Caring for our pets

Over 58.4 million animals are kept as pets in the UK*, so it's important we understand what they need to be happy and healthy. Does your class know how to care for their pets?

This set of activities aims to make children aware of pets as living animals with needs and feelings. They'll learn that pets should be handled carefully and only when it is appropriate to do so. They'll also investigate the responsibility of pet owners to meet the needs of their pets and to keep them happy and healthy.

Caring for our pets lesson plan

Supporting materials

Factsheets

Pets' needs

Teacher notes

Supporting presentations

Interactive Resources

These resources are great for involving the whole class on an interactive whiteboard, or in smaller groups or individually on laptops and tablets.

Find out how much you know about animal needs
Play the Five Needs Spinner
Can you help Jamal find the best home for his dog Rocky?
Play an interactive game about Jamal and Rocky.

^{* [Pet Food Manufacturers' Association (PFMA) 2015].}