Introduction

Whether it's a dog, cat, guinea pig, goldfish or more seldom, a rat, tarantula or python, pets are an integral part of our lives. They spend most days around the house, close to eating areas and even sometimes sleep beside children's beds.

But perhaps because of the age-old link between animal and man, such proximity is not always seen as a risk. Pathogenic agents or allergies, that could cause varying degrees of sickness, are often brought into homes by animals. Consequently, having a pet in or near a home requires some simple hygiene practices for the animals themselves, the people around them and the areas where they live.