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Many of the activities on these pages may require adult supervision.
Be sure to tell a grown-up about what you're planning and ask for permission before getting started.

In general, move slowly.

Treat animals with respect. Don't tease them or pick them up roughly and throw them about. Use your common sense. Pick small animals up slowly and gently. Hold them securely but never squeeze them. Be patient. Let them get used to your holding them. Give them time to smell you and get used to you.

How to Pick Up a Kitten

Don't pick it up by the skin on the back of its neck. This could hurt the kitten. Scoop your hands under the kitten and lift it gently. Hold it close to you so it feels warm and secure.

How to Treat a Strange Dog

If you know the dog is a friend's pet, give it a moment to look at you and smell you. If the dog appears friendly, put your hand out and pet it. If the dog jumps up on you and you don't like this, yell "Down!" or "No!" and turn away. Don't wave your hands around and smile. That makes the dog think you want him to jump up on you.
If a dog snarls at you, leave it alone, or speaking softly ("It's okay, it's okay, okay, boy"), back away from it or walk around it, leaving the dog a lot of room so it won't feel threatened. Do not tease a snarling, growling strange dog.

How to Pick Up a Gerbil

Don't move quickly with jerky movements. Gently put your hands under the gerbil. Scoop it up. Cradle it in one palm. With your other hand you can pet the gerbil's head, but wait until it seems calm.

How to Pet a Friendly Horse

Put your hand up slowly and stroke the sides of its face or above the nose. If you want to feed a horse an apple, put your hand flat, palm up, and rest the apple on it. Move your hand in front of the horse's mouth. It will take the apple off your hand with its lips. Don't walk around behind a horse; it may not like it and may kick you.

How to Pick up a Tame Bird

Put your hand in the bird's cage with your finger extended. Do this slowly. Put your finger right in front of the bird's feet. Wait. In a few seconds the bird will probably step onto your finger so you can carry it out of the cage. Don't be surprised if it then flies up to your head. This feels odd but is okay. If you want to get it off, reach up and put your finger in front of its feet again.

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