gifts – check with your pet retailer for suggested treats, toys, or items to enhance your pet’s classroom environment and let students know that you would welcome gifts for your pet.  Always supervise amounts and frequency of treats and other changes to your classroom pet’s daily routine.

With a little planning, your classroom pet can enjoy happy holidays in your care.

Happy Holidays from Pets in the Classroom!

Bringing a new animal into your classroom is exciting for everyone.  You’ve got a lot on your plate now: researching your pet, getting your pet comfortable in its newhome, incorporating your pet into the curriculum, and keeping your pet safe and healthy.  It may seem like a lot of responsibility, but having a plan and the right information available to you will make the transition an easy one. Veterinarians are excellent resources for teachers who have classroom pets.

Pets in the Classroom knows it is important to have a veterinarian for your pet.  There are many options, so make sure you look for a vet that both you and your animal feel comfortable with, and is experienced in treating the kind of animal you have.  Once you make your pick, your vet will help you set up a pet care program that is right for your pet. Keep a record of any vaccines or other care received by the pet.  You never know when a situation could arise where you’ll need that information available.  Other important things to have on record are phone numbers for your vet and other agencies, like a poison control hotline.  This record is important to send with the pet during breaks and when the pet is being cared for outside of the classroom.

This may seem unnecessary, but being prepared for any situation will help to keep your pet safe.  Most veterinarians will recommend that you have a plan for how to manage any injuries should they arise, and will outline the signs that show your pet’s happy and well cared for. Having a vet you can turn to for advice and care when needed is an excellent resource for a healthy classroom pet.

If you have any questions about having a classroom pet please visit us at www.petsintheclassroom.org, or for your grant application.

Children have a natural attraction to and curiosity about animals, but having a pet in the classroom provides more than just an interesting pastime for students.  Working with classroom pets provides kids with valuable social skills. There are many different small mammals, reptiles and fish suitable as a classroom pet. The African Dwarf Frog is a perfect example.

African dwarf frogs make interesting classroom pets that students might not otherwise have exposure to.  They are easy to care for and fascinating to observe.  Dwarf frogs will need an aquarium with about one gallon of water per frog.  The aquarium does not need to be heated as long as temperature is maintained above 70 degrees.  The bottom of the tank can be left bare, making pickup of waste and uneaten food easy with a turkey baster, or you can use sand or aquarium gravel.  Larger gravel or marbles should not be used, because the frogs can get trapped under heavier pieces.  Of course, clean your tank when needed – every week or two.

Provide your frogs with plants to create a natural environment and offer hiding places.  If you choose artifical plants, use silk plants so they don’t scratch the frogs.  Your African dwarf frogs will want other hiding places, so you can choose from various aquarium decorations that might provide a cave or spot under a bridge to hide in.

Feeding your African dwarf frogs can be fun.  Ask your pet store professional what type of food to try with your frogs.  Some suggestions are live guppy fry, freeze dried brine shrimp or bloodworms, or earthworms cut into bite-sized pieces.  You can drop the food into the tank, or onto a small feeding plate within the tank. You can also feed your frogs by hand, by holding the food between your fingers in the water.  They may be afraid of your hand at first, but will begin to associate your fingers with food. You can tap the side of the aquarium gently when it is feeding time, and they will also begin to associate the tapping with feeding and come over when you tap!  This will also make them more fun to interact with, as they will be less shy around people if they are hand fed.

Do you want a pet for your classroom? Do you have a classroom pet, but would like help with supplies? Visit Pets in the Classroom and apply for your grant. It’s easy, it’s fast, and pets are fun!

One way to use your Pets in the Classroom grant is to adopt a pet.  There are many local rescue groups that serve small mammals, reptiles and birds, and find them stable, new homes for the pet’s lifetime.  Pets in the Classroom encourages all teachers to commit to their new classroom pet for its lifetime, and you may find a local rescue group that will agree to place a pet with you.

Petfinder.com is a great place to start your search for an adoptable pet.  You can search by type of animal or by zip code, and refine your search by size, gender, and specific breeds.  Did you know there are rescue groups for everything from snakes to rabbits to guinea pigs to rats?  Searching Petfinder.com’s database will give you access to listings of available pets and requirements of various local rescue groups.  You can then contact individual rescue groups to start a dialogue.

Most rescue groups have an adoption application and process you will need to go through.  If you are approved to adopt, most groups have an adoption contract and fee.  Most rescue groups provide valuable ongoing resources for their adopters regarding care of your new pet, so you’ll have someone to turn to with questions about feeding, behavior and care of the animal.  Many rescue animals are kept in foster homes, which is a benefit because the foster “parent” has interacted with the pet and has information on temperament, preferences of the pet and behavior that is very helpful.  They’ll know which pet will be best suited to life in a classroom and can help you make the most appropriate choice.

When looking for your new classroom pet, take a look at Petfinder.com and consider adopting. With your guidance and commitment, an unwanted pet can have a great new home in your classroom!

To apply for your grant just visit www.petsintheclassroom.org.

If spiders don’t give you the shivers, they can make fascinating pets.  Tarantulas are among the most popular pets and there are over 800 species of Theraphosidae that are native to a variety of areas and climates.  Before deciding on a tarantula for your classroom pet, you’ll need to know a little something about them.

The best tarantulas for beginners are the slower-moving burrowing types such as Chilean Rose, Costa Rican Zebra, Mexican Redknee, Desert/Mexican Blonde or Curly Hair Tarantula.  Female tarantulas generally live longer than males – sometimes up to 20 years!  When purchasing a tarantula, find out the scientific name, age and sex of the spider so you will know how to best care for it.

Tarantulas don’t need a large enclosure, but they do need substrate to burrow in, a hiding place, and a secure, ventilated top to the enclosure.  They are not social, and should be housed individually.  Once you know the requirements of your species of tarantula, you can determine proper temperature and humidity levels.  You may need to mist the enclosure once per week, or more frequently.  The tarantula’s water dish should be shallow to prevent drowning.  Most tarantulas don’t need to eat daily, but require a steady diet of crickets and other insects.

Handling the tarantula is not generally recommended, although they can become acclimated to being held on the palm of the hand. Spiders are easily injured if they jump or fall, and even a minor fall can be fatal.  They can bite if provoked, resulting a bite much like a bee sting, and some species have hairs that can be irritating to the skin.  Tarantulas can be a fascinating addition to your classroom study as students observe its behavior, feeding and molting process as it grows.

Pets in the Classroom is an educational grant program, to help you have a classroom pet for your students. Grants up to $150.00 are awarded to teachers, K-6th Grade, in Canada and the USA. Go to www.petsintheclassroom.org and apply for your grant online.

MONROVIA, Calif. (Sept. 28, 2010) – SuperZoo, the national show for pet retailers, experienced a substantial increase in the number of exhibitors and attendees at the 2010 show hosted recently at The Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.  Currently in its sixth year in Las Vegas, the three-day industry trade show noted an almost 14 percent increase in the number of exhibitors over the previous year and hosted more than 10,000 attendees, establishing a record-breaking event for the show’s producer, the World Pet Association (WPA).

“WPA is thrilled to report the success of SuperZoo 2010,” said Doug Poindexter, president of the World Pet Association. “We remain dedicated to providing the most valuable experience possible for our exhibitors and attendees and look forward to another great show in 2011,” Poindexter said.

Managed by the WPA, formerly the World Wide Pet Industry Association, SuperZoo attracts exhibitors and attendees from around the world with unique trade show features such as SuperZoo University, a pet industry education program which offers seminars covering important topics within the industry to help educate exhibitors on ways to improve their businesses. Other unique features include The Club at SuperZoo and the Groomer’s SuperShow, which awards more than $45,000 in prizing through the Groomer Super Jackpot contest and Creative Styling competitions.

In addition to hosting thousands of pet industry professionals, SuperZoo also supports the local community by hosting Rescue Rodeo, which challenges groomers to makeover rescue dogs from Las Vegas-area shelters. In addition to the prize money awarded to the winning groomers, shelters that provided the winning dogs received a cash donation.  This year’s competition attracted the largest turnout yet, with more than 44 local dogs participating in Rescue Rodeo.

World Pet Association also backed a charity fundraiser at SuperZoo for the nonprofit groups, Pets in the Classroom and Canine Cancer Foundation. Pets in the Classroom is a program geared towards educating youth on the joys and responsibilities surrounding pet ownership through providing classrooms with pets. The Canine Cancer Foundation is dedicated to eliminating cancer in dogs by funding research. Sponsored by ET Horn, this first year event raised more than $13,000 to be split between the two organizations.

SuperZoo also awarded annual “New Product” awards at the show in eight categories. The award process allows buyers the opportunity to vote on their favorite items from the New Product Showcase during the first day of the show. The following winners were announced at SuperZoo:

“New Product” Awards Winners

• Overall Best in Show
  1. United Pet Group – Tetra Fauna Viquarium
  2. United Pet Group – Waterfall Globe Aquarium
  3. Arms Reach Concepts – Co-Sleeper Brand Pet Bunk Bed

• Aquatic
  1. United Pet Group – Waterfall Globe Aquarium
  2. Timberline Live Pet Foods – Betta Bugs
  3. Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp. – Fluval Chi Glass Aquarium Kit

• Bird Products
  1. Kaytee/Super Pet –  Kaytee Nature’s Benefits
  2. A&E Cage Co. – Java Wood Table Top Stand

• Cat Products
  1. Lucky Litter LLC Dba Brilliant Pet – FroliCat™ SWAY™
  2. The OurPet’s Company – PlayNSqueak AT NIGHT Cat Toys
  3. The Green Pet Shop – Kat Pak

• Dog Products
  1. TechNiche International – Cooling Dog Coat
  2. All Four Paws – The Chill Collar
  3. Arms Reach Concepts – Co-Sleeper Brand Pet  Bunk Bed

• Miscellaneous Products
  1. Lixit Corporation – Poultry Food + Water Dish
  2. Jarden Animal Solutions – Outlaw Clipper

• Reptile Products
  1. United Pet Group – TetraFauna Viquarium
  2. Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp. – Exo-Terra Nano Glass Terrarium
  3. Zoo Med Labs, Inc. – ReptiBator

• Small-Animal Products
  1. JW Pet Company Inc. – PetVille Roll-A-Coaster
  2. Kaytee / Super Pet – Super Pet Critter Trail Habitat
  3. Kaytee / Super Pet – Super Pet Treat-Pet-Play

SuperZoo generated considerable media buzz in Las Vegas, attracting reporters from Las Vegas Review-Journal and all local broadcast affiliates, including ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC. The show was also covered by national media outlets BBC America and TLC as well as key trade media within the pet industry.

For more information about SuperZoo, visit www.SuperZoo.org or call (800) 999-7295.

ABOUT THE WORLD PET ASSOCIATION

The World Pet Association (WPA), formerly the World Wide Pet Industry Association, is the oldest industry organization promoting responsible growth and development of the companion pet and related products and services.  As society’s “humanization” of pets grows stronger, WPA knows it is important to inform and educate the general public to ensure safe and healthy lifestyles for our animal friends. WPA plays host to America’s Family Pet Expo, the world’s largest pet and pet products expo, hosted annually in Costa Mesa, Calif., and beginning in July 2011 in Puyallup, Washington The organization also holds SuperZoo (www.superzoo.org), an annual pet industry trade show that showcases a comprehensive collection of exhibits and offers a variety of informative educational seminars known as SuperZoo University.  WPA also offers Pet Industry Briefs, a free weekly e-newsletter providing vital industry information at your fingertips. For more information on WPA or to sign up for Pet Industry Briefs, please visit www.worldpetassociation.org.

Now that school is in and classrooms are organized, one thing that should be created is a log or journal for the classroom pet. This is an important tool in ensuring that your classroom pet receives consistent and proper care at all times. If the pet is cared for outside of the classroom during weekends or breaks, the pet’s journal should accompany the pet, and within the classroom it can be used to track the pet’s care.

Your classroom pet’s journal should include the following:

• Each pet’s name, birth date and where the pet came from
• A description of each pet – species, size, color, etc.
• A record of any vaccines or vet care received by the pet
• A checklist for the pet’s care, including instructions for cleaning, exercise and handling
• A detailed log of daily feeding – type of food and quantity
• Behavioral notes  – things the pet likes or dislikes, habits the pet displays
• Suggested handling techniques

Students can be responsible for tracking all of the information needed for your classroom pet’s care, and this journal can become a valuable resource for your pet’s care. As pets develop, new behaviors are observed, and discoveries are made, they can all be noted in the journal. Just as we leave detailed instructions for those who care for our pets at home when we are away, your classroom pet will benefit from this kind of up-to-date and detailed recordkeeping. If your rabbit prefers carrots over celery, your parakeet is afraid of loud noises, or your hamster sometimes hides in a mound of bedding, noting these things will let everyone know how to best care for your classroom pet.

Pets in the Classroom is an educational grant program designed to help teachers (K-6^th) who would like a classroom pet, or to assist those who presently have animals, in obtaining supplies needed to care for the pet. Our program offers grants of up to $150.00 for the purchase of small animals such as fish, hamsters, birds, as well as supplies. Classroom pets stimulate learning, and enrich the classroom experience, apply for your grant today!

Parakeets can be a bright and cheerful spot in any classroom, with their vibrant colors and happy chatter. Parakeets have a lifespan in captivity of 10-15 years. Theyaresocial birds, enjoying the company of other parakeets. Armed with patience and a few simple techniques, you can train a classroom parakeet to be handled and possibly to talk and play simple games. Parakeets are intelligent and like toys and interaction with humans. In fact, they thrive on attention and interaction.

Parakeets like to fly, so they require a roomy cage that allows for flying and multiple perches for climbing. The cage can also include a cuttlebone for keeping the parakeet’s beak in shape and providing extra calcium, as well as bird mirrors, toys or swings.  Parakeets need fresh food and water everyday, and students can be responsible for washing the bird’s water dish daily, as well as providing a variety of foods. Parakeets can eat commercial seed or pellets, as well as fresh vegetables.

Parakeet cages need to be cleaned thoroughly weekly, and paper cage liners should be changed more frequently. Parakeets like having their cages covered with a cloth at night.

A new parakeet will need time to get used to teacher and students. Students should be encouraged to talk quietly to the parakeet. Once acclimated to the classroom, the bird can be taught to “step up” onto a dowel or finger.  Parakeets can also be taught to take a treat from your hand, and can learn some whistles and words.  There are CDs and books available for parakeet training that could form the basis of an engaging classroom project.

For your grant to have a parakeet as your classroom pet visit Pets in the Classroom, and fill in the online application – it’s easy, fast and convenient!

At Pets in the Classroom, we recognize the fact that there are large numbers of unwanted pets in shelters and in the care of rescue groups across the country. Finding homes willing to adopt homeless pets is the desire of every rescue group; and although adoptions result in a happy life for some pets, that alone does not address the root of the problem. One of the most vital keys to dealing with the issue of homeless pets is education. As long as the attitude that “pets are disposable” exists, the number of discarded and unwanted pets will continue to grow, and shelters and rescue groups will struggle to place these pets in loving, “forever” homes.

Pets in the Classroom strongly encourages teachers to consider the lifelong needs of their classroom pets when selecting a pet for the classroom. Teachers should be prepared to care for their classroom pet year-round, and ensure that the pet is treated as a valued companion throughout its lifetime.  Pet professionals can help teachers understand the lifespan and care requirements for various types of classroom pets, allowing teachers to make an educated choice for their particular classroom.

One of the greatest lessons that pets can teach children is that of responsibility, which is so vital to success in life. Children learn that the pet depends on their care; and with the teacher’s supervision, kids will develop consistent habits and understand the role of pets in our lives through their daily pet care responsibilities.

Pets in the Classroom is dedicated to helping teachers keep their commitment to their classroom pet by offering sustaining grants to teachers with existing classroom pets.  With support from Pets in the Classroom, teachers can purchase food, supplies, and environments for their pets to keep them happy and healthy throughout their lifetime.

Summer is a great time for teachers to research classroom pets in preparation for the students’ return to school in the fall.  Pets in the Classroom makes getting your grant easy, and you will have plenty of time to go out and find everything you need to make your pet’s classroom experience great for the pet and your students.

There are a wide variety of pets to choose from, all with different care and equipment requirements.  You’ll also need to think about what your students are capable of at their particular stage of development.  The classroom pet can help kids develop social skills and responsible, caring behaviors, but a classroom pet should be appropriate for your students’ age and abilities.

Pets have a wide variety of needs – a classroom rabbit will require a different type of care than a snake or a hermit crab.  Familiarize yourself with various pets’ behaviors, habitats, food and water requirements, exercise requirements and probable level of interaction with the kids.  Pets that are less interactive can provide great learning experiences through observing behaviors, as well as in creating and maintaining their specific habitats.

There are also endless ways to incorporate your new classroom pet into your curriculum and creating unique learning opportunities.  As you plan for your upcoming year, you may come up with some surprising ways to inspire your students through your new classroom pet.

We encourage you to explore the wonderful world of classroom pets, and find the pet that is perfect for your classroom! Visit us at www.petsintheclassroom.org