Preschool Teacher Pet Ideas

Finding the ideal pet for a preschool classroom can be a difficult task for numerous reasons, including allergic reactions, the need for gentle handling and cage sizes. According to Child Care Aware, having a pet in a preschool classroom may also help develop the children's social and emotional skills through learning about caring for the preschool pet and through the observance of how animals react when treated nicely.

  1. Guinea Pigs

    • Guinea pigs make excellent pets for preschool-aged children, with the exception that they can't be squeezed too tightly, according to Parenthood. These animals are easily tamed and love to be held. They do not require large housing and their diet consists of alfalfa pellets and alfalfa hay. Fresh vegetables are also an important part of the guinea pig diet.

      Guinea pigs rarely scratch or bite, according to Parenthood, which may reduce fear of animals if the preschool child has any.

    Rats

    • Although rats have a bad reputation for being dirty, sewer dwellers, the cuddly creatures (also available in hairless) are very clean and highly social animals, according to Parenthood. They have a very high level of intelligence and bond quickly with their owners. Rats can easily be taught tricks and games.

      Rats require a gentle touch and large housing accommodation. Rats eat specialized diets sold at pet stores.

    Corn Snakes

    • Corn snakes are great if the preschool teacher is worried about children with allergies, according to Parenthood. They normally grow to be between four and five feet in length and are very docile when handled. They can be housed in a 15- to 20-gallon tank and need a heat lamp or pad.

      Although this non-allergenic pet may sound perfect, there is a downside. Corn snakes need to eat a mouse once a week, according to Parenthood, which may not be appropriate for children to watch.