The inclusion of animals in educational settings: the educators perspective

Vardy, EJ ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7825-2270, Finka, LR ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0053-1675 and Sweeney, BF, 2025. The inclusion of animals in educational settings: the educators perspective. People and Animals: The International Journal of Research and Practice, 8 (1): 2. ISSN 2575-9078

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Abstract

The inclusion of animals within educational settings is not a new phenomenon, although the last several decades have certainly seen a growth in popularity. Despite increased uptake, little is known about the ways animals are typically being included within educational settings, and the nature of sessions that are being undertaken. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore, from the perspectives of educators, the general risks and benefits to both students and animals of including animals in schools, the types of activities undertaken, species included and their associated management, and the perceived impact on both students and animals. Fourteen educators from UK primary, secondary, and special (schools for children with additional educational needs) schools participated in semistructured online interviews. To assist in the creation of a cohesive narrative from the dialogues generated, interview data were analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis approach. Substantial variation was noted regarding the way sessions were structured, their goals, and anticipated outcomes. Despite the variations in delivery, educators felt the inclusion of animals within school had a positive impact on students, specifically student well-being. A key concern highlighted from the interviews was the lack of guidance and support for educational settings regarding the undertaking, general management, and regulation of the animals. To ensure the safe and effective inclusion of animals in educational settings, collaborative support from a range of stakeholders including educators, policy makers, and animal welfare charities is necessary.

Item Type:	Journal article
Publication Title:	People and Animals: The International Journal of Research and Practice
Creators:	Vardy, E.J., Finka, L.R. and Sweeney, B.F.
Publisher:	International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations
Date:	2025
Volume:	8
Number:	1
ISSN:	2575-9078
Identifiers:	Number Type 2253990 Other
Rights:	The following uses are always permitted to the author(s) and do not require further permission from Purdue e-Pubs provided the author does not alter the format or content of the articles, including the copyright notification: Posting of the article on the author(s) personal website, provided that the website is non-commercial; Posting of the article on the internet as part of a non-commercial open access institutional repository or other non-commercial open access publication site affiliated with the author(s)'s place of employment (e.g., a Phrenology professor at the University of Southern North Dakota can have her article appear in the University of Southern North Dakota's Department of Phrenology online publication series); Posting of the article on a non-commercial course website for a course being taught by the author at the university or college employing the author.
Divisions:	Schools > School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences Schools > School of Social Sciences
Record created by:	Jonathan Gallacher
Date Added:	21 Jan 2025 09:26
Last Modified:	21 Jan 2026 08:11
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/52874

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