Classroom “Pets”

This fall, PETA hopes students returning to the classroom will find one thing missing: animals. Here’s why we must reshape and rethink education.

As students and teachers head home to avoid spreading the highly contagious coronavirus, classroom “pets” and other animals housed on campus may go weeks without care.

Bettas are beautiful and unique fish with brightly colored bodies and long, flowing fins. Like all fish, they want to be free, in their natural habitat.

It’s easy to incorporate compassion for animals into your curriculum. Just take this kind teacher’s word for it!

A tank can never rival a fish’s natural habitat—and they don’t belong in your classroom.

There are so many ways to teach students about responsibility and animal care WITHOUT keeping live animals in your classroom. Check out the alternatives!

Children becoming ill, animals suffering, and more. No kind teacher wants this.

For educational value, chick-hatching projects miss the mark. Here’s what to do if your school is planning one.

Here’s yet another reason why hermit crabs should never be used as classroom “pets.”