Workers can be exposed to pathogens from cats and dogs through:

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

Occupations that may be at risk of getting a zoonotic disease from cats and dogs include:

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

The list below provides general information on some of the zoonotic diseases that can be transmitted to workers from cats and dogs. This list is not exhaustive, and it is recommended that employers and workers understand the diseases that may be found in their specific work locations and the symptoms associated with these diseases.

Each workplace is unique, and the employer is required to take every reasonable precaution for the protection of workers. Workplaces with workers at risk of exposure to zoonotic infections from cats and dogs must conduct a site-specific risk assessment and implement appropriate control measures. A risk checklist can help identify risks and control measures.

After identifying the risks to workers, employers must implement the most appropriate control measures with consideration given to the hierarchy of controls. A layered approach where multiple control measures are applied at the same time is recommended since a single control measure alone is not likely to be very effective.

The selected control measures must be based on the assessed risk to workers. Each workplace and even workers within the workplace can have different risk levels. Depending on the animal and the zoonotic disease, the control measures will vary. Some general control measures include:

• Vaccination, if available and appropriate for workers (e.g., rabies)
• Make sure animals are up to date with checkups, vaccinations, deworming and other parasite control
• Develop policies to determine steps needed if an animal showing signs of a zoonotic disease enters the workplace
• Avoid animals licking your face or wounds
• Keep animals away from wildlife or stray animals
• Keep animals away from food preparation areas
• Cover your cuts or scratches before handling animals
• Keep animal nails trimmed to prevent scratches
• If a bite or 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
• Safely handle and store pet food and treats:
  • Use dedicated dishes and utensils
  • Store in a dry area and according to package guidelines
  • Keep separate from human food
  • Thaw raw food properly by placing it in sealed containers and thawing it on the bottom shelf of a refrigerator

Personal protective equipment may vary based on the activity and animal involved and may include:

• Disposable gloves, such as PVC, nitrile, or rubber gloves
• Cut-resistant gloves
• Eye and face protection, such as safety goggles or face shields
• Fit-tested respiratory protection, such as an N95 respirator
• Coveralls or aprons
• Rubber boots or boot covers

An emergency preparedness and response plan is useful in workplaces where exposure to a zoonotic disease is a plausible threat. A documented plan should outline how to respond to workers who become sick. It can be written in the form of a policy and procedure.

Workers who become sick should be encouraged to take time away from work and seek medical attention. A sick leave policy can support this time off. Individuals who continue to work while sick can present a hazard to others if they are unable to work safely.

If the illness originated while at work, conduct an incident investigation to determine the cause and attempt to prevent recurrence.

Call 911 for medical assistance if a worker develops life-threatening symptoms. Inform their emergency contact and report to applicable parties (e.g., external regulators, health and safety committee, etc.).

Any workers experiencing illness, even mild symptoms, after being exposed to suspected or confirm sources of a zoonotic disease should contact their employer and a health care provider. Your health care provider may contact the local public health authority, if necessary. Contacting the relevant public health authority will ensure timely testing and reporting of human illness to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), initiating an epidemiological investigation, and taking steps to help prevent further illness

If you think you have been exposed to rabies, seek medical attention immediately.

Additionally, the government department responsible for health and safety and worker’s compensation board may need to be notified if the reporting requirements for an occupational illness for your jurisdiction have been met.

Notify the Canadian Food Inspection Agency if a cat or dog being cared for or controlled by the workplace is suspected of having a reportable disease.

Becoming ill with a zoonotic disease or being involved in a zoonotic disease outbreak can have an impact on workers’ mental health, and may lead to increased stress, anxiety, and depression. Mental health resources and support should be provided to all workers, including access to an employee assistance program, if available.

Refer to the following mental health information resources for more information:

• Mental health – Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
• Mental health support: Get help – Public Health Agency of Canada
• Mental health and wellness – Public Health Agency of Canada