Animals kept in schools and used in educational contexts require the same welfare consideration as any captive animal. Educational animal welfare sets values for the next generation of animal carers.
School animal welfare has educational dimensions beyond the immediate welfare of individual animals. Children who see animals housed in inadequate conditions learn that these conditions are acceptable - a formative welfare lesson that shapes attitudes for life. Children who witness excellent animal care learn to recognise and replicate good welfare practice. School animals in barren, inappropriate housing are a lost educational opportunity as well as a welfare failure. Weekend and holiday care plans are essential before any school animal is acquired - animals that suffer over school breaks are exposed to preventable and often unobserved welfare harm.