The Pets in the Classroom Program, an educational grants program, was established by the Pet Care Trust
in 2009 to assist teachers in obtaining or maintaining classroom pets. The program is to reach 30,000 class-
rooms and impact one-million children. The Pets in the Classroom program benefits students by teaching
them responsible, long-term pet care at an early age and providing the psychological and developmental
benefits associated with the human-animal bond. Studies have shown that caring for pets has a positive
effect on children, improving school attendance and teaching children responsibility, as well as encouraging nurturing and building self-esteem. The Pet Care Trust recognizes that teachers often have limited resources
to enhance their classrooms and curriculum. Through a simple online application process, teachers can be-
come eligible to receive grants of $50 to sup- port existing classroom pets, or $100-$150 to purchase or adopt a new pet and required equipment.
in 2009 to assist teachers in obtaining or maintaining classroom pets. The program is to reach 30,000 class-
rooms and impact one-million children. The Pets in the Classroom program benefits students by teaching
them responsible, long-term pet care at an early age and providing the psychological and developmental
benefits associated with the human-animal bond. Studies have shown that caring for pets has a positive
effect on children, improving school attendance and teaching children responsibility, as well as encouraging nurturing and building self-esteem. The Pet Care Trust recognizes that teachers often have limited resources
to enhance their classrooms and curriculum. Through a simple online application process, teachers can be-
come eligible to receive grants of $50 to sup- port existing classroom pets, or $100-$150 to purchase or adopt a new pet and required equipment.