Teaching Children about Pet Safety and Pet Health – Department of Public Health
Many families in Los Angeles County and in the United States are comprised of children and pets together. It is very important to teach children how to safely interact with pets to avoid harmful bites or trauma. It is also important to consider the health of both the child and the pet as infants and children younger than 5 years old are more likely to get sick from the germs that animals may carry.
Promoting responsible pet ownership and treating pets with compassion are the foundations for a successful relationship between children and animals.
The resources below should be used to teach children how to safety interact with pets and how to properly care for a pet.
Presentations for children (Grades K-2):
How to Keep Your Pet Healthy – Presentation 
| Speakers Notes
Como Mantener Tus Mascotas Saludables En Casa – Presentación | Notas del presentador
Vaccinations for Pets – Presentation | Speakers Notes
Vacunas para Mascotas – Presentación | Notas del presentador
Bite Prevention At Home – Presentation | Speakers Notes
Tu y Tu Mascota: Prevención de Mordeduras en Casa – Presentación | Notas del presentador
Keeping Your Pet Fit: Food and Play – Presentation | Speakers Notes
Mantener a Tu Mascota en Forma: Comida Y Juego – Presentación | Notas del presentador
Presentations for children (Grades 3-5):
Visiting the Veterinarian With Your Pet – Presentation | Speakers Notes
Visitando al Veterinario con tu Mascota – Presentación | Notas del presentador
Bite Prevention In the Community – Presentation | Speakers Notes
Perros en la communidad: Qué debemos hacer para prevenir mordeduras? Presentación|Notas del presentador
Vaccination: Keeping Pets & People Healthy – Presentation | Speakers Notes
Vacunas: Manteniendo a la Gente y a las Mascotas Saludables – Presentación | Notas del presentador
Keeping Your Pet Fit: Food & Play – Presentation | Speakers Notes
Mantener Tu Mascota en Forma: Comida Saludable y Ejercicio – Presentación | Notas del presentador
Emergency Preparedness & Pets – Presentation | Speakers Notes
Preparación de Emergencia para Ti y Tus Mascotas – Presentación | Notas del presentador
Additional Resources
Don’t Let the Dogs Bite: How to be Safe Around Dogs – Coloring & Activity Book – English – California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
No Dejes Que Los Perros Te Muerdan: Cómo Sentirte Seguro Junto A Los Perros – Libro De Actividad Para Colorear – CDPH
Healthy Pets, Healthy People – Infants and Young Children – CDC
Stay Healthy Around Small Pets – CDC
Stay Healthy Around Pet Reptiles and Amphibians – CDC
Adopt These Healthy Pet Habits – CDC
Wash Hands When Leaving Animal Exhibits – CDC
5 Things to do RIGHT after Visiting Animals – CDC
Stay Healthy Around Animals – CDC
Know How to be Safe Around Animals – CDC
Vaccinations for Pets – Learn about why vaccinations are essential to your pet’s health
Spay and Neuter for Pets – Learn about why spaying or neutering your pet is good for their health
Pet Health Calendar – Find low-cost vaccination, spay/neuter resources and adoption events near you
Body Language of Feline Anxiety – Dr. Sophia Yin
Body Language of Fear and Anxiety in Dogs – Dr. Sophia Yin
How to Greet (and How Not to Greet) a Dog – Dr. Sophia Yin
How Kids Should (and Should Not) Interact with Dogs – Dr. Sophia Yin
Dr. Yin’s Top 10 Dog Training Tips – Dr. Sophia Yin
Puppy Socialization Check-List – Dr. Sophia Yin
Bite Levels in Dogs – Dr. Sophia Yin
Dog Park Etiquette – Dr. Sophia Yin
7 Things All Dogs Need – Dr. Sophia Yin
Last updated: March 25, 2021
