The program, now several years running, offers free pet care for Tyler ISD employees while giving students the kind of training they’ll use in veterinary care.
TYLER, Texas — Some of the best perks of working for Tyler ISD come with four paws and a wagging tail. At the district’s Career and Technology Center, students in the Animal Science program aren’t just learning from textbooks—they’re getting hands‑on experience caring for live animals through a unique, teacher‑approved doggy daycare.
The program, now several years running, offers free pet care for Tyler ISD employees while giving students the kind of training they’ll use in future veterinary careers.
Staff members can drop off their dogs in the morning and leave them in the care of highly engaged students throughout the day. The routine includes brushing coats, trimming nails, cleaning ears, providing enrichment, and keeping the pets company during class.
Animal science instructor Lindsay Griffin says the environment is designed to mimic the challenges and focus required in real veterinary settings.
“Not only do they learn to focus while the animals are in here,” she said, “but having the dogs in here means we can use them for anatomy and physiology, animal behavior, safety, and restraint purposes.”
For students planning to work in the animal health field, nothing beats this level of daily interaction.
“These are the types of animals that I’ll be helping one day,” said senior Anasofia Escobedo. “Having them here helps me learn about them, and it keeps me on task.”
The daycare can accommodate up to three dogs per day, and dogs aren’t the only animals students care for. Goats, pigs, and even the class mascot—a snake named Pam—also play a role in lessons throughout the year, giving students a wide range of experiences across species.
It’s a setup that benefits students, staff, and, of course, the very spoiled classroom pets, transforming the CTC into a training ground for the next generation of animal care professionals.