Animals in the Science Classroom: Responsibility, Safety, and Student Learning

Bringing live animals into a classroom is one of the most powerful ways to spark curiosity and help students connect with biology. Caring for a rabbit, observing gerbils, or studying a frog can bring lessons to life while teaching empathy and responsibility. But with this opportunity comes a professional and ethical obligation: ensuring animals are treated humanely and that classrooms remain safe.

The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) position statement Responsible Use of Live Animals and Dissection in the Science Classroom reminds us that animals should always be “properly cared for and treated humanely, responsibly, and ethically”. Teachers, the statement emphasizes, must familiarize themselves with local laws, district policies, and trusted resources before deciding to bring animals into a learning environment.

So what does “properly cared for” really mean? And how can teachers make smart, safe decisions when using animals in science instruction?

What “Proper Care” Means

Proper care is more than food and water. It includes:

• Providing safe, species-appropriate housing.

• Teaching students how to handle animals responsibly.

• Monitoring for signs of pain, illness, or distress.

• Protecting animals from environmental hazards (like cleaners or pesticides).

• Planning for their care during weekends, holidays, or after the project ends.

Teacher Checklist for Animals in the Classroom

To make this responsibility clear, here’s a quick guide adapted from NSTA and the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS):

Do: Responsible Animal Use

• Get approval first — secure administrative consent and follow all laws.

• Prepare yourself — consult reputable guides such as AALAS Caring for Animals.

• Provide proper housing — food, bedding, temperature, and sanitation must meet species needs.

• Plan for long-term care — weekends, vacations, and summer months.

• Teach safety — explain handling rules, allergies, and fears of animals.

• Use purposefully — integrate animals when they genuinely enhance the curriculum.

• Monitor health — watch for symptoms of distress or disease.

• Model stewardship — encourage student participation under supervision.

Don’t: Unsafe or Unethical Practices

• Don’t introduce animals without official approval.

• Don’t release classroom animals into the wild.

• Don’t run experiments that cause pain, stress, or nutritional deficiency.

• Don’t expose animals to pesticides, cleaners, or unsafe environments.

• Don’t use salvaged or questionable specimens.

Dissection Guidelines

Dissection can provide important insights into biology, but it must be handled responsibly.

NSTA recommends that teachers:

• Establish clear learning goals before starting.

• Be sensitive to student beliefs and offer alternatives when requested.

• Choose only reputable suppliers for preserved or fresh specimens.

• Conduct dissections in a safe, ventilated, and organized lab space.

• Require personal protective equipment for all participants.

• Dispose of specimens safely and appropriately.

• Ensure safe, supervised use of sharp instruments.

Reputable Resources

Teachers don’t have to navigate this alone. Excellent resources include:

• AALAS – Caring for Animals: A Guide to Animals in the Classroom (species-specific care sheets, signs of pain/distress, safety planning).

• Kids4Research.org (age-appropriate resources on animal welfare, research, and careers).

• NSTA Position Statement (2005) for guidance on ethics and pedagogy.

• Science Safety – Safer Platform: Two on-demand learning modules, Animals in Schools and Animals in the Classroom, provide guidance on safety, planning, and responsible care practices.

Final Thought

Animals can enrich science classrooms, building responsibility, empathy, and curiosity in students. But they also require careful planning, respect for ethical standards, and attention to both student and animal safety. By following NSTA’s recommendations and consulting reputable resources, teachers can ensure that live animals are not just a novelty, but a meaningful and responsible part of science education.

Watch & Learn:

Hear from a seasoned teacher about the practical realities of keeping classroom pets—setup, risks, and care strategies—all in under 10 minutes.

Colester’s Classroom – Classroom Pets: A Comprehensive Guide to Pets for the Classroom: What Pet Should I get for My Class?

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