Aichi veterinarians loan guinea pigs to schools for hands-on life lessons

As more schools abolish classroom pets due to concerns over student allergies, recent extreme heat and overloading teachers, the veterinary medical association in Aichi Prefecture is lending out guinea pigs to schools and helping students care for the animals.

Cages are set up inside classrooms or in corridors to give children the opportunity to spend time with the animals.

The veterinarians are seeking ways to provide students with hands-on life lessons while reducing the burden on schools.