I have dedicated this part of "Clark's Ark" to those educational professionals who, like me, either have or are thinking about keeping "classroom pets". I found as much information as I could regarding the best types of classroom pets, each pet's unique characteristics and temperament, and the absolute best way that I could keep the pet not only safe and secure, but happy as well. I urge anyone thinking about purchasing a classroom pet or rescuing pets, as I have done, to complete in-depth research prior to assuming the position of care-taker. You honestly cannot know enough when it comes to taking care of the more "foreign" of classroom pets like snakes, gerbils, and the like.

Some considerations:

1. Can your classroom physically accommodate a proper set up? This includes space for an aquarium, cage, or vivarium, necessary electrical outlets, and a place to securely keep any cleaning supplies, food items or additional items related to the keeping the animal.

2. Can your students be taught to care for and not abuse the classroom pet? This may sound like a dumb question, but many kids simply are not taught how to properly interact with animals which are not "common" (i.e. dogs and cats). I spend a fair amount of time each school year educating my students not only about the animal's unique needs, but their history, lineage and natural environment. Students are then allowed to interact one-on-one with the animal, always under direct supervision, as they exhibit an understanding of how to care for and safely interact with the pet. In my case, the students I serve exhibit severe emotional disturbances (SED) and many also exhibit significant deficits in cognition. While an educator may shy away from exposing a classroom pet to such "high risk" kids, I believe these are the kids which need positive hands-on interaction with animals the most! Studies show there is a direct correlation between the abuse of animals early in life and more explosive and abhorrent behaviors exhibited later in life.

3. Does Administration approve? My Principal places a significant amount of trust in me to not only safeguard the care and welfare of the animals, but of our students as well. To this end, should ANYTHING happen whether to an animal or student it is MY responsibility. When dealing with "wild" animals like snakes, spiders, and even hamsters you have to take into account the possible problems associated with each. This can range from an escaped royal python (actually happened), to the more mundane tasks such as making sure a bottle of Germ-X is always available AND USED each and every time a student or staff touches a critter. Additionally, check with your school district about any "classroom pet policy" they may have. Last year our school board tightened the rules for keeping classroom pets and now each animal in my classroom has to have a written description of the animal, any known threats, proof of secure containment and an emergency plan should an animal escape or child be injured. A talk with the school nurse should be in order as well to identify any children with allergies or asthma.

4. Are you up for it? Let me tell you, properly maintaining a classroom pet can be a chore! If you are not ready or able to interact with that animal daily then do not get one. Consider your winter or spring breaks and how your animal will survive. Consider what you will do if an animal becomes sick. In my case, I'm into reptiles. Each visit to the reptile vet (which was hard to find, by the way), costs from forty dollars and up depending upon the procedure, medicine, etc. The absolute worst thing you can do is bring in a new pet, set it up in a nice enclosure and then FORGET ABOUT IT.... Not only does the animal suffer, but the kids entering your classroom are watching how YOU take care of the critter. If you neglect its care, then why shouldn't your students?

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