Pet Shops: How to Keep Them Clean, Safe and Healthy
Small dogs and pets have become very popular nowadays, thanks to Hollywood stars and socialites Paris Hilton and Nicole Ritchie. This is one of the reasons why many pet shops have opened recently. But whilst a pet shop can be a very rewarding business, it can also be very hard to maintain. You have to make sure that your animals are free from diseases, for instance. You also have to maintain the cleanliness of your shop. This ensures that your animals and customers are free from bacteria, viruses and harmful organisms. Follow the simple tips below to keep your pet shop clean at all times.
1. Make sure that all cages and enclosures are clean and secure. Check locks, bars or doors of all cages and enclosures to ensure that everything is working well. Animals should be prevented from escaping, so make sure that all locks and cages are in a good state of repair. You should also change beddings and scoop out litter and unfinished food from cages regularly. You should also spray or dust insecticide or disinfectant in the cages (except for aquariums) once a week.
2. Practice the proper disposal of wastewater. The water that you use to clean floors and litter as well as the water you use to give animals a bath should be discharged into sewers, adequate sub-surface disposal trenches or other areas approved by authorised personnel. Make sure to dry floors and cages after washing these down to avoid contamination of viruses or bacteria.
3. Properly store feed and other animal food. Make sure that all animal food is stored in a tightly covered container that can keep out flies, insects and other vermin. It is also important that these containers are non-toxic. You should also be able to clean and disinfect these containers regularly. Any animal food that spills onto the floor or other areas should be cleaned up immediately.
4. Keep all surfaces of your pet shop clean and disinfected. This includes floors, walls, ceilings, equipment and sinks. Make sure these are all washed and disinfected at the end of the day so that they don’t become contaminated by animal waste. You should also make sure that all towels, rugs and cloths used in your pet shop are washed in hot water and disinfected as well. You should also make it a point to keep your pet shop free from insects, flies and other vermin.
5. Keep hand sanitisers, a faucet and sink and anti-bacterial soap in your pet shop for your customers and staff to use. Urge all your customers and employees to disinfect or wash their hands thoroughly after handling animals. There have been cases of salmonella contamination, for instance, amongst children after touching or feeding turtles. So, be sure to post signs reminding everyone to wash their hands properly before leaving your pet shop.
Pet shops and pets are quite popular nowadays. But whilst you might be earning a lot from your own pet shop, make sure that your pets and customers are always safe and healthy. By keeping your pet shop clean and disinfecting areas, items and equipment, you are maintaining a tidy and clean environment that is safe for both your animals and your customers.
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Category: Pets
Keywords: pet shops, pets