Stay Healthy Around Pets

Wash Your Hands

If you are playing, feeding, or cleaning up after pet, it is important to wash your hands to help reduce the risk of getting sick from germs which pets can carry. If either you or a family member becomes ill, talk to a doctor and mention the animals you’ve had contact with recently.

Always wash hands before:

• Eating and drinking.
• Preparing food or drinks.

Always wash hands after:

• Touching or playing with your pet.
• Feeding your pet or handling pet food.
• Handling pet habitats or equipment (cages, tanks, toys, food and water dishes, etc.).
• Cleaning up after pets.
• Leaving areas where animals live (coops, barns, stalls, etc.), even if you did not touch an animal.
• After removing soiled clothing or shoes.