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Animals on Child Care Premises

Purpose

To ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all children in care by establishing clear requirements and controls for animals present on child care premises.

Scope

This SOP applies to all animals located on or brought onto the child care facility’s indoor or outdoor premises, whether permanent, temporary, or visiting.

Policy Statement

Only animals that meet health, safety, and supervision requirements may be permitted on the premises. Animals that pose any risk to children are strictly prohibited.

Procedures

1. Animal Health and Vaccination Requirements

  1. All animals must:

    • Be properly vaccinated when a vaccination is available for the specific species.

    • Be free from disease, parasites, and visible signs of illness.

    • Be clean and well-groomed at all times.

  2. Current vaccination records must:

    • Be maintained on file at the facility.

    • Be available for review by the licensing authority upon request.

2. Prohibited Animals

  1. The following animals are strictly prohibited on the premises:

    • Poisonous or venomous animals

    • Aggressive animals

    • Animals that pose a potential threat of harm to children

  2. Any animal exhibiting aggressive behavior must be immediately removed from the premises.

3. Supervision and Movement Control

  1. No animal may freely roam the indoor or outdoor premises.

  2. Animals must be:

    • Properly restrained, supervised, or caged at all times.

    • Prevented from unsupervised contact with children.

4. Classroom Animals

  1. If animals or birds are kept in classrooms:

    • They must be housed in appropriate cages or enclosures.

    • Cages must be cleaned and sanitized regularly to maintain a hygienic environment.

  2. Children must only interact with classroom animals under direct staff supervision.

5. Food Safety Restrictions

  1. Animals are strictly prohibited in areas where food is:

    • Prepared

    • Stored

    • Served

  2. Staff must ensure animals are never allowed to enter kitchens, food prep areas, or dining spaces.

6. Parent/Guardian Notification

  1. Parents/guardians must be informed in writing of all animals present on the premises.

  2. Notification may be provided through one or more of the following:

    • A conspicuously posted notice or bulletin

    • The facility’s policy handbook

    • A parent flier

    • A statement included on the enrollment form

  3. Documentation of notification must be maintained in facility records.

Compliance

Failure to comply with this SOP may result in corrective action and may place the facility at risk of licensing violations.