Site Directory

Zoonotic Diseases

• About the program

• Contacts

• Other Environmental Health Programs & Services

Animal Venue Operator Requirements

An animal venue operator is a person, company, or entity who offers a setting where public contact with animals is encouraged, such as a petting zoo, county fair, or horse or pony rides. Animal venue operators have responsibilities under Washington State rules to help prevent diseases from being transferred from animals to people. The following information and resources are to help venue operators comply with state rules.

Animals in Public Settings

State rule, WAC 246-100-192, says an animal venue operator shall provide a hand-washing station or alternative hand sanitizing method and post a prominent sign in a simple and easy-to-understand format for visitors to see before they enter the animal exhibit area which warns that:

• Animals can carry germs that can make people sick, even animals that appear healthy.

• Eating, drinking, or putting things in a person's mouth in animal areas could cause illness.

• Older adults, pregnant women, immunocompromised people, and young children are more likely to become ill from contact with animals.

• Young children and individuals with intellectual disabilities should be supervised in animal exhibit areas.

• Strollers, baby bottles, pacifiers, and children's toys are not recommended in animal exhibit areas.

Animal venue operators must also post a prominent sign at each exit of the animal exhibit area reminding visitors to wash their hands.

To comply with this rule, an animal venue operator can create their own signs, or they can use these:

• How to be Safe Around Animals (PDF 390KB)

• Washing Hands When Leaving Animal Exhibits (PDF 678KB)

  • Spanish - Lávese las manos después de visitar las exhibiciones de animales (PDF 678KB)

For More Information

• Zoonotic Disease Rules and Guidelines

• Compendium of Measures to Prevent Disease Associated with Animals in Public Settings, NASPHV

• Stay Healthy at Animal Exhibits This Summer, CDC