My Exotic Pet CareThe keeper’s field notes

Household notes / Read the public-health guidance

Care includes the people around them.

Follow the current public-health advice as well as the animal’s care plan.

Healthy-looking does not mean germ-free

CDC explains that reptiles and amphibians can carry Salmonella even when they appear healthy. Its guidance covers handwashing after contact with animals and their surroundings, and keeping them and their supplies away from food-preparation areas.

Consider the household

CDC advises that children under five, adults 65 and older and people with weakened immune systems avoid contact with reptiles and amphibians. Read the complete guidance before bringing an animal into the household or arranging a sitter.

Write down the actual routine

Record where designated equipment is kept and which cleaning instructions apply, including the exact product directions. Do not use our habitat card as a recipe for disinfectant strength or animal treatment. Ask an appropriate professional about unclear requirements.

Further reading: CDC: reptiles and amphibians, Healthy Pets Healthy People. Independent reference; no endorsement of this site or its shopping links.