PROTECT YOURSELF, YOUR ANIMALS AND
SHELTER ANIMALS FROM DISEASE
Volunteers can help to protect themselves from zoonotic diseases
(diseases that can be passed between humans and animals) and
prevent the spread of disease in the Shelter. If you are concerned
about an animal, tell an Officer.
What is WRONG with this picture?
Protect Yourself and Your Own Animals:
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If your immune system is compromised or if you are pregnant, consult
your physician before you begin volunteering;
Keep all of your and your animal’s vaccinations current;
ALWAYS wash hands between animals, prior to eating or smoking and
before going home;
Don't allow animals to lick your face or any wounds;
Consider changing your clothes and shoes before going home;
Immediately report any bite/scratch to the Community Outreach Program
Manager and wash immediately with disinfectant;
Ask for gloves before any potential contact with excrement or vomit;
Do not touch/handle non-adoption animals without permission from the
volunteer manager;
Do not handle any animal that appears ill, including coughing, sneezing or
congested. Instead, fill out a “health observation form” and put in vet
box if you notice any signs of illness.
Protect Shelter Animals:
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ALWAYS wash hands with soap and water between touching animals or
after coming into contact with excrement/litter boxes. Wash palms and
back of the hands up to the wrist;
Puppies less than 4 months old have not received their rabies vaccination
and tend to have weaker immune systems. Do not take puppies less than
4 months old outside (including the outside area of the get acquainted
rooms). Be extra careful to wash your hands before and after working
with puppies.
Do NOT mix animals from separate cages (except tested cats);
Try to clean get acquainted rooms before/after each animal;
Remember that many items, including toys, bedding and clothing, can
transfer disease to animals, so do not share these items among animals.
We use rubber/plastic toys/kongs that can be disinfected.