Your “Pet” in the Classroom

What exactly is a pet in the classroom? Our program defines a classroom pet as a small animal that resides in the classroom, such as a guinea pig, lizard, fish, etc. Our grants do not cover pets that visit the classroom, such as a cat or dog. We also do not cover livestock, egg incubators, worm/composting environments, etc. For more information on what is and is not a classroom pet, be sure to check out our grant terms.



The ULTIMATE Responsibility

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:

Consider Your Classroom

  • How is the classroom environment/dynamic?
  • What is the noise level in your classroom?
  • Where will the pet be when you are not in the classroom (ex. evenings, weekends, Holidays, and summer recess)?

Consider Your Students

  • 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 at https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/
  • Is there potential for students with special medical considerations that would prevent certain pets (allergies, autoimmune diseases, etc.)?
  • Do you want a pet that can be easily handled?

Consider Yourself

  • What is your own experience level with pets?
  • How long are you willing to care for the pet?
  • Can you afford the costs of caring for your pet?
  • Do you have appropriate access to veterinary care?
  • 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?

Classroom Pet Information

To help you make an informed decision, Pets in the Classroom has compiled the following resources so that teachers can easily educate themselves about popular pet choices and how to care for them.

Fish

Dust off your chemistry sets unless, of course, you are a chemistry teacher! When considering a classroom aquarium, be prepared to check the water chemistry parameters frequently! The health of a fish is directly related to the “health” of the water; even common classroom fumes and cleaners can impact water quality.

Before acquiring fish or aquatic pets, it is recommended to set up the aquarium for about 3-4 weeks in advance. This allows for the tank and the filters to cycle appropriately. During this time, it is also recommended to add in products that help promote healthy bacterial growth that will allow appropriate breakdown of fish and food wastes once fish are added.

Fish need a high-quality varied diet sometimes consisting of frozen or even live food to remain healthy. Clean water, appropriate light & temperatures, a suitable environment for the lifetime, and special consideration for “tankmates” are also imperative. It is important to never overstock your fish tank with fish, this can lead to many problems.

Pet fish can also become ill and may benefit from veterinary consultation.

This group of special pets vary tremendously between species and require a lot of research before bringing them to the classroom. Reptiles & amphibians cannot control their own body temperature, and therefore must be housed within specific ranges of temperature and humidity that are known to be best for that species. Proper type and amount of lighting is important for a reptile and amphibians health, as is properly sized housing dependent upon the pet’s lifestage/size.

Some reptiles and amphibians are climbers and require a vertical habitat with branches, whereas others prefer to live on flat surfaces with hiding spaces and plenty of room to run. Some like to burrow, while others spend most of their lives in water. Providing the ideal environment for a reptile or amphibian is not only an educational opportunity for the classroom but also allows you and your students to see the pet’s natural behaviors!

When choosing a reptile or amphibian, make sure to consider if you are able to provide it an appropriate diet; for example, you should not consider a classroom leopard gecko if you are squeamish around bugs or a tortoise if you’re “allergic” to kale! On top of potentially requiring specialized food items, supplementing the diet with calcium and multivitamin supplements, at appropriate frequencies (species and lifestage dependent) should be provided.

Pet reptiles and amphibians can benefit from annual physical exams with a veterinarian comfortable treating these exotic pets. They can also become ill and may benefit from veterinary evaluation more frequently.

Small, furry (sometimes), and adorable…. But don’t be fooled! Despite their small stature, rodents can be a BIG commitment. All small rodents thrive in large escape-proof habitats, but most will enjoy spending time outside their habitat under supervision. Make sure you understand your pet rodent’s housing, dietary needs, social requirements, potential odors and noises, and any other factors that might be challenging for your classroom.

Pet rodents can benefit from annual physical exams with a veterinarian comfortable treating these exotic pets. They can also become ill and may benefit from veterinary evaluation more frequently.

Mice

  • Average lifespan: 1-2 years
  • Slightly more nervous and timid than the other common pet rodents but can still be tame and entertaining!
  • Female mice do well in pairs or small groups, but males will often fight with each other.

Rats

  • Average lifespan: 2-3 years
  • Social little butterflies! Rats thrive in same-sex pairs or groups.
  • They are larger and easier to handle than some smaller rodents, rarely bite, and often become strongly bonded to their humans.

Hamsters

  • Average lifespan: 2-3 years
  • Most hamsters enjoy being housed alone and may tend to fight when housed in same-sex pairs or groups
  • Hamsters are more likely to be active during the evening hours but, just like other rodents, may adapt to some extent to some daytime activity.

Gerbils

  • Average lifespan: 2-3 years
  • Very active and social.
  • Gerbils are happier when housed as a pair or in a small group.
  • Keeping gerbils may be illegal in some states and jurisdictions.

Guinea Pigs

  • Average lifespan: 5-7 years
  • Gentle temperament and VERY social. Guinea pigs do exceptionally well in same sex pairs or groups and often bond to their roommates.
  • Guinea pigs have more demanding dietary needs than other rodents, requiring unlimited fresh timothy hay and occasional vegetables.
  • Require supplemental oral vitamin C. They do not produce their own and must get it from their diet.
  • They can also be more vocal than other rodents.

Chinchillas

  • Average lifespan: 10-15 years
  • Gentle temperament and VERY social. Chinchillas do exceptionally well in same sex pairs or groups and often bond to their roommates.
  • Chinchillas, like Guinea pigs, have more demanding dietary needs than other rodents, requiring unlimited fresh timothy hay.
  • Chinchillas require frequent “dust” baths to keep their fur coat healthy.
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

**Please swipe right / left for full view.**

Still Unsure on a pet choice?

For a more extensive list of animals, the recommended experience level, diet recommendations, etc., check out our Small Mammals + Reptiles, Amphibians, & Invertebrates “Perfect-Pet-Picker.” Preview or download the chart below.