Although many people have fond memories of classroom pets in elementary school, few realize that there are tangible benefits to students beyond simply engaging them in school. Classrooms which use animals in a variety of ways have been studied, and the results have been fairly similar across disciplines and grade levels. Animals almost universally decrease stress, increase motivation, encourage positive social behaviors and teach important skills. Now, not only do teachers have fond memories to encourage them to bring animals into their classrooms, but a plethora of research about the potential benefits.