Petting Zoo Safety

Posted in Our Blog on August 18, 2026

One of my all time favorite things to do in the fall is attend events that have petting zoos. The animals are usually super friendly, always willing to pose for a selfie for about any treat and of course I love to pet them all. It is really easy to forget safety tips when visiting these places because we all get so excited to see the animals and of course handle them. It is important to make safety/sanitary choices a priority.

Some of the most common harmful germs people get from animals at exhibits are E. coli, Cryptosporodium, and Salmonella. However, there are also many other types of germs that can spread between animals and people.

The following people are more likely to get sick from the germs animals carry:

• Children younger than 5 years old
• People with weakened immune systems
• Adults 65 and older

These groups should take extra precautions at animal exhibits.

Even animals that look clean and healthy can carry harmful germs. Areas where animals live, or roam can be contaminated. You don’t have to touch an animal to get sick.

Find where the handwashing stations are located. Wash your hands right after touching animals or anything in the areas where they live, roam, or eat. Wash your hands when you leave animal areas, even if you didn’t touch the animals or if you wore gloves.

Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol when soap and water is unavailable. Wash your hands with soap and running water as soon as you can.

Keep food and animals separate

• Don’t eat or drink around animals.
• Keep food and drinks away from animal areas.
• Don’t share your food with the animals.
• Don’t eat or drink raw (unpasteurized) products.

Keep children safe around animals

• Always supervise children around animals.
• Leave items like strollers, cups, or toys outside the exhibit.
• Don’t let children sit or play on the ground in animal areas.
• Teach children to approach animals with caution and follow the rules.
• Don’t let children under 5 touch reptiles, amphibians, or poultry (like chickens or ducks).

Don’t let children put their fingers or objects (like pacifiers) in their mouths when they’re around animals or in animal areas. Watch children to make sure they don’t put their fingers or objects near an animal’s mouth, even if the animal seems friendly.

Quick Recap:

• Even animals that look clean and healthy can carry germs.
• Wash your hands after petting animals or being in animal enclosures.
• Don’t eat or drink around animals.
• Children under 5 shouldn’t touch reptiles, amphibians, or poultry. These animals are more likely to make them sick.

As always keep an eye out at every individual exhibit or event and follow the posted rules as they can vary depending on the event management.

If you experience any symptoms of illness after visiting any petting zoo or animal exhibit it is important to seek medical attention.

For more fall fun safety tips please follow Make Food Safe.