The World Pet Association, Hikari USA, and other pet-related businesses donated resources to the Pet Care Trust during America’s Family Pet Expo, held April 15-17 in Orange County, California, and July 8-10 in Puyallup, Washington, in an effort to raise funds for the Pet Care Trust’s Pets in the Classroom grant program. Over $1250 was raised to help teachers enhance their classrooms and curriculum through classroom pets.

Host of America’s Family Pet Expo, the World Pet Association donated booth space to the Pet Care Trust at the annual events conducted in Orange County, California and Puyallup, Washington. The WPA is known for their history of helping animals find their forever homes and educating people on responsible pet care.

During the Expos, the Pet Care Trust hosted a Betta Fish Toss to raise funds for their Pets in the Classroom Program, a grant program supporting responsible pet care in schools by providing direct, fret-free grants to teachers to either purchase or maintain classroom pets. Chris Clevers, President of Hikari Sales USA, was instrumental in the venture’s success, so the money was donated in the name of Hikari USA.

A raffle was also set up at the America’s Pet Expo in Puyallup, Washington, in an effort to raise funds for the Pet Care Trust. Dubbed the “Aquatic Experience,” the educational exhibit raffle was sponsored by Central Pet, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, Carib Sea, Estes, Hikari USA, Segrest Farms, and United Pet Group. Raffle tickets were sold to attendees who qualified to win a 75-gallon bow front aquarium donated by Central Pet. Proceeds were donated to the Pet Care Trust to be used towards the Pets in the Classroom program.

The Pet Care Trust recognizes that teachers often have limited resources to enhance their classrooms and curriculum. The online application process can be found at www.petsintheclassroom.org. Teachers can become eligible to receive grants of $50 to support existing classroom pets, or $100-$150 to purchase or adopt a new pet and required equipment.