Apr
21
Written by:
NJVMA Admin
4/21/2011 10:35 AM
Being a pet owner is quite possibly one of the greatest joys in life, however, with it comes a tremendous level of responsibility which tends to be underestimated. A number of animals end-up in over-crowded animal shelters annually, and education is a key step towards driving down these numbers. .JPG)
No pet deserves to be neglected, which is why the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association (NJVMA) commissioned the NJVMA Teaching Grant Program. The program provides teaching guide and other resources to teachers in an effort to educate students on the obligations and responsibilities that come with owning a pet.
The NJVMA Teaching Grant Program allows teachers to purchase supplies and develop education activities that teach children about the responsibilities associated with pet ownership.
Mrs. Debra McDonagh, a teacher at Belleville School Three, is a recipient of the 2010 NJVMA Teaching Grant and her students are featured in these images while visiting the Arlington Dog & Cat Hospital in Kearny, NJ. The grant gave her the opp
portunity to provide 5th and 6th grade students with new and interesting curriculum on proper pet care.
McDonagh, with the resources given to her from the grant program, was able to coordinate a visit to the Arlington Dog & Cat Hospital where students met with Dr. Marguerite Hoey on February 16th. Dr. Hoey gave the students a tour of the hospital and showcased the daily responsibilities of a veterinarian.
The grant program provides a unique hands-on learning experience for student as it educates them on the joy and the responsibilities associated with owning a pet.
Applications were considered based on the teacher's use of the teaching guide, the degree of community integration achieved, how well they would teach the fundamentals about the human-animal bond and the need to keep pets healthy. 
NJVMA will provided up to $750 for supplies per grantee, and each grantee was asked to submit a final report on the program, an expended funds report, and individual projects and pictures undertaken by the students.
NJVMA grantees were also provided with service learning training, veterinarians as guest speakers, and information on animal wellness issues.
This program creates an excellent learning environment for students, and teaches students the necessary care animal’s need in order to live happy, healthy lives.