Petting zoos

We recommend the following tips for operating your petting zoo or farm:

Handwashing

All visitors should wash their hands after handling the animals and before consuming food or drinks.
Minimum of one hand washing station 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.
The exit to the animal area should be controlled and monitored to ensure children pass by and use the hand washing facilities.
Hand washing facilities must be accessible by all visitors -- that is, 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.

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 and volunteers must report all animal bites or scratches, or other injuries resulting from animal contact, to Health Protection Services at Fraser Health.
Unpasteurized milk, dairy products or juices are not to be offered to any visitors.

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 Fraser Health.
All animals must have a friendly disposition and must be comfortable with extensive petting or handling.

Ensure signs are erected at the entrance of the petting zoo or farm, which should include the following messages:

Wash hands with soap and water and dry thoroughly:

Parents/adults should supervise children’s hand washing.

Avoid touching your face and mouth before washing your hands.

No food or drink is to be brought into the animal contact area.

Below are additional resources for operators:

Safety information for children and families visiting petting zoos or open farms.
Tips to help your children safely enjoy the petting zoo or farm.
pdf
93.33 KB
Updated 05/06/2018
Checklist for operators of petting zoos and open farms.
Self-inspection checklist for operators of petting zoos and open farms.
pdf
29.65 KB
Updated 05/06/2018