Protecting Yourself from Zoonotic Diseases When Working With or Near Cats and Dogs

Working with cats and dogs can put workers at risk of becoming sick from zoonotic diseases.

This resource was developed in partnership with the Centre for Food-borne, Environmental and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases of the Public Health Agency of Canada.

As public and occupational health and safety information can change, local public health authorities should be consulted for specific, regional guidance.

Protecting Yourself from Zoonotic Diseases When Working With or Near Cats and Dogs

Infographic: Protecting Yourself from Zoonotic Diseases When Working With or Near Cats and Dogs

Description: Protecting Yourself from Zoonotic Diseases When Working With or Near Cats and Dogs

Working with cats and dogs can put workers at risk of becoming sick from zoonotic diseases.

Zoonotic diseases: Infectious diseases transmitted between animals and people.

Workers who may be at risk include:

  • Animal shelter employees
  • Dog daycare operators
  • Dog walkers
  • Groomers
  • Kennel employees
  • Pet store employees
  • Pet trainers
  • Veterinary clinic employees

Workers can become infected with a zoonotic disease from:

  • A bite or scratch
  • Direct contact with feces, saliva, urine or blood
  • Touching contaminated objects, such as cages and bedding, and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
  • Eating or drinking contaminated food or water
  • Breathing in aerosols or droplets from infected animals
  • Fleas or ticks on animals

Zoonotic diseases include:

  • Cats: Cat scratch disease, rabies, roundworms, salmonellosis, toxoplasmosis
  • Dogs: Leptospirosis, rabies, roundworms, salmonellosis, tapeworm
  • Ticks:* Anaplasmosis, Lyme disease, tularemia (*cats and dogs can bring ticks into the workplace which can carry many diseases)

Employers must take every reasonable precaution to protect their workers. Conduct a site-specific risk assessment and implement appropriate control measures to reduce the risk of exposure to zoonotic diseases.

Depending on the animal and the zoonotic disease, the selected control measures will vary. Workplace control measures may include:

  • Make sure animals are up to date with checkups, vaccinations, deworming and other parasite control
  • Avoid animals licking your face or wounds
  • Keep animals away from food preparation areas
  • Keep animals away from wildlife or stray animals
  • Cover your cuts or scratches before handling animals
  • Keep animal nails trimmed to prevent scratches. If a scratch occurs, clean it thoroughly with soap and water and, if you are concerned, consult a health care provider
  • Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially before and after:
    • Handling animals, saliva, urine, feces, or blood
    • Cleaning equipment
    • Handling pet food and treats
  • Clean and disinfect animal bedding, cages, living areas, and food and water bowls regularly
  • Develop policies to determine the steps needed if an animal showing signs of a zoonotic disease enters the workplace

Additional control measures such as personal protective equipment will depend on the activity and the animal involved, and may include:

  • Gloves
  • Eye protection
  • Fit-tested respiratory protection
  • Coveralls or aprons
  • Rubber boots or boot covers

For more information: ccohs.ca/zoonotic-diseases

Document last updated on: 2025-02-28