Project Classroom Pet is a four-part program that allows
children to interact with animals on a personal level, even if they
are not permitted to have them at home. We are happy to offer these
services free of charge as one of the ways we can contribute to the
education and well being of the children in our
community.
•§
Classroom Pet
Discount: Because we
understand the value of pets in children’s lives and the
opportunity for growth and learning, we give a 10% standing
discount to teachers who wish to have pets in their classroom. The
discount is valid on pets that will be kept in the classroom as
well as the supplies needed to care for them.
•
Open Purchase
Orders: We offer open
purchase orders to make caring for classroom pets easier. Purchase
orders enable schools and/or groups of teachers to pay for their
items monthly/quarterly. This is especially helpful when a school
budget has to be taken into consideration. Purchase orders can be
prepaid or billed.
•
Class/Group Tours
& Lectures: Teachers are
welcome to bring their students to our store for tours and lectures
on animals they may be studying. Tours can easily be customized to
suit the age of the children, and the points of interest of the
teacher. We ask that there be a minimum of one adult for every
three children third grade and under and one adult for every five
children fourth grade and up. This service is available by
appointment only.
• Classroom
Visitors: Critters are
available to be borrowed, so the children can have them in their
classrooms as short-term visitors. This is especially nice for
schools that do not allow full time pets in the classroom.
Appropriate living conditions must be maintained and enough food
should be purchased for their stay. We must have a valid credit
card number for the teacher. This is our insurance should the
animal not be returned. Some restrictions apply
depending on the species of
animal.
REQUIREMENTS
• Must be able to
furnish proof of affiliation to school or day-care
center
o Daycare and other
home-based situations must have a valid Washington State Business
License.
o Teachers must have
valid school I.D. card or similar.
• Animals eligible for
the “Classroom Pet” discount are limited to small animals, fish and
small reptiles including: hamsters, rats, guinea pigs, small fish
tanks and bowls, anoles, geckos and some snakes etcetera at
manager's discretion.
• Animals eligible for
the “Critter Visitor” program are subject to the same standards as
the “Classroom Pet” plus limited to stock and quantity on
hand.
o With advance notice,
we will make every effort to get your animal of choice, but not all
animals will be available all of the time.
o The length of the
visit is generally limited to two weeks or less.
o Sufficient food and
other necessities may need to be purchased and made available for
the animal at all times. (Items must be purchased at the time of
pick up – standard “Classroom Pet” discounts will
apply.
o The cost of the
animal plus applicable taxes will be calculated and placed on
lay-a-way status. A valid credit card must be presented to cover
that amount should the animal not be returned in good health. You
may be responsible for purchasing other necessities at that time.
Upon return of the animal a general health evaluation will be
completed. With a satisfactory evaluation your lay-a-way status
will be deleted.
• For Tours &
Lectures a minimum of 30 days advance notice is required to ensure
appropriate staffing. Input from teachers is necessary in order to
customize the experience for each group. Keep in mind what animals
you would like to be showcased especially if the visit is in
correlation with a science lesson or badge
requirement. Please be cautious of children with
extreme fear of animals (dogs in particular as we have several
store dogs that run loose most of the time) – we are happy to make
adjustments, but advance preparation is valued.
*Students will go home with a small goodie bag consisting
of a coloring page, samples, coupons and a
treat!*
