Looking for a behavior management tool that your students will actually love? Enter: Desk Pets! These tiny animal erasers turn classroom routines into exciting opportunities for learning, responsibility, and fun.
Desk pets are a big hit in K–3 classrooms (and honestly, older students love them too!). Each student adopts a mini eraser “desk pet” and earns Critter Cash to care for it—buying food, accessories, and even new homes or habitats. Think of it as a reward system, classroom economy, and creative play all rolled into one.
What’s the Desk Pet System All About?
Here’s how it works:
- Students adopt a desk pet with an official adoption certificate.
- They earn Critter Cash through positive behavior, responsibility, and classroom participation.
- They spend their Critter Cash at your classroom Pet Shop to buy food, toys, homes, or adopt new pets!
It’s a fun, tangible way to motivate students and reinforce classroom expectations.
What Is Critter Cash?
Critter Cash is a classroom currency—students earn it for completing work, being helpful, staying focused, or making kind choices. You decide the earning criteria that fit your goals, and you can display them on a poster so students always know how to earn.
Here are a few ideas for earning Critter Cash:
- Finishing all assignments
- Staying on task
- Helping a friend or teacher
- Following classroom rules
- Showing kindness or responsibility
Each week (or whenever you choose), students can visit the Pet Shop to spend their Critter Cash. They’ll LOVE budgeting and planning how to care for their desk pet!
Setting Up Your Classroom Pet Shop
To get started, designate a small space in your classroom for the Pet Shop—a rolling cart, shelf, or desk works great. Use small bins, baskets, or organizers to display:
- Adoptable desk pets
- Food, accessories, and seasonal pet home upgrades
- Price list and receipts (yes, printable receipts are a hit with students!)
You can print the Critter Cash on colored paper or cardstock and laminate it for durability. Give each student a labeled envelope or mini pouch to store their money.
Make a simple price list for the shop, like:
- Food: 3 Critter Cash
- Accessories: 5 Critter Cash
- New Home: 8 Critter Cash
- Adopt a New Pet: 10 Critter Cash
Tip: Assign a “Shopkeeper” as a classroom job to help manage the store!
DIY Desk Pet Homes = Built-In Creativity
To make it extra special, I created a set of Color-Your-Own Desk Pet Homes! These printable paper craft habitats let students personalize and assemble cozy spaces for their pets. It’s the perfect blend of creativity, fine motor skills, and classroom engagement.
There are 8 themed homes included in my resource, with even more holiday-themed homes available separately. Whether your students prefer castles, cabins, or igloos, there’s something for every pet.
Grab your Classroom Desk Pets Starter Kit in my shop!
When Can Students Shop?
You get to decide how and when the Pet Shop opens. Some teachers open it once a week (like Friday afternoons), while others use it as part of center time or Free Choice. Whatever fits your routine!
Make it more exciting with Pet Shop Receipts—a simple printable form that students fill out when they buy an item. It adds just enough “real world” fun to make it feel official!
Storage Tips for a Smooth System
Keep everything organized with these easy solutions:
- Students store Critter Cash in labeled envelopes or zip pouches
- Pets and accessories live in student desk bins, boxes, or pencil cases
- Teachers can organize pets, food, and homes in divided drawers or bins
- Use themed tubs to rotate holiday homes and shop items throughout the year
Don’t Forget the Desk Pet Rules!
At the beginning of the year, introduce your Desk Pet Rules, such as:
- Desk pets stay in their homes while we’re learning
- Take good care of your pet
- Don’t touch other students’ pets
- If pets become a distraction, they stay with the teacher
- Desk pets must stay at school
Review these regularly and treat the desk pets like a classroom privilege—because they are!
Why Desk Pets Work
This system works because it’s simple, motivating, and fun. Students are excited to earn Critter Cash, take care of their pets, and make choices in a mini classroom economy.
It supports positive behavior, responsibility, and classroom routines—while also adding creativity and joy to your daily teaching.
You can buy animal erasers at Amazon, Target, or the Dollar Store.
What’s Included in My Desk Pet Starter Kit
- 8 Different Styles of Desk Pet Homes for kids to color and assembe!
- Adoption Certificates
- Printable Critter Cash
- Editable Desk Pet Rules Poster
- Teacher setup guide and ideas
- Editable Letter to send to families
Click here to check it out on in my shop!
Ready to Adopt a Pet Shop System?
Trust me—once you introduce Desk Pets, your classroom will never be the same (in the best way!). You’ll be amazed at how much joy these desk pets bring to your students.
If you use my printable homes or Critter Cash, I’d LOVE to see them in action! Send me at email at: Juliette@heart2heartteaching.com or tag me on Instagram @heart2heartteaching and show off your pet shop setup!