Animal Safety

Abstract

The presence of animals in school settings is common, and the balance of benefits and risks remains controversial. Some experts argue that animals have no place in schools, whereas others contend that animal contact is beneficial. Animals in school settings raise three major health and safety concerns: infectious diseases, allergies, and bites. This chapter presents evidence that addresses both the benefits and the risks of animals in schools, and makes recommendations to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks of animal contact in the school setting.