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Animal Safety

Animals can be great fun, but it's important to know how to be safe when you're with them. Both indoor animals and outdoor animals need to be treated kindly all the time. This means different things depending on the animal and the situation.

Meeting New Animals

  • Never approach an animal you do not know on the street or outside.

  • Never pet an animal you do not know without permission from its owner.

  • If you get permission to approach the animal, walk towards them from the side slowly and quietly. Allow them to sniff your hand, keeping your palm down and letting them sniff the back of your hand.

  • If a strange animal approaches you, stand perfectly still with your arms at your side. Be quiet and look straight ahead, not directly at the animal

  • Watch the body language of animals.

 

Animals You Know

  • Even if you have met the animal before but it is not your pet, still ask the owner every time if you can pet the animal.

  • Leave animals alone when they are eating.

  • Avoid grabbing or cuddling animals around their neck.

  • Don’t surprise animals when they are sleeping.

  • Be careful to not get over-excited when playing with animals.

Signs an animal may be scared or angry:

  • Teeth bared with lips back

  • Snarling or growling

  • Ears stiff

  • Hair raised

  • Tail stiff (may be wagging slightly)

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