Petting Zoos and Animal Exhibits

Although not regulated by the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health (DBCH), some general safety tips for Petting Zoos and Animal Exhibits include:

• Keep food and drink away from the animals.
• Food vendors must not be located near animal exhibits.
• Children under 5 and immunocompromised adults may be more susceptible to illness.
• Report any animal bite or nonbite exposure to the petting zoo operator.
• Handwashing stations with soap and water are to be located near animal areas. 
• Wash your hands after leaving animal areas.
• Never sit or play on the ground in animal areas.
• Leave strollers and baby items such as pacifiers and bottles outside of the animal areas.
• Follow any additional posted rules.
• Operators are to carry proof of rabies vaccination where applicable.
• Live birthing animals may carry greater risk. Maintain a safe distance at these exhibits.
   

Additional guidance can be found from the following:

• CDC Stay Healthy at Animal Exhibits
• PVM Compendium of Measures to Prevent Disease Associated with Animals in Public Settings
• NASPHV Animals in Public Settings Toolkit
• Rabies and other Zoonotics
• Vector-borne & Zoonotics