Welcome to the Staying Safe around Animals Hub!
Healthy pets can lead to healthy people!
This toolkit contains practical guidance for families, students, and educators in Los Angeles County to stay safe and healthy around animals — from pets to wildlife. Learn about bite prevention, disaster readiness, vaccines, parasites, and more.
How to Stay Safe and Healthy Around Animals
- Wash your hands after touching animals, their food, or their toys
- Take pets to the vet for check-ups and vaccines
- Don't kiss pets or let them lick your face or cuts
- Be gentle—no rough play that could lead to bites or scratches
- Keep pet food and food for people separate
- Never leave children alone or unsupervised around animals
- Teach children how to safely interact with pets (do not touch pets while eating, sleeping, or while playing with toys)
- Don't touch wild animals or animals you don't know
What Are Zoonotic Diseases?
Zoonotic diseases are illnesses caused by germs that can spread between animals and people. Most animals are healthy and safe to be around—especially when we use good hygiene. Simple steps like handwashing, keeping food away from animal areas, and avoiding contact with sick animals help your whole family to stay healthy.
Some examples of zoonotic diseases are:
- Rabies (from bites, especially wild animals)
- Ringworm (a fungal skin infection)
- Salmonella (a bacterial infection from reptiles or farm animals)
Use the fun activities and resources below to help your whole family stay healthy with your animal friends!
Downloadable Teaching Materials
Ready-to-use presentations for teachers and school staff. These tools can help teach children how to safely interact with and properly care for pets.
Presentations for Children (Grades K–2)
How to Keep Your Pet Healthy
Grades K–2
Vaccinations
for Pets
Grades K–2
Bite Prevention
at Home
Grades K–2
Keeping Your Pet Fit: Food & Play
Grades K–2
Presentations for Children (Grades 3–5)
Visiting the Veterinarian With Your Pet
Grades 3–5
Bite Prevention in the Community
Grades 3–5
Vaccination: Keeping Pets & People Healthy
Grades 3–5
Keeping Your Pet Fit: Food & Play
Grades 3–5
Emergency Preparedness & Pets
Grades 3–5
Additional Resources for Parents & Families
Don't Let the Dogs Bite
Coloring & Activity Book (English)
California Department of
Public Health
Healthy Pets, Healthy People
Infants & Young Children
Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention
Promoting Healthy Pets
Information and resources for families to ensure pets get the care they need to stay healthy
Pet Help Finder
Directory for "Financially Friendly Pet Resources"
LA County DPH Veterinary Public Health
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Last updated: September 2025