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Caring for Specialty Pets is easy and fun once you know the basics. PetSmart^® can help you choose the right pets for your class and integrate them into your curriculum. If you’re a pre-K through 6th grade teacher, you may be eligible to receive a grant for a specialty pet and habitat through the Pets in the Classroom program and PetSmart.

Specialty Pets like small pets, fish, reptiles and birds can teach kids about creating emotional connections with living things. “Pets are like a best friend,” says Gail F. Melson, PhD, professor emeritus of developmental studies at Purdue University and the author of Why the Wild Things Are: Animals in the Lives of Children. “They are a strong source of emotional support. Caring for them encourages children to think outside of themselves and become responsible for another being’s welfare.”

Let the learning begin!

Watch a PetSmart^® expert advise you on choosing and caring for your specialty pet

Fancy Rat Fun Fact -Rats are highly intelligent. With practice and training, they can learn their name and come to you when called.

Small Pets

Did you know that mice are highly curious and can fit their bodies through any space their heads can fit into? Adult mice have gotten through holes the size of a dime!

Another rodent, the Guinea Pig, sometimes make a purring sound when he or she is happy. They’ll also “rumblestrut”—a swaying motion accompanied by rumbles or purrs to sound more intimidating.

A third rodent family member, the Hamster, is an active pet who may run up to mile a day. Talk about a great way to teach students the benefits of exercise! Both Hamsters and Guinea Pigs can be handled, once your students learn some basic techniques.

Caring for them is easy, as long as they have essentials like a habitat, food dish, water bottle and hiding area.

Fancy Goldfish Fun Fact - Fancy Goldfish come in a variety of colors and can grow up to 12 inches long.

Freshwater Fish

Did you know that Goldfish don’t have stomachs? But they still need to eat!

Fish are a great way to illustrate basic chemistry and biology principles, like nitrate buildup. In aquariums, nitrates are the natural result of the “nitrogen cycle.” Normally harmless to freshwater fish, nitrates threaten your fish’s health if allowed to grow unchecked. Instructing your students to perform regular, partial water changes is a great opportunity for learning.

With proper feeding and filtration, fish can be left alone over a weekend.

Longtail Lizard Fun Fact - Longtail Lizards have a prehensile tail, meaning they can grasp and hang onto objects liketree branches.

Reptiles

Did you know that many reptiles lack eyelids? But not Leopard Geckos, which can blink and close their eyes when they sleep.

Reptiles are ectothermic, meaning they depend on heat from their environment to warm themselves. Heat is essential for many health reasons, including appetite stimulation and food digestion. Reptile terrariums are designed with a cool side and a warm side to allow pets to regulate their body temperatures.

Without a proper habitat set-up, serious side effects, including potential death of your pet, may occur.

Canary Fun Fact -Canaries are bred for different traits, including color, song voice or other physical aspects.

Birds

Did you know that only male canaries sing? In nature, they hit the high notes to attract females!

In the classroom, birds are an excellent way to discuss science and nature including how they sing, fly and learn words. Although birds require more hands-on care than many other Specialty Pets, they’re fun and entertaining. Because of this, they make great companions at home, too.

You may be eligible for a grant - Learn more

Everything you need to learn,from A to Z.

Watch a PetSmart® expert advise you on choosing and caring for your specialty pet