Pets in the Classroom Pros and Cons

Classroom pets are amazingly beneficial for teaching children the values of love, care, affection, and responsibilities. However, lots of thoughts and preparations are essential for keeping pets in the classroom. Meeting all needs of animals at the classroom is a major challenge. Having pets in the classroom is a brilliant idea, but it still needs careful implementation on the part of the Teacher involved with the children.

1. Pets in the Classroom

Having “Pets in the classroom” seems to be very exciting and tempting for students, it’s such a fun way of learning. However, holiday care, veterinary treatment, and taking proper care of animals are really challenging. Here are the pros and cons of keeping pets in a classroom.

• Pros: Many teachers believe bringing “Pets in the Classroom” is a smarter and effective way to teach the student, about responsibility, care, and animal science.
• Cons: When the students pay much more attention to the animals rather than listening to the teacher.

2. Class Pets

Here we will take a close look at some of the common pets used in Classrooms

• Bearded Dragon: Despite the scary and fierce name the Bearded Dragon is very calm and gentle by nature. According to a survey, Bearded Dragon comfortably adjusts in the classroom atmosphere.
• Rabbit: Like Bearded Dragon, Rabbits also get familiar in just few days with the classroom climate. They require minimal handling care and exhibit good level of tolerance.
• Rats: These are favourites among the small children. They are minimal maintenance class pets. They are intelligent, and their diet includes vegetables, dry food and fruits.
• Dogs: While not usually allowed in classrooms, if a student has a registered ‘emotional support dog’, these can sometimes be allowed in classrooms, especially with older students or college classes.

3. Facts about Classroom Pets

Below is a brief compilation of facts about some of commonly found but exotic Classroom pets.

i) Pet Turtle

• Pet Turtles have minimum lifespan of 15 to 25 years.
• Pet turtles live in semi aquatic climates.
• They are brilliant swimmers and can require an aquarium that’s at least 56 gallons in volume.
• Turtles are usually active during the day time.

ii) Guinea Pigs (as Pets)

Thinking of keeping a pet but don’t want to take any responsibility? How about a Guinea Pig?

• Guinea Pigs are minimal maintenance & make very cute pets. Kids simply love to be with them.
• Guinea Pigs have a long-life span of seven to eight years.

iii) Slider Turtle

Red eyed Slider Turtles are the most popular among aquatic turtle species.  This is a popular Pet in the United States

• They do not hibernate, but they actually “Brumate”, become very less active, and rarely come on the surface for feeding and breathing.
• The sex of Slider Turtle is determined by the incubation temperature of eggs.

iv) Pet Bunny

They are winsome and brimming with personality. Pet Bunny is a wonderful indoors pet.

• It makes a great Pet in the Classroom.
• Rabbits are social animals, they love to engage with their surrounding environment.
• With proper care & nutrition, pet bunny can live up to 9 years.

v) Best Pet Turtles

Besides being your loved ones inside your homes, some of the other species of turtles which can potentially be a great choice as “Classroom Pets”.

• For e.g. African Aquatic Side neck Turtle, Central American Wood Turtle, Painted Turtle, Caspian Pound Turtle etc.

4. Easy Pets

Though following pets fall under the squeamish category, these are also some of the most easy pets to handle which can handle themselves on their own.

• For e.g.:- Hissing cockroach, Ball Python Morphs, Boa constrictor, Gecko, Chameleons and Iguana

5. Pets Animal Essay

Since times immemorial, it has been proved that man and animals are “best of friends”. Unlike we humans, animals serve us selflessly and sometimes become our best friends. Dog is said to be a man’s best friend. Numerous tales and stories have been told regarding how a dog has guarded, saved, rescued and served his master. Loyalty is one trait of dogs which we all humans love.

Pets are nature’s way of bonding different elements and forms of life together. We all love the loyalty of dogs, the cleverness of cats and social nature of our pet bunny rabbits. We should always have a positive attitude and learn these qualities of care, respect and loyalty from animals, only then we can realize our true potential and excel in all forms of life.