Your petting zoo or farm is designed to provide children and students with the joy of coming close to animals. You must remember, however, animals can carry diseases that can make humans ill, and proper precautions must be taken to ensure that the health and safety of all visitors are protected, especially children.
For your operation, the Fraser Health recommends the following:
Handwashing - Staff/Volunteers must encourage all visitors to wash their hands after handling the animals and before consuming food or drinks.
- There should be a minimum of one handwashing station (see back page) with hot/warm water, liquid soap and paper towels immediately adjacent to the animal petting area. Washrooms in nearby stores or restaurants are NOT sufficient. The use of antiseptic hand wipes or gels is NOT a replacement for providing hand wash sinks.
- Automatic taps are recommended. Hand soap and paper towels should be in dispensers.
- Temporary hand wash stations should be installed when permanent facilities are not immediately available (see back page).
- The exit to the animal area should be controlled to ensure children pass by and use the handwashing facilities.
- Handwashing facilities must be accessible by all visitors, i.e. at the right heights for both children and adults or with raised standing areas provided for children (check to ensure setup does not a present tripping or falling hazard).
Operation
- The public should not be permitted access to any animal enclosure except under the direct supervision of trained personnel. These enclosures should be kept locked outside of regular business hours.
- Ensure that any manure is quickly and thoroughly cleaned up, and appropriately discarded. Straw and sawdust bedding should be replaced at least daily.
- Staff/Volunteers must report all animal bites or scratches, or other injuries resulting from animal contact to Health Protection Services with the Fraser Health Authority.
- Unpasteurized milk, dairy products or juices are NOT to be offered to any visitors.
Animals
- Potentially dangerous animals should not be included in a petting zoo. Reptiles and amphibians are not recommended.
- All animals must be in good health, and any animals with diarrhea must be excluded from display immediately.
- All animals must have up-to-date vaccinations for diseases applicable to the region. Vaccination records must be readily available when requested by the Fraser Health Authority.
- All animals must have a friendly disposition, and must be comfortable with extensive petting or handling.
Additional resources for operators
.jpg)
