I think that, unless you are becoming a vet/vet tech, that dissecting isn't nessecary. Why can't a normal high school student just look at the pictures in a text book?

This year we have to dissect rats. How can I disect my babies?

We also have to do a starfish, grasshopper, and a couple other things I don't remember.

We've already dissected a cow eyeballs and fish.