Pets are an important part of our lives -- nearly 70% of US households own a pet. But while pets can help make us healthier and happier, they can also sometimes spread germs that can make us sick. This is why responsible pet care is important - to help keep pets and their families healthy and safe. CDC and its partners work every day to encourage responsible pet care practices at home, in the pet industry, and in other settings.

CDC has a public-private partnership with the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC), which includes collaboration on zoonotic disease outbreaks. This partnership allows quick notification of outbreaks to companion animal breeders, distributors, and retailers to help prevent further illness. PIJAC and CDC also work together to ensure healthy handling and prevention messaging is available for pet owners as well as retailers, distributors, and workers.

CDC is part of the Zoonoses Education Coalition (ZEC), a dedicated group of partners formed to develop evidence-based recommendations to educate pet owners and others on how to stay healthy around pets. The ZEC includes representatives from PIJAC, the pet industry, the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians (NASPHV), the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Pet Care Tips

Wash hands after handling animals, their food, or their habitats and after cleaning up urine, feces, or vomit. / Always wash hands before handling food or eating.

Keep areas where animals stay clean.

Avoid bites and scratches from animals.

Get regular veterinary care for animals so they stay in good health.

Always supervise young children around animals.

Do not release unwanted animals outdoors.

Learn about the diseases that your animals might be able to share with people, just in case.

► For More Information:

Healthy Pets Healthy People
Animal Welfare and Programs
Pet Care

Posted 2/18/18