Ensure that every student washes his hands before and after handling the classroom pet. Reptiles such as snakes, lizards and turtles may carry salmonella, making them a potential health hazard for students and adults in the classroom. For this reason, good hygiene is essential. If you are concerned, consider a rule that prohibits students from touching the pet. If the pet is placed on a table or other surface in the classroom, sanitize the location thoroughly with a bleach solution.
Ensure the safety of your class pet by establishing rules about proper handling. For example, you might ask that students only touch the pet during designated times when you are able to supervise the interaction. Ask students to sit down on the floor while holding the pet, which will lessen the likelihood of the pet becoming injured due to a student running or moving around while holding the pet. Show students how to properly hold the reptile so that it is comfortable and will not try to bite or otherwise hurt the student holding it. Make certain that all doors are windows are closed before students handle the pet so that it cannot escape.
Create rules that prohibit students from feeding your class pet unless instructed to do so. This will ensure that students do not place foods into the cage that might injure the pet, such as candy or other food items. In addition, explain to students that nonfood items like paper, erasers, pencils, staples or paper clips should never be placed inside the cage, as the pet may try to swallow these items and become injured or killed.
Create rules that keep the reptile safe from inhumane treatment. Do not allow students to play with the reptile as they would with a toy. Discuss with students some of the behaviors that might injure the class pet, such as squeezing it too tightly or throwing it on the floor. In addition, educate students on how to act if the pet bites or frightens them.