Petting Zoo Safety Tips for Parents (CDC Checklist)

Wash hands, every time

• Find the hand washing station before you start.
• Wash after touching animals or anything in their area.
• Wash when you leave, even if you did not touch an animal.
• If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol, then wash with soap and water as soon as you can.

Keep food and drink away from animals

• Do not eat or drink in animal areas.
• Do not share your food with animals.
• Avoid raw (unpasteurized) products.

For children under 5

• Keep strollers, cups and toys outside the exhibit.
• Do not let children sit or play on the ground in animal areas.
• Do not let children put fingers or objects, such as pacifiers, in their mouths around animals.
• Teach them to approach animals calmly and follow the rules.
• Do not let children under 5 touch reptiles, amphibians or poultry such as chickens and ducks. These animals are more likely to make them sick.

Always supervise

Stay with your child. Watch that fingers and objects stay away from an animal's mouth, even if the animal seems friendly. Follow the staff's rules, such as a "two-finger touch."

How we run a visit

We plan hand washing, keep food away from the animal area and stay with the animals. Read more about petting zoo rentals and birthday parties.