2003 Volume 43 Issue 3 Pages 139-146
Small animals have been kept traditionally for educational aims in many kindergartens and elementary schools in Japan. It is expected that keeping small animals encourages children’s sympathy, affection, responsibility, and respect to life. Since present schools do not offer any classes associated with Human-Animal relationships, most school teachers have no opportunity of getting knowledge of school animals and have in trouble with treating them. So, many veterinarians, who are parents of school children, have taken care of the school animals for a long time. In 1991, the city government of Hoya in Tokyo Pref. commissioned the veterinary association of Hoya city to give medical care to the school animals and teach children how to treat the animals. The number of municipalities associated with the Veterinary Support System became 250 as of September 2002.75 local governments including 23 prefectures commission to local veterinary associations.
The aims of the veterinarians in schools (The school-animal’s doctor) are that to teach children to treat the school animals with love, and to make a good environment to keep the school animals.
In this study, the author presents the teacher’s opinions about the educational effects of the animals in elementary schools, supported by Veterinary Support System.
