Animals make great pets but it is important to know how to live and work safely with them. Accidents do happen especially with young children getting bitten or scratched. Here are some rules:

• always supervise your child with animals
• teach your child how to touch the family pet
• teach kids never to touch an animal they don’t know
• don’t run away but stand still if a dog comes running at you
• always wash hands after touching an animal
• never tease animals
• teach the pet to stay out of the baby’s room or make sure the pet has no access
• never let children touch a pet who is eating as they may feel threatened and turn to bite
• teach kids how to lift and carry their pet
• don’t let your pet lick your face or your child’s face
• don’t let the pet sleep with the children
• never intentionally scare your pet
• remember different animals need different rules – horses and donkeys may kick if you walk behind them
• keep your pet safe from other animals
• keep animals away from noisy fireworks

Many people are injured each year by animals. They may be bitten, scratched, trip over them or fall off them

Look at those teeth. Some dogs are more dangerous than others.

Sometimes these injuries are caused by pets to family members.

Never have a dangerous dog for a pet if you have children. Dog bites

can cause serious infection so if the skin is broken always seek medical

attention.