Worker Safety and Health in Small Animal Care
Workers in the field of small animal care – including veterinary staff, kennel workers, pet groomers and more – are exposed to a variety of hazards at the workplace. Hazards can include chemicals (such as anesthetic gases), biological hazards such as allergens, or physical hazards from animals and machinery, such as bites, scratches and ergonomic injuries. Researchers at the Center for One Health Research found that workers in small animal care in Washington frequently experience work-related injuries caused by their interactions with animals.
If you work or manage employees in the field of small animal care, we want you to be aware of the resources to educate yourself and other employees about occupational safety and health here in Washington State. See below for some of the resources available for small animal care workers:
Veterinary Staff
Washington Labor & Industry Safety and Health Topics: Veterinary Hazards
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): Occupational Safety for Veterinarians
Animal Groomers
Professional Pet Groomers and Stylists http://www.pijac.org/PPGSA-StandardsAssociation Standards of Care, Safety & Sanitation
PetMD: Safety Tips for the Professional Groomer
Laboratory Animal Workers
OSHA QuickFacts for Laboratory Safety: Working with Small Animals
“OSHA and Lab Animal Care” Resource from Vince MacLeod, Certified Industrial Hygienist
“Occupational Health and Safety in the Care and Use of Research Animals”, Institute of Laboratory
Animal Resources, Commission on Life Sciences, National Research Council
UCSD “Occupational Health and Safety Hazards in the Animal Research Setting”
Animal Rescue Workers
Animal Care Workers / Animal Handlers (General)
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Animal Care and Service Workers: Work Environment
To see the results of our Washington Animal Workers Health Initiative (WAWHI) or Preventing Injuries in Veterinary Occupational Tasks studies and stay updated on our work at the Center for One Health Research, visit our “Publications” page. If you have experienced a work-related injury or illness or are concerned about a hazard in your workplace, please contact Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.