TIPS For Families

Whether you take animals to a local festival, offer a petting zoo for an event, or just have kids visiting your pets, animals are a big hit with youngsters and adults alike.  But, the fun activity you have planned can go sour in a hurry if you don’t practice safety when people and animals come together.

Whatever the activity, be sure to do a little education before people interact with your animals.   The first “rule” is in approaching animals.  Remind people that animals, even pets, may be easily spooked by unexpected loud or shrill noises, high speed moving objects and sometimes bright colors.  Practice these tips with children, both your own and visitors, before they interact with animals.

** It is best to approach animals quietly, without running – a person can be a high speed object.

** Leave whistles, horns and toys that make loud noises in the house.

** Let animals become familiar with you before you try to pet them.

** Always respect barriers, like fences, cages and gates.  They offer the first line of protection from an animal that may not be familiar with people.

Let your visitors know that animals exhibit warning signs when they are on the defensive and may not be safe to be around.  Be sure they watch for animals pawing the ground, raised hair or feathers, ears laid back, and, of course, snarling, snorting or growling.  If they see any of these animal behaviors, they should leave the area.  Cold weather, heat, hunger or being tired affect animals much like they affect people.  An animal may have just seen too many people for one day, or she may see you as someone who could harm her offspring.

Something we don’t always think about after being around animals is to wash hands.  Even though you probably clean your animals for a special event, animals carry bacteria that may cause illness when ingested by people.  So, as soon as possible after petting, holding or riding animals, and ALWAYS before eating anything, tell your family and visitors to wash their hands.  That is the number one defense against illnesses.

Animals are a fun addition to many activities, both planned and unplanned, but be aware of their behaviors and teach a little safety when you have strangers coming in contact with your animals.

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