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healthy pets

Pets in the Classroom


By Lauren Malmberg, Peoria County Animal Protection Services

ost of us can remember having a classroom pet goldfish in a bowl or a guinea pig in a wire cage. Ostensibly, the entire class participated in the care of the pet; the general purpose was to encourage responsibility for a living creature and also learn empathy and respect for other people. Sometimes that plan worked out; sometimes it didnt. Unfortunately, these classroom pets dont always turn out to be an asset. National humane organizations generally dont support or advocate pets in the classroom. The Humane Society of the United States suggests that these animals typically receive less than adequate care and get stressed out and traumatized by the classroom. A school can be a very frightening place for some animals noise, light, smell, and temperature. Sometimes the animals are unintentionally mishandled or treated roughly. In
Page 14 Healthy Cells Magazine Peoria November 2013

most cases, the class cannot provide the best environment for the species selected. Even some physicians caution against classroom pets. As teachers select more exotic animals as pet projects, health concerns arise. Reptiles carry salmonella, rabbits present an allergy threat to many children, ferrets bite, and some animal diets include nuts or seeds which may put allergic children at risk. Of course, any animal can present a risk of bite or injury to children. WebMD offers a Top 10 Worst Classroom Pets list, which includes iguanas, hedgehogs, chinchillas, rabbits, snakes and more. More practical issues need to be considered as well. If the animal becomes sick, who will obtain veterinary care? Most of the pets have special dietary needs and cannot withstand pieces of sandwich or candy in their diet requiring strict monitoring of students feeding.

And, for those children fearful of a particular pet, spending the day in close proximity may create stress and a compromised learning environment. Of course, if the teacher chooses two animals for companionship and get a male and a female, the class may be treated to some sexual education and babies! On the other hand, some educators tout the benefits of keeping an animal in the classroom. They cite the opportunity to observe animal behavior, the chance to learn responsibility and appropriate pet care, and the prospect of developing a respect for life as rationale for obtaining a pet for the class. The animals can also be used for practical learning geography, science, math, social studies, and language. Other benefits are less tangible. Children with pets in the classroom often experience less tension and unrest. The human-animal bond can be very powerful in reaching children who may have learning disabilities or social challenges; animals may be that nonjudgmental force that encourages children to begin to interact with others or come out of their shell. Youth charged with the responsibility of caring for these pets can see directly how their actions or inactions affect others. Still interested in adding a classroom pet? Consider the following:  T he teacher will essentially be the owner of the animal and responsible for care of the animal over the weekend, long holidays and summers. Youll have the cost of acquiring the animal and its food, caging, bedding, and toys. Consider how youll handle it if the pet becomes sick and requires veterinary care.  C hoose an appropriate pet steer clear of exotics or animals with unusual dietary or environmental requirements. Rats, guinea pigs, and mice may be simplest animals to sustain.  E nsure none of your students have allergies that could compromise their health if a classroom pet is acquired.  S ometimes these little companion animals dont live long. How will you handle the unexpected death of a beloved classroom pet?  O f course, when youre ready to get that animal, visit the local animal shelter for possible candidates you can then add that element to the learning component. Your students could then appreciate the aspect of saving a life for their classroom. Should you decide against a classroom pet, many alternatives exist to allow you to incorporate animals into your learning environment. Bring an animal expert into your classroom; a wildlife rehabilitator, dog trainer, cat fancier, beekeeper, or veterinarian can bring animals and discussions about animals straight to your room. Take a field trip to a local animal shelter, the zoo, a wildlife exhibit, or aquarium. Devote a portion of your schools outdoor area to a garden environment with plants and elements designed to attract birds, hummingbirds, butterflies, and more. Children can learn complexities of our natural world. Consider all the advantages and disadvantages before obtaining that classroom pet. Its not for everyone. For more information on classroom pets, contact the Peoria Humane Society at 309672-2447. Looking to find a wonderful pet for your family? Please consider adopting one of our terrific animals, looking for a forever home. Visit: www.peoriacounty.org/pcaps. This article is sponsored by Waggin Tails Doggy Daycare and Resort, Goodfield, IL. Call 309-642-9299 or email: waggintailsresort@gmail.com for your dogs boarding, doggy daycare, and grooming needs.

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November 2013 Peoria Healthy Cells Magazine Page 15

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