Safety tips for parents who have children and pets:

Never leave a small child alone with an animal, even one you trust.

Keep in mind that animals become less patient as they grow older and may snap at children if they are provoked.

Children and pets may make each other nervous, so it is important to teach your children how to handle animals.

All pets should be kept in good health. Make sure they are friendly, do not have diseases, and receive their immunizations. Pets should also be kept on tick, worm, and flea control programs.

Children should be taught not to remove a pet's food or provoke an animal.

Children should keep their faces away from the pet's mouth, beak, or claws.

Teach children to wash their hands after handling or playing with pets.

Reptiles are inappropriate pets for children because most reptiles carry Salmonella, a bacteria, which could be transmitted to your child.

Do not let toddlers run in and out of a tied dog's territory.

Make sure pets are given private time and private space for eating.

Do not let toddlers run or play inside a dog's crate or kennel.

Check with a veterinarian if you are not sure if a particular pet is appropriate for children.