Petting Zoos
Interactive animal exhibits (e.g. petting zoos, open farms, animal rides, and animal displays), are fun and educational experiences for visitors, but they can also make people sick if you don't take the proper precautions. Learn about requirements and guidelines to reduce the risk of potential illness or infection.
Application
If you are opening a petting zoo or hosting an animal exhibition, please complete the Animal Exhibit Application form and return it to Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) at least four weeks before the event.
Requirements
Review the Petting Zoo Organizers Information Package to learn the requirements and recommendations for your petting zoo or animal exhibition.
Handwashing |
At a petting zoo, handwashing stations must be:
Water must be from a safe drinking water source |
Sign requirements |
Signs must be posted to remind visitors to wash their hands at all entrances to and exits from animal areas. |
Rabies vaccinations |
According to Ontario Regulation 567: Rabies Immunization, all horses, cows, bulls, steers, calves and sheep in petting zoos or interactive animal displays must be immunized against rabies. If animals requiring rabies vaccinations are not vaccinated, measures must be taken to ensure that the public doesn't have access to the animals. This may including posting signs asking people not to touch the animals or using a double barrier between these animals and members of the public. |
Preventing and controlling injuries |
Any animal bite or other animal contact that may result in rabies must be reported immediately to Huron Perth Public Health. Petting zoo operators should:
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Recommendations
As a petting zoo operator, you should:
- Assign trained staff in animal areas to monitor public activities and encourage appropriate human-animal contact
- Maintain proper visitor flow to avoid overcrowding at handwashing stations or in animal areas
- Use barriers, gates and signs to discourage uncontrolled access to animals and animal areas
- Promptly remove manure and soiled bedding from animal enclosures
- Where feasible, clean, rinse and disinfect animal areas at least once per day
- When disinfection isn't possible, remove fresh organic material regularly to prevent build-up
- Thoroughly clean, rinse and disinfect all areas where animals were displayed before those areas are used for future public (non-animal) events
Food and beverage guidelines |
Food and beverage consumption should be separate from animal areas. Make sure to have handwashing stations located between animal areas and food and beverage areas. You shouldn't allow food, beverages, smoking, toys, pacifiers, sippy-cups or bottles in the animal area. |
Signage recommendations |
Post a sign that the states the rules for the petting zoo:
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