Classroom Pets Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Zoonotic infections — Wash hands with soap after animal or enclosure contact, keep food and drink out of animal zones, exclude immunocompromised pupils from high-risk species tasks, quarantine newcomers, and consult a vet on species-specific risks such as salmonella in reptiles or ringworm in mammals.
• Carcass handling and end-of-life — If an animal dies, wear gloves, place remains in a sealed, labelled container, record the event, inform leadership and families sensitively, follow lawful disposal or veterinary transfer, and offer age-appropriate reflection without public display.
• Feed and bedding storage hygiene — Store feed and bedding in sealed, labelled containers off the floor, rotate stock first-in/first-out, discard damp or odorous batches, clean spills promptly, separate storage from food-teaching areas, and inspect weekly for mould or rodent activity with a simple log.
• Emergency incidents and first aid — Keep a stocked first-aid kit and bite/scratch protocol at the enclosure, display emergency contacts, train staff to manage anaphylaxis and to isolate the area after incidents, and review controls after any event before normal handling resumes.
• Inclusion and reasonable adjustments — Provide roles that do not require touch, offer gloves or tools for distance tasks, seat anxious pupils at comfortable ranges, and give clear visual instructions so SEN and anxious learners can contribute meaningfully to animal care routines.