How to Quarantine New Pet Store Arrivals

Quarantine means to keep separate to prevent the spread of disease. Pet stores should quarantine new animals when the arrive to prevent the possibility of spreading illness to the other animals. If you don't quarantine new arrivals. you risk causing an epidemic of sick animals, high veterinary bills and angry customers. Follow these steps to properly quarantine the new arrivals at your pet store.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Keep all new arrivals in a separate room form the healthy animals for at least two to three weeks. Do not allow the new animals to come in contact with the other animals.

2. Watch closely for signs of illness during the quarantine period. Get prompt medical attention when any new animal shows signs of illness. If any animal is sick, start the quarantine period again on the first day he finishes treatment.

3. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling a sick animal, food dishes, toys and bedding. Proper hand washing is essential to preventing the spread of illness.

4. Have someone care for quarantined animals if there is a high risk for illness. If you care for the sick animals, you risk spreading the germs through your clothing to the other animals. Don't allow employees who care for sick animals to touch any healthy animal for the rest of their shift.

5. Be overly cautious. You can't be too careful when it comes to your quarantine policy. Wash your hands thoroughly after you handle every animal. A pet visiting your store could be carrying an illness.