Before adopting or buying a pet ferret, make sure a ferret is the right type of pet for your family. Be aware that ferrets can sometimes spread germs that can make people sick. Young children are also at higher risk for bites from ferrets and should never be left unsupervised around ferrets.

Animals provide many benefits to people. Many people interact with animals in their daily lives, both at home and away from home. Animals provide food, fiber, livelihoods, travel, sport, companionship, and education for people across the globe. Millions of households in the United States have one or more pets. We might come into contact with animals in either urban or rural settings, during travel, while visiting animal exhibits, or while enjoying outdoor activities.

When choosing a pet bird, you should match a bird's attitude, temperament, size, activity level, and life span with your family, your home, and the amount of time you have to spend with your pet. You will also need to provide a safe, sturdy enclosure or cage for your bird.

A healthy diet is important for everyone, even your pets! When picking out the right food for your pet, there are important things to consider. While the CDC does not recommend feeding raw diets to pets because of germs like Salmonella and Listeria bacteria, we do have some suggestions on safely handling, preparing and storing raw foods.

In the United States, more than 90% of reported cases of rabies in animals occur in wildlife. Rabies affects only mammals. Mammals are warm-blooded animals with fur. People are also mammals. Birds, snakes, and fish are not mammals, so they can't get rabies and they can't give it to you. But any mammal can get rabies, including people.

We are still learning about SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, but we know it can spread from people to animals in some situations, especially during close contact with a person with COVID-19. A small number of pets worldwide, including cats and dogs, have been infected SARS-CoV-2, mostly after close contact with people with COVID-19. Based on the information available to date, the risk of pets spreading COVID-19 to people is considered to be low.

Research has shown that cats can provide emotional support, improve moods, and contribute to the overall morale of their owners. Cats are also credited with promoting socialization among older individuals and physically or mentally disabled people. Nearly 40 million households in the United States have pet cats.

Keeping your cat healthy helps to keep you and your family healthy. We highlight what you should consider before getting a new cat, how to provide a comfortable home for your new cat, and how to maintain your cats health long term.

Before buying or adopting a dog or puppy, make sure a dog is the right type of pet for your family. Talk to your veterinarian about the right type of dog for you to make sure the dog you choose fits your lifestyle and needs. Be aware that dogs can sometimes carry germs that can make people sick, even when they appear clean and healthy. Visit your veterinarian for routine care to keep your dog healthy and to prevent infectious diseases.

Feathered pets like parrots can be fascinating additions to the family. Recent estimates say that over 5 million households in the United States have pet birds. Bird owners should be aware that although their pets might be highly intelligent and fun companions, they can sometimes carry germs that can make people sick.