Visiting petting zoos and other animal attractions
Petting zoos and animal attractions are a great place to interact with animals. However, animals can sometimes carry germs that cause infections in people, such as Escherichia coli, Campylobacter, Salmonella, and rabies. All animals can be sources of infection.
Following some simple precautions can reduce the risk of infections and ensure that petting zoos and animal attractions in Peel are a fun and positive experience for everyone.
How you can be exposed to germs and infections
Animal feces or manure can get onto animal hair or fur, bedding and surrounding areas. The feces can contain germs that can make people sick. Animal saliva, bites and scratches by an animal can also result in infections in people.
Animals that can spread infections to people
Animals such as cows, goats, sheep, horses, rabbits, pigs, poultry, rodents and reptiles in petting zoos and on open farms can spread infections to people. Young animals such as chicks, ducklings, calves and lambs are more likely to carry germs compared to older animals.
People who are most at risk of infection
Young children, pregnant people, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk of becoming sick.
Children 5 years and younger should not touch reptiles, amphibians, birds (including chicks), young cattle, sheep, goats and deer, or the immediate environment. Young children tend to touch their eyes, nose or mouth more frequently, increasing the likelihood that they get an infection if they do not wash their hands after touching an animal.
Immunocompromised people and infants under one have weak immune systems. It is recommended that they avoid touching or feeding any animals.
When to wash hands with soap and water
- After touching or feeding an animal.
- After touching an animal's cage.
- After falling or touching the ground.
- Right after leaving animal areas.
- Before eating or drinking.
- After cleaning and removing boots or shoes.
- After using the washroom.
Alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 70 to 90% alcohol can be used when hands are visibly clean. Alcohol-based hand-sanitizers are not as effective if dirt is visible on hands.
Posters
- Peel Region hand washing poster
- Hand hygiene and how to put on and take off personal protective equipment
During your visit
- Walk calmly and quietly through the animal area.
- Avoid touching your mouth and eyes while in the animal area until hands have been washed with soap and water.
- Do not eat, drink, or chew gum until after leaving the animal areas and washing hands thoroughly with soap and water or hand sanitizer.
- Do not let your child eat the animals' food or share human food with animals.
- Do not pick things up off the ground in animal areas.
- Do not kiss the animals.
- Ensure any open wounds such as cuts on hands or fingers are covered before entering the animal area or interacting with the animals.
- Do not bring food and beverages into animal areas.
- Do not use pacifiers, water bottles, spill proof cups (“sippy cups”), baby bottles, and toys in areas where animals are kept.
When you are in eating areas
- Wash your hands with soap and water before eating or drinking.
- Eat in designated eating areas away from the animals.
- If animals such as dogs, cats, or ducks are in the eating area, do not pet or feed them. If you touch an animal, wash your hands afterward.
Immediately after your visit
Wash your hands with soap and water at one of the hand wash stations at the event.
- Immediately wash the bite or wound with soap and water for several minutes. Seek assistance at the first aid booth. Report any injuries such as bites, scratches, or broken skin, to event staff as soon as possible.
- If possible, collect animal owner or custodian information, including name, address and phone number.
- Visitors who experience fever, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting after interacting with an animal at an exhibit should consult a doctor.
- Report animal bites or scratches to Peel Public Health by calling 905-799-7700, toll-free 1-888-919-7800 or email us. A Public Health Inspector will investigate the incident.