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Petting Zoos and Your Child's Health
Is It Safe to Take Children to Pet the Animals?
By Kathleen Meister
One other precaution that you may want to take before visiting a petting zoo is to find out whether the animals are healthy and well cared for. "Parents can protect their children by making sure that the petting zoo they visit or hire to come to their home is certified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture," says Pien. If a zoo is USDA certified, it means that the owners have met government standards for the proper care of their animals.
It's also a good idea to ask whether the animals have a regular source of veterinary care, whether they have received all the recommended immunizations (such as rabies shots), and whether they are removed from the exhibit if they show any sign of illness. Sick animals and those too young to be immunized against rabies should never be included in exhibits where people have direct contact with animals, according to the New York State Department of Health. It's important to remember, however, that even healthy animals from USDA-certified zoos can carry germs that cause human diseases. That's why sanitary precautions and supervision are essential, even at the best-run petting zoos.