Criterion HS305
Safe and hygienic practices are implemented with regard to any animals at the service (such as thorough handwashing after handling animals and ensuring animals can be kept separate from food preparation/eating spaces). All animals can be restrained if they pose a risk to children.
Guidance
How to show you are complying
Animals brought into the hospital are typically part of an organised visiting programme.
Children and adults must follow safe and hygienic practices, such as thoroughly washing their hands with soap and water and drying thoroughly after handling or touching animals.
Quarantine sick animals away from children.
Animals visiting the service must be capable of being safely restrained at all times. You must make sure that animals that pose a risk to children – due to size, temperament, or unpredictability can be securely restrained to prevent harm.
Children should be actively supervised during interactions with animals.
Depending on the type of the animal, you may need a plan in place to manage unexpected situations, such a child experiencing an allergic reaction.
Accommodating guide dogs safely
If a sight-impaired person has a guide dog, you must make sure it does not pose a risk to children.
When assessing whether you comply with HS305
Questions we are likely to ask
If animals are included in the education programme, what measures are in place to ensure safe and hygienic practices are followed after handling animals?
How do you safely restrain the animals?
The tools below are here to support you, but you do not have to use them. You can use other tools or methods that work better for your service.
Further information is available in the publication Caring for animals: a guide for teachers, early childhood educators and students.
Caring for animals in the classroom – New Zealand Curriculum – Tāhūrangi
Illness guidelines for early childhood education services PDF 900KB
Safe and hygienic practices are essential when animals are present at the hospital to protect the health and wellbeing of children, adults and the animals themselves. These practices help prevent the spread of germs and disease, reduce the risk of injury, and ensure that interactions with animals are positive.
Doing more than the minimum can shape better outcomes for children. Here are some ideas or examples you might like to consider.
Safe ways to include animals in learning activities
You can develop a policy or clear procedures for managing animals at the service. They could include:
maintaining animal living conditions to a high standard of cleanliness
storing animal food so that it is separated and clearly distinguishable from human food
managing animals during special events such as pet visits, pet days or educational demonstrations
you may consider the needs of all children and families, including those with allergies, phobias, or disabilities
you may consider checking that the animals’ health status has been verified by a licensed veterinarian, including:
up-to-date vaccinations
free from communicable diseases
appropriate temperament for a hospital setting.
Therapy animals may be certified by recognised organisations to confirm they are safe, well-trained, and suitable for interaction with children in an early learning environment. Certification helps ensure the animal’s behaviour, health, and temperament meet standards that support safe and positive experiences for children.