The Fur, Feathers & Fins program allows children to learn about the characteristics and habitats of fish, reptiles, birds, and small animals. At your local PETCO, lessons in science, math and geography come to life through this hands-on field trip. As students develop a respect for animals, they will also develop a greater sense of responsibility.
The FREE Fur, Feathers & Fins field trip will help children in grades Pre-K – 8 develop and enhance skills in:
- Basic needs for animal care
- Animal habitats and characteristics
- Environmental issues and animal survival
- Animal respect
- Reading and science
Trained tour leaders modify the field trips to be grade appropriate. The field trips are 60-90 minutes in length and are limited to group sizes of 10-30 participants per tour – although this number varies by location.
The following materials will assist you as you prepare for your field trip to PETCO:
Activities are designed for Primary, Intermediate and Middle School students.
Primary Activities
Colorful Pets
Students learn about animal habitats and characteristics that help them survive.
Fun Maze
Help Wrigley the dog find his way home.
Intermediate Activities
Pets Search
Animal names and survival needs are reinforced through two activities.
*This great coupon is our gift to you! Use it to introduce a pet into your teaching environment or purchase items your own pet pal.
"We enjoyed being able to hold some of the animals and hear about how owners have to meet their needs as pets. There was a good variety of animals to view and hold."
Patti Hunter, 3rd Grade Teacher
"This field trip was WONDERFUL!!! The tour leaders took their time at each animal and gave a great deal of information, then spent time answering students' questions. The students handled almost every pet in the store, which of course excited students greatly, especially the ones who've never experienced anything other than a dog. Time was given for the students to simply look and watch the animals and how they behaved within their habitat. The students were attentive and engaged the entire time we were there. I can't say enough great things about this trip."
Kris Watts, 5th Grade Teacher
"The students are able to touch many animals. The students are exposed to a variety of animals that might be household pets. The students begin to discern what animals might be good pets for their own households. Reinforcement of animal habitats takes place when talking about heat lamps for reptile pets; saltwater versus freshwater fish; land tortoises versus water turtles, and birds native to the rainforest. The students absolutely loved the trip, I have heard from some parents about the dinner table discussions about what the family pet should be."
Catherine Steadman, 2nd Grade Teacher
Educational Content:
Trained tour leaders modify the field trips to be grade appropriate.
For primary students: (Pre-K - 2nd)
Field trips introduce simple concepts related to animal characteristics, animal habitats, and animal care. During this hands-on experience, students discover animals are a lot like people. They both need a healthy diet, a comfortable home, social interaction, exercise and play. Respect and responsibility lessons are reinforced throughout the tour.
For intermediate students: (3rd - 8th)
Higher level thinking related to animal science and animal care will be introduced on this field trip. While interacting with different animals, students discover interesting details and facts about the animals’ traits, behaviors, and habitats. The trip also covers the basic needs animals and humans share and will help increase students’ respect for all animals. Responsibility lessons taught on this field trip impact students not only at home with their pets, but also in their global environment.
Learning Standards:
Field Trip Factory employs education professionals to determine field trip content. The script used by tour leaders meets learning standards for grades K - 8. The following learning standards are met with this field trip:
Behavioral Studies
- Understands that group and cultural influences contribute to human development, identity, and behavior.
- Understands various meanings of social group, general implications of group membership, and different ways that groups function
Thinking & Reasoning Standards
- Understands and applies basic principles of logic and reasoning.
- Effectively uses mental processes that are based on identifying similarities and differences.
Self-Regulation
- Sets and manages goals
- Demonstrates perseverance
- Maintains a healthy self-concept
- Restrains impulsivity
Science - Life Sciences
- Understands the principles of heredity and related concepts.
- Understands relationships among organisms and their physical environment.