Philanthropy at Pet Expo Benefits Thousands of Students

The Power of Pets in Education

The Pets in the Classroom initiative, supported by the Pet Care Trust, has made significant strides in fostering responsible pet care among young learners. During the America’s Family Pet Expo, which took place on November 3-4 in Puyallup, Washington, the Trust's fundraising efforts were in full swing. The event's proceeds are destined to support nearly 50 educators in creating dynamic, pet-inclusive classrooms that will benefit an estimated 2,500 students.

The World Pet Association, the organizer of America’s Family Pet Expo, generously provided complimentary booth space to the Pet Care Trust. This gesture enabled the Trust to engage with attendees through interactive fundraising activities such as a betta fish toss, an aquarium raffle, and a store offering pet supplies at reduced prices.

Engaging Fundraising Activities

• Betta Fish Toss: This playful activity allowed participants to win a betta fish by successfully tossing a ball into a cup, raising $1,329. Hikari USA kindly donated the fish and supplies for this event.
• Aquarium Raffle: Hosted within the "Aquatic Experience" educational exhibit, the raffle offered a chance to win a collection of aquariums and aquatic supplies, contributing $988 to the cause.
• Discounted Pet Supply Store: Approximately $6,000 was raised through the sale of pet supplies, made possible by donations from industry partners such as CaribSea Inc., United Pet Group, Aqueon / Central Aquatics, and several others.

A Legacy of Impact

The Pets in the Classroom program has a commendable track record, having awarded over 20,000 grants and reaching more than 1 million students with the benefits of classroom pets. Steve King, the executive director of the Pet Care Trust, highlighted the crucial role of the World Pet Association and the numerous companies that donated products and prizes in the program's success.

How to Contribute

Those interested in supporting the Pets in the Classroom program can make a donation through the Pet Care Trust's website. A contribution of $150 can sponsor a classroom pet, while $500 can support three classrooms. The Trust aims to reach 5 million children with the gift of a classroom pet, and every donation helps move closer to this goal.

For more information on the Pets in the Classroom grant program and how to contribute, please visit Pets in the Classroom.

The Unspoken Benefits of Classroom Pets

While the fundraising efforts are commendable, the untold story lies in the profound impact pets have on students. Research suggests that classroom pets can lead to improved social skills, empathy, and a reduction in classroom anxiety. A study by the American Humane Association found that 70% of teachers reported an increase in students' empathy after incorporating a pet into their curriculum, and 51% observed a decrease in behavioral problems (American Humane Association).

The Pet Care Trust's initiative not only provides financial support for educators to include pets in their teaching but also promotes a more compassionate, engaged, and inclusive learning environment for students across the country.