Teacher Grant Program Receives Sizeable Donation

Online, July 12, 2013 (Newswire.com) - Approximately 5,000 students will enjoy the benefits of classroom pets thanks to the assistance of the World Pet Association and other pet-related businesses, who raised over $13,500 for the Pet Care Trust's Pets in the Classroom Grant Program at the 24rth annual America's Family Pet Expo in Orange County, California April 19-21, 2013. The money raised will provide more than 100 teachers with grants to aid them in financing a classroom pet.

Attendees at America's Family Pet Expo had the opportunity to participate in a Betta Fish Toss and aquarium raffle, as well as purchase pet supplies at discounted prices at the Pets in the Classroom store. All of the proceeds from these endeavors go directly toward funding grants for classroom pets. These fundraisers were made possible through the donation of goods and resources from the following pet suppliers and organizations: CaribSea Inc., United Pet Group, Aqueon / Central Aquatics, Seachem Laboratories, Hikari Sales U.S.A. Inc., Fluval / Rolf C. Hagen, U.S.A., Inc., Terrascapes, Cobalt International, Segrest Farms, Sea Dwelling Creatures, Bio Bubble Pets LLC and IAMS. Also, the World Pet Association, host of America's Family Pet Expo, donated the booth space for the activities at their annual event that is known for providing educational fun for pet lovers throughout Southern California.

The Pets in the Classroom program was established by the Pet Care Trust in 2009 to assist teachers in obtaining or maintaining classroom pets. The $13,500 donation will help Pets in the Classroom in attaining their ultimate goal of introducing 5 million children in 100,000 classrooms to pets and the benefits they provide. 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 Grant program, visit www.petsintheclassroom.org.