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Children & Pets in Childcare
The childcare setting, whether home or center-based, as well as many preschool and extended daycare programs, may have pets or other animals on the premises. Pets and animals that children may encounter may range from fish in a bowl, rabbits in a cage, or a cat or dog to which the children have free access. In home childcare settings, a neighbor may have a dog with only a fence separating the animal from the childcare playground. In more wooded areas, wild creatures such as chipmunks, squirrels, toads, and lizards or wild birds may make their home on or near play areas.
In some settings, and for some children, having a pet on the premises offers a wonderful addition to a child's learning experience. While some children are afraid of animals, most children have a natural curiosity and will want to touch an animal. For this and other reasons, children and animals must be closely monitored, and in some cases, pets and animals should not be in the childcare setting. This article, discusses some general considerations involving children and pets.
Pets and Responsibility
In some situations, having an appropriate pet in the childcare setting can help children learn about caring for others and the importance of responsibility. Domestic animals such as dogs or cats can show unconditional love to a child when taken care of properly. A relationship with a pet can help nurture children's love for themselves and for others. Caring for the animal, including providing the right kind of diet, observing steps necessary for cleanliness such as brushing a dog's fur, and discussing regular veterinary care, can help children learn about their own health promotion. Observing and practicing respect for animals can reinforce children's respect for themselves and others.
Caregivers must remember, however, that not all animals are appropriate in a childcare setting. Caring for Our Children (see Resources) states that ferrets, turtles, psittacine birds (birds of the parrot family), or any wild or dangerous animals should not be kept in a childcare facility. These and other animals can transmit diseases. Also, ferrets can be dangerous to children because they are attracted to the smell of milk. Animals may openly exhibit behaviors such as breeding, biting, and harmless play fighting which, while normal animal behaviors, may not be desirable or appropriate for children to observe. Caregivers should use discretion in allowing children to observe animals.
Health and Safety Concerns
When children and animals interact, safety and health are important, first for the child, but also for the animal. It is often difficult for a child (or adult) to understand an animal's actions and reactions to attention or playfulness. Whatever the situation, the caregiver must be aware of potential dangers. An animal may play, be aggressive, bite and scratch, or lick in friendship. For example, a cat may seem to enjoy petting and even roll over for you to rub its stomach, and then suddenly begin to scratch and bite the hand that is rubbing. A normally friendly and docile dog may snap if a child rubs or pulls on an ear that is sore from infection. A neighbor's dog may appear friendly from a distance, but could become aggressive if a child placed their hand on or through the fence.
Children's allergies to animal fur, dander, or mites can be a serious health concern. A child may develop a rash or hives after crawling on a carpet which contains dog or cat dander. Having reptiles such as lizards, turtles, or frogs in the classroom can add to the learning experience, but create the potential for exposure to harmful bacteria if careful hand washing procedures are not followed.
Health and Safety Tips
- Children should not be allowed to approach or touch an unknown animal, even if the animal's owner believes the animal to be friendly.
- A responsible adult should always be within "touching distance" when a child is interacting with an animal. A child may unknowingly become too rough with the animal, resulting in an injury to either the child or the animal.
- Help children to wash their hands thoroughly after touching any animal or product used with animals, such as fish food.
- Remember that children may be seriously injured by an animal more quickly than an adult because of their size and their proximity to the animal. A child is more likely to be at face level to a cat or dog, and facial injuries can be serious. Likewise, a pinch by a bird's beak may cause only minor discomfort to an adult, but could cause a laceration on a child's small finger. Teach children how to stay safe around animals. Animals may react aggressively to teasing or having their food removed.
Pet Care Alternatives
There are many ways to expose children to animals and animal care, other than having a pet on the premises. Here are two suggestions:
- Plan field trips to a local zoo, veterinary clinic, or pet store. Some communities have petting zoos or farms open to visitation. If children have access to the animals, caregivers must assure children's health and safety, including following the tips listed above.
- Invite guest speakers such as wildlife biologists, veterinarians, zoo keepers, animal breeders, or trainers. Individuals with working dogs, such as the Canine Corps (specially trained for law enforcement work), Seeing Eye or Hearing dogs, or fire safety education dogs can provide exposure to animals and animal care while teaching the children about their specialty. It is a good idea to talk with the individual before they visit the classroom to assure that they understand developmentally appropriate content and communication with children.
By Dr. Lewanne French, D.V.M.
Resources
The American Veterinary Medical Association (A.V.M.A.) provides literature and videotapes to members. Ask your local veterinarian about videotapes available that allow children to learn about animals and their care. Contact the A.V.M.A. at 1931 N. Meacham Rd., Ste. 100, Schaumburg, IL 60173; 847-925-8070; www.avma.org.
"Caring for Our Children; National Health and Safety Performance Standards, Guidelines for Out-of-Home Child Care Programs" includes information on pets in the childcare setting. The guidelines can be obtained through the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), 800-433-9016, or from the National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care website, nrc.uchsc.edu.
- Any pet or animal present at the facility, indoors or outdoors, should be in good health, show no evidence of carrying any disease, and be a friendly companion for the children.
- Dogs or cats should be immunized and maintained on a flea, tick, and worm control program.
- Ferrets, turtles, birds of the parrot family, or wild or dangerous animals should not be kept in a childcare facility.
- Pets should be cared for as recommended by the regulating health agency. Written procedures for care should be followed. Immunization records signed by a veterinarian should be available.
- Living quarters of animals should be enclosed and kept clean and sanitary.
- Litter boxes should be inaccessible to children.
- Animal food supplies should be kept out of reach of children.
- Animals and animal food/supplies should not be allowed in food storage, preparation, or eating areas.
- Follow recommended hand washing procedures after handling animals or animal waste.
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