The big debate

Should we stop having classroom pets?

Some people want animals at school, but
others think they’re better kept at home.
RS
PETitzPerlAanId and
What you need to know In Sw it is illegal to
,
Sweden one guinea pig
n o nly al
● Many classrooms include small pets ow the anim
that are cared for by students, who because get lonely.
would
give them food and water and
clean their habitat.
● The most popular class pets are
fish, followed by guinea pigs and
hamsters. Other classrooms have
rabbits, hedgehogs, bearded
dragons, or tarantulas.
● Studies show that pets in the
classroom can help improve
students’ social, behavioral, and
academic development.

Yes—school is for learning No—they’re a beneficial bonus

W hether they’re furry, scaly, or slinky, pets
can be an exciting addition to a classroom.
Often, students get to have fun naming the
Classroom pets are adorable, but that’s exactly the
problem. Students will want to play with them all
Caring for animals in class teaches students to take
care of another living thing and helps them learn
animals before taking on the responsibility of day, rather than paying attention to reading, math, responsibility and compassion. Many students
caring for them. Depending on the type of animal, or science. Taking care of class pets requires time don’t have pets at home, so this is their only
kids sometimes even get to hold the pets—with and effort, which isn’t fair to teachers. Even if kids chance to have that experience. Students can also
a teacher’s supervision, of course. While class pets help, the teacher is ultimately responsible for the develop strong emotional bonds with class pets,
can be cute and cuddly, many people are animals and making sure someone takes them which can positively affect their behavior and
concerned that they’re also a distraction for home during school breaks. Noisy classrooms can motivation in school. And kids who are feeling
students and an added responsibility for teachers. also be scary and stressful for pets, which can cause frustrated or upset can spend time with the animal,
And organizations like People for the Ethical health problems. Students and teachers might not which will help them calm down and feel better.
Treatment of Animals have raised concerns about know the best way to care for them, and if the Class pets are also great for learning. There are
the well-being of animals in schools. What do you animals need to see a vet, who will pay the bill for endless ways to incorporate them into math
think? Should we stop having classroom pets? that? Overall, it’s not a great idea. problems, creative writing, or science lessons.

YES Three reasons we should stop having

classroom pets NO Three reasons we should not stop
having classroom pets LAST WEEK’S POLL
Last week, we asked if
1 They’re so cute and entertaining that they
can be a major distraction for students. 1 They help students learn to be responsible,
develop compassion, and understand
other living things.
driverless taxis are a good
idea. Most of you prefer a
2 Teachers unfairly wind up doing most of
the work to care for a classroom pet, like
making sure it has a home over breaks. 2 Class pets can be comforting for students
and create a more relaxed and enjoyable
person behind
the wheel: 36%
5%
64% of you YES
learning environment.
3 Classrooms are loud and hectic, which
isn’t a great environment for animals and
can pose health risks to them. 3 Incorporating class pets into lessons can
make learning fun and interesting.
said no, and
36% said yes.
64%
NO

What do you think? The goal of the big debate is to present two sides
of an issue fairly in order to stimulate discussion and
Now that you’ve read a bit more about this issue, visit kids.theweekjunior.com/polls allow our readers to make up their minds. The views on
so you can vote in our debate. Vote YES if you think we should stop having classroom
GETTY IMAGES

this page do not reflect those of The Week Junior, and

pets or NO if you don’t. We’ll publish the results next week. the page is not funded by third parties.

8 The Week Junior • December 12, 2025