Pets in the Classroom Program Awarded $10,000 Grant by William H. Donner Foundation

The Pet Care Trust was selected by the William H. Donner Foundation to receive a grant of $10,000 for its Pets in the Classroom Program.  The William H. Donner Foundation makes grants to qualified non-profit organizations for the purpose of advancing thoughtful, creative projects. 

The $10,000 grant from the William H. Donner Foundation will help the Pet Care Trust reach its goal of reaching 30,000 classrooms and impacting one million children by providing teachers with direct, no-hassle grants for the purchase of classroom pets and pet supplies. 

Pet Care Trust Executive Director Steven King expressed appreciation for the funding from William H. Donner Foundation, “We are so honored to be selected by this prestigious organization to support our efforts to bring pets into elementary school classrooms throughout North America.  The Pet Care Trust has distributed more than 5,800 classroom pet grants since the program began less than two years ago. With an average grant of $125, the Donner Foundation will allow us to fund 80 more classrooms, bringing the joy of a classroom pet to 2,400 children.”

The Pets in the Classroom program benefits students by teaching them responsible, long-term pet care at an early age and providing the psychological and developmental benefits associated with the human-animal bond.  Studies have shown that caring for pets has a positive effect on children, improving school attendance and teaching children responsibility, as well as encouraging nurturing and building self esteem.

For more information on the Pets in the Classroom program, visit www.PetsintheClassroom.org.