With all the allergies children have nowadays...?

Kafergie · Feb 14, 2013

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.

NutmeggeRN, BSN · Feb 14, 2013

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!!!

Flare, ASN, BSN · Feb 14, 2013

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. :sarcastic:

caregiver1977 · Feb 14, 2013

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.

schooldistrictnurse · Feb 14, 2013

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.

Flare, ASN, BSN · Feb 14, 2013

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.

Wave Watcher · Feb 16, 2013

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.

morte, LPN, LVN · Feb 16, 2013

Actually, I think it is the "dander", ie flaking skin, that is the potential problem....

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?

NutmeggeRN, BSN · Feb 18, 2013

Maybe your facilities director can help you. They ( at least mine ) are well versed in environmental impact with in a building.

allnurses Guide · Jan 27, 2016

Lizard found in kindergartner's salad becomes new class pet

Riverside Elementary School science teacher Mark Eastburn told NJ.com the 3-inch green anole lizard was found in a bundle of tatsoi greens last week by a kindergartner.

The lizard had been cold and lifeless after being confined in a refrigerator for days, but has since been warmed and lives in a cage in Eastburn's class.

"It's a really fitting mascot for our science lab," he said...

Lizard found in kindergartner's salad becomes new class pet

AdobeRN · Jan 27, 2016

No class pets. We do have the occasional lizard, turtle, frog/tadpoles, butterflies, lady bugs and even baby chicks for short time periods thru the year to go with whatever science stuff the classes are doing. The animals don't stay long at school, as soon as the unit of study is over the animals go.