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Pets in the Classroom

FAQs

FAQs2022-06-10T18:10:33-07:00
Why are grants only given up to 9th grade?2022-05-11T08:55:55-07:00

Due to limitations in funding, at this time, we can only offer this program through 9th grade.

Who runs the Pets in the Classroom program?2022-05-11T10:05:49-07:00

The Pets in the Classroom is administered by The Pet Care Trust, a non-profit, private foundation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.  Our purpose is to help promote public understanding regarding the value of and right to enjoy companion animals, to enhance knowledge about companion animals through research and education, and to promote professionalism among members of the companion animal community.

Where do I send my receipts?2023-08-18T11:17:01-07:00

We recommend that you keep your original receipts. You will receive an email with instructions for uploading your receipts to your profile.

Where can I get more information on the program?2022-05-11T08:58:10-07:00

Our website has many helpful resources to help a teacher determine the best animals for their classroom, along with care sheets to learn how to best care for your pet, how the program works and even some classroom curriculum ideas. Our website also includes teacher testimonials and students activity pages.

When using the REBATE and SUSTAINING grants, where can I purchase my pet and supplies?2023-08-18T09:09:15-07:00

For Rebate Grants – We prefer you shop at a local, independent pet supply store.  These rebate grants are meant to help support our smaller independent pet retailers. We will also accept receipts from online specialty pet supply stores. *Please note, we cannot accept receipts from Walmart, Target, Etsy).

For Sustaining Grants – You may purchase your supplies or a new pet at ANY pet supply store, including our store partners like PetSmart, Petco, Pet Supplies Plus, Pet Supermarket, and Petland.  We will also accept receipts from online stores that are considered pet supply stores like a Chewy.com. *Please note, we cannot accept receipts from a grocery store, superstore like Walmart, Target or Etsy.

What must you submit for a Sustaining or Rebate grant reimbursement check?2022-08-16T11:19:59-07:00

When using Rebate and Sustaining Grants, you must submit an itemized bill showing what you purchased, how much was spent, as well as your method of payment (i.e. credit card, debit card, PayPal, etc.)

What is the turnaround for reimbursement checks?2023-03-17T08:11:22-07:00

You can usually expect to receive your reimbursement check within 6 to 8 weeks after we receive and LOG in your reimbursement paperwork in to our database.  You can log in with your username and password to check when your reimbursement paperwork was logged in. The 6 to 8 weeks begins from the log in date in the database.

During peak program times, it may take slightly longer to receive your check due to the volume of reimbursements coming in. If you do not receive your reimbursement check at the end of this time window, please reach out to info@petsintheclassroom.org.  Occasionally, submissions get lost in the mail and we want to be sure you receive your grant!

What is the difference between the Certificate Deadline and Expiration Date?2022-06-01T11:57:30-07:00

Any rebate or sustain grant awarded between August 1st and October 31st will have a due date of December 31st   We have established this due date so that all reimbursement paperwork does not arrive at the end of the school year. If you do not get your reimbursement paperwork in by this date, we will still except it.  The FINAL Expiration date of June 30th is the last date to have all reimbursement paperwork post marked to our office for the current school year.

What is a SUSTAINING grant?2022-08-16T11:44:57-07:00

After receiving a regular STORE grant or REBATE grant, teachers are only eligible to apply for a SUSTAINING grant, which can be used to maintain your existing classroom pet.  If you no longer have your original pet, you may use the sustaining grant towards a new pet and supplies. For the 2022-23 school year, we will not be awarding Sustaining Grants for NEW RABBITS in the classroom due to the RHDV2 Virus. Grant amount = $50. You may apply for this grant once every school year.

What is a REBATE grant?2022-08-19T13:45:20-07:00

If you are seeking a classroom pet of a specific species not listed on our website, or if you prefer to shop at an independent pet store, you can apply for a Pets in the Classroom REBATE Grant. Effective 2022-23 school year, no rabbits may be purchased with a Small Animal REBATE Grant due to the RHDV2 Virus. With a REBATE grant the teacher will purchase the pet and supplies, and then submit receipts to The Pet Care Trust for reimbursement. Grants are available for up to $75 (for bird or small animal) or up to $125 (for reptile or aquarium).

What does Zoonotic Disease Mean?2022-05-11T10:10:51-07:00

ALL ANIMALS, can potentially carry zoonotic diseases including viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic diseases contagious to humans.  Humans may become ill after handling the pet, its bedding or fecal matter by introducing viral, bacterial, fungal and/or parasitic organisms into their eyes, mouth, skin or an open sore. In most cases these conditions are treatable, but if left untreated, or if they occur in infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly or immune-compromised individuals, the illness could be serious or (though rare) even fatal.  Young children are at higher risk because their immune systems are still developing and they are more likely than others to put their fingers or other items into their mouths.  Many pets are not suitable for children under 5 years of age. Follow these guidelines to protect your pet and your family: *   Make sure the seller guarantees good health. This should include a money-back guarantee if you discover within some specified period that your pet has signs of disease. *   Get a complete checkup from an authorized avian or exotic animal veterinarian. Do this right away if you’ve just purchased your pet. Seasoned pet owners should book appointments for yearly checkups. *   Eradicate the germs. Wash your hands after handling your pet or anything within the pet’s habitat. If soap and running water are unavailable, use hand sanitizer. For more information see the CDC Healthy Pets Healthy People website.

What can I purchase with my grant certificate?2022-05-11T10:09:19-07:00

You may purchase your pet, its habitat, food, bedding, toys, gravel, filters, lights or anything else required to support your pet to live in your classroom.

What animals do not qualify for our program?2022-12-06T07:26:03-07:00

Cats or dogs, caterpillar/butterfly environments, insects, egg incubators, worm/composting environments, and livestock such as chickens, goats, etc. are not considered pets in the classroom and are not eligible for grant funds. The animals in the program must reside in the classroom.

May I reapply every year?2022-09-12T09:57:53-07:00

The REBATE grant and the regular STORE COUPON grants (from Petco, PetSmart, etc.) are one-time-only grants. You may receive ONE of these grants the first year you apply. After that, you may apply for the SUSTAINING grant to help pay for your pet’s upkeep. Even if you move schools, you will only be eligible for the SUSTAINING GRANT.  You can use the SUSTAINING grant to purchase items such as food, bedding, or a larger habitat. You may also use the SUSTAINING grant to purchase another animal for your classroom (for example, if you need to replace your original pet or want to purchase a new one.) You may apply for the SUSTAINING GRANT every school calendar year.  

I’ve changed schools since I applied for my grant. Can I give my grant certificates/coupons to another teacher?2022-05-11T09:01:42-07:00

Grants are not transferable once awarded; if you are unable to use your grant certificate/coupons, you must send them back to the Pet Care Trust, or destroy them and notify us that you are unable to use the grant.   Your colleagues are welcome to apply for a grant of their own through our website.

Is there anywhere to post pictures of our pets?2022-05-11T10:11:33-07:00

You may send photos or students’ drawings depicting your classroom pet to the address at the bottom of this page. We sometimes upload pictures to our website as testimonials to help promote the benefits to having a classroom pet. If you are interested in allowing us to use your photos and stories for the promotion of the program, you can share them with us at  www.dbf9eaf4ed.nxcli.io/share. You may also post photos and share how your pet has impacted your classroom by connecting with us on Facebook,Twitter or Instagram (#petsintheclassroom).

Is there a deadline to apply for a grant?2022-05-11T09:05:38-07:00

Grant applications are accepted from August 1 through June 1st each year.

I have a therapy dog who loves children and I bring him into class with me, does he qualify for this program?2022-06-01T12:00:28-07:00

Contact us to learn about becoming a registered handler with Pet Partners.

I didn’t hear anything about my grant. What should I do?2023-08-18T09:12:33-07:00

If you have waited at least 2 to 3 weeks (possibly more during high volume times) remember to check your spam folder. If you listed your personal email as your primary email on your account, grant information would have been sent there. After checking your email and spam if you still do not see anything you can email info@petsintheclassroom.org.

I am a school principal, can I apply for a teacher(s) at my school?2022-05-11T09:09:39-07:00

No.  Each teacher must complete their own application.  The application includes space for the principal’s name and email address.  By completing that portion of the application, the applicant confirms they have received approval from their principal to host a pet in their classroom.

How soon should I hear something about my grant?2023-08-18T09:07:22-07:00

For a regular store coupon grant, you should receive an email notification within 2-3 weeks of when you apply. (Please remember to check your SPAM folder). If approved, you should receive your coupons by email after your approval (Please remember to check your SPAM folder).  For the REBATE and SUSTAINING grants, you should receive an email from us within 2-3 weeks of when you apply (Again, check your SPAM folder). If you do not hear anything from us regarding your grant after 2-3 weeks, you may contact us at info@petsintheclassroom.org.  PLEASE KEEP IN MIND: During times of very high volume (August – October), it may take a little longer to get approvals and coupon emails out to you. We appreciate your patience as we have a very small staff processing thousands of grants weekly.

How do I know if I qualify for a grant?2022-08-16T11:43:32-07:00

At this time, teachers in public or private schools from Pre-K through 9th grade level will qualify.   School librarians are also eligible to apply. High School grades 10-12, Homeschools, Home Daycare Centers and Home-based preschools do not qualify at this time.

Do I need to bring anything with me to redeem my coupon benefits?2022-08-16T11:33:19-07:00

Yes, you need to have the original coupon and a valid school ID or driver’s license. Please also bring a copy of the store cover letter provided with your coupons.

Do I have to use all my coupons at the same time?2022-05-11T08:59:28-07:00

No, you can use your store coupons separately as long as they are the originals and they are redeemed prior to the expiration date. No copies will be accepted.

Can I adopt a classroom pet through the grant program?2022-08-16T11:38:43-07:00

YES!  The Pets in the Classroom grant program encourages teachers to rescue or adopt a pet through a reputable source. While we do not provide funding for adoption fees at this time, we support adoption by reimbursing the supply costs through our REBATE and SUSTAINING grants. With a REBATE grant the teacher can purchase the habitat and supplies, and then submit receipts to The Pet Care Trust for reimbursement. Grants are available for up to $75 (for bird or small animal) or up to $125 (for reptile or aquarium). If you have already received a grant through our program, you can apply for a SUSTAINING grant, which allows $50 toward the purchase of supplies.

Are Rabbits recommended as Pets?2023-08-18T09:13:10-07:00

Rabbits are not being recommended as pets for the 2023-24 school year due to the issues associated with the RHDV2 Virus. Learn more: https://www.dbf9eaf4ed.nxcli.io/rabbit-hemorrhagic-disease-guidance-from-pets-in-the-classroom-program/

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