Welcome to the Humane Society for Southwest Washington

Critters For Classrooms

January 25, 2009 8:49 PM

Create a unique, hands-on experience for your students.

Hey teachers! What better way to teach your students about responsible pet ownership than through a real-life, hands-on classroom experience! You can encourage your students to show care and compassion towards all living things while providing a safe, warm and loving environment for a homeless pet all at the same time! We can help you engage your students by providing you with a tangible teaching tool that lasts throughout the whole school year.

It is easy and fun!

Through the Critters-4-Classrooms program, you can foster a pocket pet (hamster, guinea pig, domestic rat or rabbit) for the duration of your school year. When it comes time for summer break, you and your classroom can decide to adopt the critter permanently or return it to the Humane Society so that it can be adopted to a loving forever home.

Critters-4-Classrooms participants are required to...

Obtain the necessary permission from parents and school officials to house a classroom critter before submitting a request for a classroom critter.
Provide a safe, clean and permanent area in your classroom to house the critter.
Obtain necessary funding from parents or other sources to properly care for the critter. Care expenses may include bedding, food, treats, toys, comfort shelters and heating elements.
Bring the critter to the Humane Society when requested for scheduled veterinary exams or vaccination boosters.
Notify the Humane Society immediately of any signs of stress or illness in the critter.

The Humane Society will provide...

An age appropriate, 45-minute Humane Education presentation for you and your classroom prior to receiving your classroom critter.
A classroom critter adoption packet which includes an animal history and useful care information for your new critter.
A temperament tested critter with an appropriate cage, tank or terrarium for your classroom.
Veterinary care for your classroom critter including associated vaccinations, medications and grooming (nail trims).
The opportunity to adopt your classroom critter at the end of the school year.

Classroom Critters are offered on a first-come-first-served basis and placement is not guaranteed. Availability of critters is dependent on animals currently available for adoption. For more information about our Critters-4-Classrooms program, please contact our Foster Care Coordinator.