While death is a natural part of life, and students should learn that not providing proper care will result in the death of an animal, so much more may be learned by keeping the animal properly and discussing why certain animals may be inappropriate for classroom keeping. When done less than conscientiously, or in a haphazard manner, the animals starve, are left too long in their own waste products, or go too long without proper water or humidity, all with potentially lethal effects. Such care tells the students that reptiles and, by extension perhaps, all animals, are objects to be dealt with according to convenience and inclination, not living beings with needs that must be met. Many teachers take their animals home over the weekend, either transporting the animal in its classroom enclosure, or having a duplicate set-up at home in which to place the animal. Still others come into school at least once every weekend, and every day or two during longer vacation breaks, to check on the animals, feed and water them, and perform enclosure maintenance duties.
Some teachers send their animals home with their students over vacations or weekends.
Unfortunately, most animals are sent home to parents who are complete unprepared for the responsibility these animals entail. The animal is sent without the proper equipment and so does not get the right heat, lighting, food or security over the weekend. Most teachers cannot afford to have two or three of everything in case crucial and expensive things like light bulbs, fixtures, water bowls, and vivaria are broken while in transit or at the student's home. Provisions are rarely made to ensure that the animal will get necessary veterinary care if anything happens to it while in the student's care. Students and their parents are often unable or unwilling to provide food for the animal, especially if it requires buying live food such as crickets, or storing a supply of mice in the family freezer.