Animals in the Classroom Safety Plan
A starter safety plan for a class pet or a visiting animal: bites and scratches, germs, allergies and care over weekends and breaks. Check your district's rules first.
Starting points – Check every row against your district's policy and the venue's rules, and add what is specific to your students.
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This supports, but does not replace, your district's policy. Your principal or administrator must review and approve it.
Before an animal comes to class
Check your district's rules: some don't allow certain animals in classrooms, such as reptiles, amphibians or live poultry, because of the risk of salmonella. Tell families before the animal arrives so they can share allergy concerns with the nurse. The CDC: healthy pets resources for schools and daycares explain which animals are better suited to schools and how to keep students healthy.
Handwashing
Students wash their hands with soap and running water after touching animals, their food or their habitats. Hand sanitizer is not a substitute. Keep food and drinks away from animal areas.
Before
- Check district rules and get approval
- Tell families; check allergies (by initials)
- Plan care over weekends and breaks
Trip day
- Handle only with an adult
- Handwashing with soap and water after contact
Afterward
- Clean habitats away from food areas
- Review how it went
Keep student information out of it
Write "Student A" or initials and say where the confidential plan is kept ("health plans are with the trip leader"). Names, diagnoses, IEP or 504 details and family phone numbers belong in your district's systems, not on a plan that gets printed and handed to chaperones. What you type here stays in this browser.
Sources and further reading
- CDC: healthy pets resources for schools and daycares
- Your district's board policy and administrative rules on field trips, volunteers, medications and student health.
We link to these so you can read the original guidance; we haven't copied it. Your district's policy comes first.
Frequently asked questions
What animals are not recommended in classrooms?
Many districts and health agencies advise against reptiles, amphibians and live poultry in classrooms with young children, because of salmonella. Check your district's rules.
Is hand sanitizer enough after touching animals?
No. Wash hands with soap and running water.
Do I need permission to have a class pet?
Usually yes, from your principal, and you should tell families in advance so allergies can be checked.