Animal Safety

We share this beautiful world with pets, farm animals and all the animals that fill our cities, farms and forests. Here are some tips on staying safe and avoiding dangers when interacting with animals and pets.

Pet Safety in the Home

Roughly 70% of dog bites involve children under the age of 10 years old. Here are some great tips for staying safe around our household friends, especially with children:

• Always ask an adult before you approach an animal you don’t know, especially service animals.
• When meeting a dog, if friendly, start by extending the back of your hand to the dog's nose.
• Always pet gently, never pull or tug on hair.
• Never approach a dog while he is eating, sleeping, chewing on a toy or caring for its young.
• Never leave a child unsupervised with an animal. Accidents happen, even with trusted animals.
• Be very cautious when dogs are playing or chasing squirrels, as they may run over children without noticing.
• Never provoke an animal.
• Never play fight or horseplay around dogs.
• Don’t let children put their hands near dogs’ mouths.
• Don’t run from or around animals.
• Train and socialize your animals.

For more information about pet safety and training programs in the Ozarks, visit the Bark Busters website here. 

Animal Safety on the Farm

Farms are often full of different animals and each type comes with their own risks and dangers. Here are some great tips on safely navigating these farm animals:

• When handling an aggressive animal like a bull or a wild animal, always have a partner and an escape plan.
• When handling or moving livestock, remain calm and patient.
• Wear appropriate clothing and gear for the task.
• Be cautious around adult animals with newborns.
• Avoid blind spots or standing behind animals that kick.
• Watch out for claws or talons, be familiar with the animals you are handling.
• If you need a break, take a break. Animals can sense your stress.

For more Farm Safety tips, visit our Farm Safety Page.

Animal Safety in the Wild

You can encounter wild animals everywhere, including cities or suburbs. Here are some general safety tips when encountering these animals:

• Don’t feed unknown or wild animals.
• Never try to pet a wild animal.
• Keep a safe distance, even from seemingly peaceful animals.
• Sneaking up on animals is dangerous.
• Carry Bear Spray or alternative protection if you are hiking or exploring an area where predators might be around.
• Know your local snakes, especially venomous ones.