Teachers' Pets Are Not Everybody's Favorites

By Joetta L. Sack

From guinea pigs to fish, from cats to even tarantulas, pets have long been beloved diversions in classrooms.

But with new concerns over air quality in schools and the cleanliness of classrooms that house animals, it seems that such pets increasingly have to find new homes.

The issue is deeply emotional for students, who often bond with pets, and for teachers who rely on them to promote learning. District officials say they must weigh those benefits,...