Animals in the classroom can bring a sense of excitement and wonder to the learning environment. Although, this is often a common reason for incorporating pets into the classroom research shows that having a pet in the classroom can provide other benefits in addition to making learning fun. When pets are properly loved and cared for in the classroom they not only enhance science or nature lessons while encouraging responsibility and compassion but research shows that there are many more reasons to include pets in the classroom.

Interacting with pets has been shown to release endorphins into the brain and the Pet Health Council notes that dogs and other animals have been found to help children with autism, as some that are electively mute start to talk to the dog. In a study by the American Humane Association, Phase One findings show that animals provide a relaxing environment when children are stressed or exhibit unstable behavior. This is especially true for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Mary Renck Jalongo, PhD, education professor at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and author of The World of Children and Their Companion Animals found that children are more relaxed and more inclined to feel comfortable reading to a pet than their peers or a teacher. So, if you are hesitant about bringing animals into the classroom know that there are a plethora of reasons why you should!