Sure, pets are cute! But pets of any kind—rodents (such as mice, rats or hamsters), rabbits, poultry or other small non-traditional pets (such as hedgehogs, sugar gliders, chinchillas, ferrets, reptiles and amphibians)—can be a source of human Salmonella infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).1,2,3

Even though pets infected with Salmonella germs might appear healthy and clean, those germs can easily spread through droppings and contaminate habitats, toys, bedding, pet food and anything in areas where they live and roam. Salmonella germs may cause diarrheal illness in kids and adults, which can be mild, severe or even life threatening.

The CDC advises that children younger than five years of age, elderly individuals or people with weak immune systems should use caution when handling or touching these small pets and other animals. These groups are at a higher risk for infection and serious illness.

Pet Germs: Dos

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water right after handling pets and be sure to wash any areas in which they live and roam.

Adults should supervise handwashing for young children. If soap and water are not readily available, use hand sanitizer until you are able to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

• To prevent contamination, keep small pets out of kitchens and other areas where food and drink are prepared, served, stored or consumed.
• Keep young children away from pet food and pet feeding areas to reduce their chances for getting sick or injured.

Be sure to buy pet food with no visible signs of damage to the packaging3 . Avoid feeding pets raw diets or any other raw foods that have not been appropriately treated to eliminate disease-causing germs3 .

• Habitats, toys, feed or water containers and any other equipment or materials used when caring for your small pets, should be cleaned outside the house. To prevent crosscontamination with Salmonella germs, avoid cleaning these items in the kitchen sink or in bathrooms2 .

If bathtubs must be used for this purpose, they should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected afterwards3 .

Pet Germs: Don’ts

• Don’t keep habitats containing small pets in a child’s bedroom, especially children younger than five years of age.
• Don’t let live poultry inside the house, in bathrooms or in areas where food and drink are prepared, served or stored, such as kitchens or outdoor patios1 .
• Don't snuggle or kiss small pets, touch your mouth after handling pets or eat or drink around them.