Cats and Dogs in the classroom: Is this normal? Or even legal?

I have recently found out that per my son's teacher's initiative, their classroom will get a visit from Bobbi and the strays, which is apparently an organization that takes in homeless animals. The woman who runs the place will be coming in with her dog and bring in cats into the classroom. There a quite a few children in the room who are allergic to cats and the teacher just said: "Just make sure to take Benadryl before school."

I can't say I am very happy about this whole thing. First of all, animals, especially animals that were just recently strays, do not belong in a 1st grade classroom. I can only imagine the kind of stuff they have on them!!! Second of all, to be so nonchalant that a 7 year old needs to take benydryl in the morning? I myself suffer from bad allergies and my daughter is severely allergic to animal hair (so much so that we can not go for playdates to her friend's house who happen to own a dachshund.). I know how it feel to take that stuff!

Being on Benadryl is NOT fun! It makes you feel sleepy, wiped-out and downright unproductive. Not even the so called "non-drowsy" one can change that! THey are all drowsy, unfortunately. Giving it to a child before a full school day so that they can interact with a bunch of cats? Is that really such a necessary experience?

I am really concerned about this situation and was looking for opinions from other parents. Is this something that happens in other schools and is permissible?

Re: Cats and Dogs in the classroom: Is this normal? Or even legal?

It shouldn't be allowed if it's known a child is allergic to it!! We have a therapy dog that comes in once a week, but it's different because I work with autistic children and it's beneficial. We make certain no one has allergies prior. If someone is allergic, the dog doesn't come to that classroom.
I'd be pissed!!!!

Re: Cats and Dogs in the classroom: Is this normal? Or even legal?

THank you!!

I am really appalled that this teacher, who, from what I understand is a cat lover, would essentially jeopardize the well-being of her students to push her cause.

I don't know what to do. I am not a big fan of making trouble, and my son doesn't have allergies. However, i am not too keen on him being in the classroom when the animals are there or touching them.

Re: Cats and Dogs in the classroom: Is this normal? Or even legal?

This idea is absurd.
If it is that importnt to have animals in school, I am sure there is a multipurpose room available to those interested. I am unsure what the necessity is for this type of event.

Re: Cats and Dogs in the classroom: Is this normal? Or even legal?

I have heard this and my friend said she makes her son who is allergic lave the classroom during the visit. Maybe if ou talk to the teacher they can make alternate arrangements for your child during the time of the visit?

I wouldnd't give my kids the meds before school if it made them out of it. I know my kids get so zonked out from benadryl.

Re: Cats and Dogs in the classroom: Is this normal? Or even legal?

In addition to allergies, many DC have legitimate, true, full-blown fears of animals. School is supposed to be a safe place for kids. If they truly have a fear, they shouldn't have to be forced to be in a closed room with animals. That could be very traumatic to certain kids.

Re: Cats and Dogs in the classroom: Is this normal? Or even legal?

Absurd, and if the principal doesn't do something to appease everyone, I would be contacting the school board

Re: Cats and Dogs in the classroom: Is this normal? Or even legal?

This is crazy. Why in the world would a school allow strays (strays that they are not fully aware of the history) in a school with children??

My kids don't have allergies, aren't afraid of dogs but without a doubt this should not be allowed.

Liability issues aside, what is the point of this? So the kids go home & beg for pets?

Re: Cats and Dogs in the classroom: Is this normal? Or even legal?

I'd be livid. No way would my kids be going to school that day if that program wasn't pulled.

Re: Cats and Dogs in the classroom: Is this normal? Or even legal?

Thank you, everyone, for validation of my concern!

I actually contacted one of the class moms, whose daughter has life-threatenning allergies, and I know is definitely very allergic to cats, and asked for her thoughts on the issue. She told me that she literally just emailed the teacher a few minutes before getting my message. She asked if this event can be moved to a more opened space, like the gym area, but hasn't gotten a reply yet. She also said that she will discuss with the teacher whether there will be a permission slip where people can express their level of comfortableness regarding their child's interaction with the animals.

So, hopefully, this will be resolved!

Re: Cats and Dogs in the classroom: Is this normal? Or even legal?

I would talk to the teacher and then the principal if it isn't resolved to your liking. There is no reason why children should have to medicate themselves to come to school. Absolutely ridiculous!!

Re: Cats and Dogs in the classroom: Is this normal? Or even legal?

That would annoy me, I prefer not to give my kids benadryll unless it is absolutely necessary. Although my kids school had an assembly with a two legged dog to teach the kids empathy and that disabilities dont limit you, which I felt was beneficial.