PSHE · Pet care

Staying Safe with Animals

How to be safe, gentle and clean whenever you're around animals.

Animals are wonderful — but they have feelings and can get scared, just like us. These rules keep both you and the animals safe and happy.

✋ Safety rules

Always ask first
Never touch someone else's pet without asking permission — some animals are scared of strangers.
Watch for warning signs
If an animal moves away, hisses, growls, or looks scared or angry — leave them alone. They're telling you they don't want to be touched.
Be gentle
No pulling tails or ears. No hitting or throwing. Move slowly and quietly, and use soft hands.

🧼 Hygiene rules

Wash your hands
Always wash your hands after touching animals, cleaning their home, playing with them or feeding them. Why? Animals can carry germs that make us poorly — washing hands keeps us healthy!
Don't eat while handling animals
Keep food away from animal areas, and don't share your food with pets — some human food is bad for them!
Cover cuts
If you have cuts or scratches, cover them up before handling animals.
Tell an adult
If an animal bites or scratches you, tell an adult straight away. If you feel unwell after being near animals, tell an adult too.

💧 Handwashing practice

Tap the steps in the right order, from first (1) to last (5):

📖 Glossary

Hygiene — keeping yourself clean to stay healthy.
Germs — tiny things, too small to see, that can make us poorly.
Warning sign — the way an animal shows it is scared or cross.
Permission — being told "yes, you may" before you do something.
Gentle — being soft, calm and careful.

✓ Check your understanding