With all the allergies children have nowadays...?

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  1. This is a discussion on With all the allergies children have nowadays...? in School Nursing, part of Nursing Specialties ... Is it a good idea for teachers to have a classroom pet, especially one that has fur? I am talking...

    by Feb 14
    Is it a good idea for teachers to have a classroom pet, especially one that has fur? I am talking about animals like rabbits, hamsters, guineas, etc. Aren't some people allergic to animal fur? Is this only an issue with cats and dogs?
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    by caregiver1977 Feb 14 12:32 pm
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  3. 9 Comments so far...

  4. Feb 14 by
    I think it is a bad idea, but it's an ongoing battle here. Kids can definately be allergic to guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, etc. One teacher here actually had ferrets as class pets! The entire hallway stunk by the end of the year. Administration finally made her take them home.
  5. Feb 14 by
    Quote from Kafergie
    I think it is a bad idea, but it's an ongoing battle here. Kids can definately be allergic to guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, etc. One teacher here actually had ferrets as class pets! The entire hallway stunk by the end of the year. Administration finally made her take them home.
    Ugh!!!
  6. Feb 14 by
    If a teacher wants a fuzzy pet, I tell them they have to let me know AND send a letter home because parents don't always let us know about animal allergies. I try to talk the teacher into getting a lizard of some sort usually, but they usually don't go for it.
  7. Feb 14 by
    I know of a teacher who had a hamster in her room that was known to BITE! She taught special education students who were often easily distracted, and students with behavior problems. The hamster lasted about a day and a half until she was asked to take it home. I don't know what she was thinking.

    There are still other teachers at that school with furry school pets.
  8. Feb 14 by
    I strongly discourage furry pets and was backed up by our indoor air quality committee. I also do not encourage animal "guests" in the classroom. In my district, parents are even encouraged NOT to bring their dog with them if they walk to pick up their child for safety reasons. I like to think they can enjoy all these things on their own time.
  9. Feb 14 by
    on the other hand - we've had classrooms successfully help in training seeing eye puppies (The Seeing Eye -which trains seeing eye/ guide dogs) is located about 15 minutes from where i live. It's been a really enriching experience for both the kids and the dogs. Granted, this is a bit more of a responsibility for a teacher than a gerbil.
  10. Feb 15 by
    Our school has 2 rats that the kids handle. I ask that any animals inside the school need to have a clear health report from the vet first. I don't feel that animals in the school are a good thing. Too many parents are sue happy and it would take just one minor incidence and I guarantee it will hit the news paper and tv.
    caregiver1977 likes this.
  11. Feb 16 by
    Actually, I think it is the "dander", ie flaking skin, that is the potential problem....
    Quote from caregiver1977
    Is it a good idea for teachers to have a classroom pet, especially one that has fur? I am talking about animals like rabbits, hamsters, guineas, etc. Aren't some people allergic to animal fur? Is this only an issue with cats and dogs?
  12. Feb 18 by
    Maybe your facilities director can help you. They ( at least mine ) are well versed in environmental impact with in a building.