Pet Food Experts and Pets in the Classroom Unite to Enhance Learning in US Elementary Schools

Pet Food Experts this week announced an impactful partnership with Pets in the Classroom, a national nonprofit committed to enhancing children’s academic and emotional well-being by facilitating the presence of pets in educational environments. Their joint mission is to expand the pilot program of ‘Dogs in the Classroom,’ which aims to introduce certified therapy dogs to more than 350 elementary schools, delivering brain-boosting benefits to young learners.

“We recognize the significant impact that pets can have on the development of young minds,” said Michael Baker, President and CEO at Pet Food Experts. “We are excited to play a pivotal role in expanding the life-changing benefits of the Dogs in the Classroom program. By bringing therapy dogs into even more classrooms, we can make an immense difference in the lives of young learners, nurturing not only their education but also their overall emotional well-being.”

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Pet Food Experts for their exceptionally generous donation, which has enabled us to expand our Dogs in the Classroom reach and equip teachers with an innovative teaching tool — one that not only fosters academic growth but also instills compassion, responsibility and emotional resilience in our children,” said Melinda Thomas, Executive Director of Pets in the Classroom. “Together, we are shaping the future by nurturing young hearts and minds.”

The impressive advantages of therapy dogs in educational settings go beyond mere academic improvements. A multitude of studies has substantiated the profound influence that the presence of these affectionate companions can exert on the growth of children, demonstrating tangible results such as diminished anxiety, heightened concentration and overall enhancement of classroom dynamics. Educators have observed that these reassuring canine allies nurture empathy among students and contribute to a more harmonious learning environment.

Since 2010, Pet Care Trust has made an indelible mark on the educational landscape of the United States through its Pets in the Classroom grant program, extending financial support and the companionships of pets to an astounding 230,000 classrooms, impacting an estimated 9.1 million students across the nation — an experience that can help shape their lives for years to come.

In 2021, Pets in the Classroom solidified a nationwide collaboration with Pet Partners, a leading nonprofit in the animal therapy sector. Together, they initiated the Dogs in the Classroom pilot program, aimed at introducing certified therapy dogs to 100 elementary schools. This preliminary study proved immensely successful, leading to a sudden surge in grant requests from teachers.

To learn more about their transformative program and the benefits of becoming a retail partner or to apply for a grant, visit Pets in the Classroom.