Classroom Pets Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Noise, odour and ventilation — Site enclosures away from HVAC intakes and whiteboards, ventilate rooms daily, spot-clean promptly, select low-odour substrates, and reduce exposure during strong odours or high dust by scheduling observation-only sessions until conditions improve.
• Aquariums and water systems — Place tanks on rated stands away from walkways, use drip loops and RCDs for pumps/heaters, keep lids secure, limit pupil access to water changes, and mop spills immediately with signage so glass, electricity and water never combine in busy circulation paths.
• Species choice and legal compliance — Confirm the species is permitted and insured, choose captive-bred low-risk animals suited to classrooms, avoid wild-caught or regulated species, and document housing, handling limits and emergency contacts in a simple care plan signed off by leadership and a named vet/technician.
• Enclosure placement and room layout — Position enclosures off escape routes and away from door swings, secure stands against tipping, protect cables with covers, and keep a clear 1.2 m circulation path so classes can queue, move and evacuate without contacting glass, heaters or trailing leads.
• Allergies and asthma — Identify pupils and staff with animal or bedding allergies in advance, seat them upwind of enclosures, use HEPA-vac cleaning and low-dust substrate, schedule non-contact observation options, and obtain parental consent with agreed opt-outs for high-risk reactions.