4.9 PETS AND ANIMALS

DATED: October 2005

SOURCED: Staying Healthy in Childcare, 2003, 3^rd Edition,

 National Health and Medical Research Council, Commonwealth of Australia

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POLICY

Pets and animals are an integral part of the family environment and the interaction of children and pets can be of significant benefit when in a controlled situation.

Animals in an appropriate environment can be both educational to children and promote a sense of caring and responsibility. As educators of young children, we have a responsibility to ensure that children have an understanding of and caring attitude towards all living things, so that their experiences with animals are respectful and considerate. However, birds and animals can in certain situations pose a health or safety risk, therefore, children in Family Day Care must be allowed only supervised and limited access to any animal.

PROCEDURE

Carers Inform families of any pets or animals prior to enrolling their child in care

Carers advise the scheme and families beforehand when they obtain a new pet.

It is also important to remember the safety and well being of animals. Children who continually play with pets can cause irritation to the animal. Therefore, children interacting with pets are supervised, and an area is set aside where the animal can be left in peace.

Where dogs are present in the home, the environment is to be managed in a hygienic manner with floors being washed daily to remove dog hair, and the Carer being alert to any health or safety risks that the dog may present.

Ensure birds and animals are kept in a healthy state, have received the appropriate immunizations, are regularly wormed and bathed and are free of fleas.

A Carer shall only be permitted to keep animals in accordance with Local Government bylaws.

Carers must ensure that any animal or bird kept on the premises does not constitute a health or safety risk to children.

Dogs kept at family day care premises must be in separate secure surroundings in an area approved by the scheme that is also appropriate taking into account the size and activity level of the dog and it’s general welfare. Children will only have access to dogs at planned times and under direct adult supervision.

Personal hygiene is vital. Regular washing of hands for children and adults, using soap, is essential after any contact with animals.

Animals must be prevented from sleeping/lying on bedding furniture or equipment used by family day care children.

Animals must be excluded from the immediate vicinity where children are participating in activities, eating or sleeping, and any area where small children are likely to be lying or crawling on the floor.

Keep litter boxes, pet food, water dishes and pet toys in an area away from, and out of reach of, children. Pet toys are to be kept clean and hygienic.

Keep outdoor areas for children free of animal faeces.