Zoonoses: diseases transmittable from animals to humans

Ex: Rabies

Parasites: Organisms that live on or within another organism (host) Ex: Roundworm

Cats: when working around the head or neck area, the animal should be wrapped in a blanket

Dogs: while the dog is standing or sitting, place one arm under the dog’s neck with forearm holding head. The other arm is placed around the animal’s body, and animal is held close to handler’s body.

Rabbits: picked up by grabbing scruff of neck with one hand and lifting up while placing other hand under rump or abdomen.

Rats & mice: grab gently by tail as close to body of animal as possible. While in stretched out position, use other hand to grab all loose skin on neck and shoulders and lift animal.

-Professionals believe a child must be at least 3 years of age to be considered mature enough to have a pet

-Kittens, hamsters, gerbils, rabbits, or mice are good pets for younger children b/c they are less demanding

-Pets are important in helping people overcome illness

-Pets can help people live longer by helping to lower their blood pressure, helping to recover from heart attacks, and other serious illnesses

- Induce death quickly & humanely

- Accomplished w/ injection of a solution that stops nerve transmissions and causes muscle relaxation.

- 6 to 12 seconds after injection, the animal will lapse into a deep unconsciousness

- About $1 billion is spent each year in euthanizing unwanted animals.

- Each year, approximately 27 million dogs and cats are born in the US; 10 million are euthanized each year as unwanted or abandoned.

To solve the overpopulation and unwanted animal problem, the number of puppies and kittens born must be reduced. To accomplish this, three events need to occur:

1.) People must be educated to the problem.

2.) Animal control laws must be passed & existing laws enforced.

3.) People must recognize the importance of spaying and neutering.

When selecting a pet, a person should consider the following questions carefully before making a purchase:1.) Where should I obtain a pet?2.) How much space do I have for a pet?3.) What kind of animal does my lifestyle allow?4.) How much will the animal cost?5.) What will the future bring?6.) Does everyone in the family want a pet? Are there small children in the family?7.) Do I already have a pet that this new animal would have to get along with?8.) What kind of personality do I have?9.) Is this animal a fad or status symbol?10.) What am I going to use the animal for?