Conducting Routine Animal Hygiene Tasks

Upon arriving at work each day, you must check which duties and areas you have been allocated to. In some organisations, this will be the same each day. However, some workplaces rotate their staff or have a wide variety of animals that require care; therefore, duties may vary. Some of these duties may be allocated to specific people within the Animal Care facility based on experience or level of qualification.

In an animal care environment, there will likely be multiple shifts rostered during the day or throughout the week. You may not see or speak to some of your colleagues if they are rostered at different times. Therefore, communication is vital when conducting animal hygiene routines.

There will likely be some formal documents or systems, such as cage cards or computer records, that you are required to update after each hygiene routine rotation. Before commencing your duties always check the records that have been left by the previous shift, this will help to determine if a particular animal has been exhibiting any unusual behaviours or if its appetite has been poor.

Continued instances of abnormal behaviours may indicate an underlying condition that may need medical intervention. If there is an overlap time between shifts, use this opportunity to get a verbal update on each animal.

When you are carrying out cleaning tasks, you need to ensure you are well-organised and equipped with the appropriate resources. The following checklist has been put together to ensure you can keep track of what you would need to carry out cleaning routines.

Let us take a closer look at the daily hygiene routines in further detail.

Headcount/animal observation

A preliminary check of all animals under your care should be undertaken to verify that the records are accurate, especially if you are on the first shift of the day. Animals may have been moved or have died since your last shift, and this may need immediate attention.

During this preliminary check, you can observe general behaviours and potentially identify any immediate indicators of illness or injury. Before we touch the animal, we should look and listen to the animal. The following table provides you with these specific indicators to be mindful of when you are carrying out your preliminary checks. There is also a description to accompany each indicator to help extend your understanding of how each one may appear.

Preliminary check indicator	Description
Environment & Distance Examination	Mentation Behaviour Urine/Faeces Mobility/posture Vocalisation  Respiratory Rate & Effort
Assessing the animal head-to-toe	Body Condition Score Capillary refill time Mucous membranes Teeth Hydration - Skin tenting Skin & Coat Chest- Checking heart rate and for any abnormalities such as lumps. Abdomen - checking for any abnormalities such as lumps. Limbs - Checking for any abnormalities such as lumps or deformities  Urogenital - colour and frequency of urination. Free from straining.  Anus - free from mats. Check annual glands.  Faeces - Excessive amounts or odd colours/textures may indicate illness or food allergy
Lameness	A reluctance to move and vocalising when walking can be a sign of injury. It may be a pre-existing injury that is getting worse or a new condition.
Changes in drinking or eating patterns	If an animal's food bowl is still full from the last feeding then they may be ill, especially if they normally have a good appetite. Also, excessive water intake can be a symptom of illness.
Bleeding	If an animal has had recent surgery, it may have torn stitches. Alternatively, bleeding may be an indication of fighting (amongst group-housed animals) or self-mutilation
Swelling	A potential sign of injury

Remember, animals will be excited to see you, especially dogs. You provide food and social activity, which they crave. Therefore vocalisation (i.e. barking, meowing, chirping) is not necessarily a sign of illness or injury. However, if it is linked to any of the other conditions, it may be an indicator of pain and should be investigated.

It is also worth noting that some animals do not like to be contained, like cats and native animals, and will vocalise sorrowfully to get attention and hopefully release from their cage. If this is a temporary containment then it may have to be ignored, otherwise, if the animal is being kept for a longer period it may require a larger enclosure.

Basic animal handling

As part of your daily duties, you will likely be required to handle various animals. This may mean removing them from their enclosure or cage so that cleaning can be undertaken or assisting with health care examinations, grooming and/or the provision of exercise and social activity.

Animal handling techniques will vary depending on the type of animal; however, some basic precautions always apply:

Precaution to take	Practice
Be Prepared	Ensure you have the necessary restraint equipment and that you know where you are taking the animal. Remove obstacles, contain other animals and close any external doors
Safely Approach	Always observe animal behaviour before attempting to handle them. Are they displaying relaxed, friendly body language, or do they appear stressed or aggressive?
Restrain Correctly	Only use species-specific restraint equipment and/or handling techniques. This will limit the chance of injury to yourself or the animal and also prevent escape.
Only use species-specific restraint equipment and/or handling techniques	This will limit the chance of injury to yourself or the animal and also prevent escape.

Feeding and watering

Feeding and watering may be done up to three times a day, depending on the animals in your care. Often, it may coincide with the administration of medication and toileting.

Feeding routines can be quite complex, depending on the health and/or training regimes of the animal. For example, a dog in a veterinary surgery that has diabetes will be on a specific medically prescribed diet, whereas a racehorse will have a special diet designed by their trainer to optimise their physical performance.

Special dietary requirements should be recorded on the animal's cage card or other documentation that is specific to the individual animal. As their caregiver, you will be required to be familiar with these special requirements and ensure that the correct types of food in the correct quantities are provided at the right times.

Cleaning and disinfecting

When you are working in the animal care industry, you will spend a good portion of your shift undertaking cleaning duties. Animals can be quite messy. Some areas that will need attention are:

• feces and urine in housing
• bedding
• feed and water dishes and toys
• dirt
• floors (both those in individual cages/enclosures and also common areas).

It is important to note that if the animal has soiled in the housing overnight and it’s contacted their skin or fur, they too will need to be bathed. The animal cannot be left in its soiling at risk of infection or scolding and appropriate bathing procedures need to be carried out for the animal.

You must always refer to your workplace's cleaning schedule to determine the frequency of cleaning duties and also the types of equipment and chemicals you are required to use. After using equipment for cleaning, such as mops, you need to ensure they are disinfected and dried daily, changed weekly and disposed of completely (and immediately) if they have come into contact with infectious materials.

To maintain hygiene and reduce the risk of spreading anything contagious, you should always start at the cleanest area and move to dirty areas or contaminated areas. Sometimes, they will have separate cleaning utensils for special areas, e.g. surgery and isolation.

In an animal care environment, there will likely be multiple shifts rostered during the day or throughout the week. You may not see or speak to some of your colleagues if they are rostered at different times. Therefore, communication is vital when conducting animal hygiene routines. There will likely be some formal documents or systems, such as cage cards or computer records, that you are required to update after each hygiene routine rotation.

Disinfecting

Disinfecting should always take place after the cleaning process. This is particularly important as it helps to maximise infection control and eliminate bacteria from the affected area. When you are using a disinfectant, you need to ensure you follow these steps:

1. Practise hand hygiene by correctly washing your hands. 
2. Wear disposable gloves and rubber gloves as secondary protection, protective eyewear, mask and apron
3. Ensure the area is well ventilated
4. Ensure the disinfectant has been diluted correctly before use. Be mindful that in some cases, an increased disinfecting agent may be required due to the nature of bacteria.
5. Apply the disinfectant for the stipulated contact time, this means, the disinfectant may be required to be left on a surface for a certain amount of time to ensure efficacy before it is wiped off.
6. Rinse the area after the stipulated time frame, especially in housing for cats who are constantly groomed.
7. Allow the area or surface to be completely dry before exposing the animal.
8. Return items to their respective place. 
9. Remove PPE and wash your hands. 

The following video outlines the daily routine surrounding the care of cats when they are in care.

Examples of chemicals used to disinfect

In an animal care setting, various types of disinfectants are used to ensure a clean and safe environment. Here are some common types:

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats)

• Effective against a wide range of bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
• Non-corrosive and generally safe for use on many surfaces.

 

Chlorine Compounds (e.g., Bleach)

• Highly effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
• It can be corrosive and may damage some materials; it needs proper dilution.

 

Alcohols (Ethanol, Isopropanol)

• Effective against bacteria and many viruses.
• Quick-drying and useful for disinfecting small surfaces and equipment.

 

Hydrogen Peroxide

• Effective against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores.
• Non-corrosive and breaks down into water and oxygen, making it environmentally friendly.

 

Phenolic Compounds

• Effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
• It can be toxic to some animals (e.g., cats) and may require special handling.

 

Iodophors (Iodine-based disinfectants)

• Effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
• Less irritating and more stable than traditional iodine solutions.

 

Peracetic Acid

• Effective against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores.
• Rapid action and leaves no harmful residues.

 

Glutaraldehyde

• Effective against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores.
• Used primarily for high-level disinfection of medical and veterinary equipment.

 

Watch

Housing maintenance/ adjustment

As part of your everyday observations and cleaning duties, you must also conduct a routine inspection of the animal housing. Damage to cages, pens and enclosures can cause injury and potentially allow an animal to escape.

Things to look for include:

Rust	If an animal cuts itself on a rusty nail, health problems such as tetanus can occur. Rust also makes surfaces difficult to disinfect.
Peeling paint	This could become a problem if the animal within the housing decided to chew on the peeling paint. The underlying surface may be porous or harbour contamination.
Broken wire	This is also an injury and possibly an infection risk, such as tetanus
Lifting linoleum/floor covering	The animals in the enclosure could injure themselves by cutting themselves, tripping or chewing. Infection may be established beneath the surface, making cleaning more difficult.

Many of these issues can also create a breeding ground for micro-organisms, in addition to presenting as unprofessional to members of the public and making cleaning difficult. Ensure you report any instances of damage to housing environments and follow-up to see if they have been repaired.

The housing environment may also need to be adjusted for weather or climatic conditions. This may mean:

• closing doors/windows
• ensuring access to the interior or sheltered areas
• providing warmth in the form of jackets/rugs (dogs, horses), soft bedding and/or blankets
• raising animal enclosures
• moving portable enclosures undercover
• providing additional water

Removing rubbish

Removal of rubbish is a part of the cleaning process that needs to be carried out when cleaning housing, enclosures, and cages, as well as removing rubbish from inside the clinic/ facility itself.

Cross-contamination, sustainable practice and disposal of sharps are all factors that need to be considered when you are removing rubbish.

When you are cleaning out housing, you will likely be disposing of soiled contents, including training mats, newspaper, hay, litter trays, food and any additional mats or blankets that may be used to keep the animal comfortable overnight.

It is important to note that when you are removing and disposing of rubbish that contains bodily discharge such as urine, feces, vomit, or blood, it needs to be disposed of following a specific procedure; it is not simply putting it into the rubbish bin and calling it a day. Some of these animals may have an infection and disposing of their waste can present the hazard of cross-contamination and transmission of disease.

When disposing of rubbish (specifically that of soiled nature), you should:

1. Always wear PPE, including gloves and an apron
2. Remove soiled contents and place them in a plastic bag; this includes cat litter.
3. Disinfect and clean the area with disposable (preferably biodegradable) paper towels
4. Dispose of the rubbish bag in the correct waste bin- this should be clearly labelled “soiled waste only.” The waste bin should be in an area outdoors where people are not inhaling the waste.
5. Wash hands

It is also important for pregnant women to avoid emptying cat litter, as inhaling cat waste can be toxic.

When disposing of rubbish from an isolation ward (ISO-W), you must follow the process for disposal to avoid any infectious transmission to other parts of the animal hospital or facility.

When disposing of rubbish in the ISO-W, you should:

1. Practise hand hygiene by washing your hands
2. Wear full PPE, including masks, gloves, disposable clothing, and shoe coverings.
3. Remove any rubbish including soiled contents, including bedding and litter and place in a strong plastic bag.
4. Disinfect and clean the area with disposable paper towels.
5. Dispose of the rubbish in the correct waste bins (this will be clearly labelled with soiled contents); these bins will be separate from the rest of the facility as much of the rubbish will need to be incinerated to prevent infectious transmission.
6. Remove all PPE once it is safe to do so and dispose of it in the appropriate waste bin, these bins will also be clearly labelled with PPE, so you know where to dispose of the items and are likely to be incinerated. If they are not disposable, they will have to be washed separately from the rest of the laundry items.
7. Wash your hands

Along with your daily routine, you will also have weekly and periodical tasks. These tasks may differ from each workplace. Below are some examples of weekly and periodical tasks. 

Weekly tasks:

• Ordering stock
• Balancing the till and depositing money 
• Cleaning and maintenance of equipment (depending on manufacturer instructions)

Periodical tasks:

• Stocktake
• Cleaning and maintenance of equipment (depending on manufacturer instructions)
• Testing & tagging equipment
• Licensing of equipment

 

General Health Assessments 

General health assessments in the animal care industry are vital to evaluate an animal's overall health and well-being. These assessments are typically performed trained animal care professionals. These assessments aim to detect any signs of illness or injury, monitor the animal's health status over time, and ensure preventive care measures are in place.

Importance of General Health Assessments 

• Early Detection of Disease: Regular health assessments help catch illnesses or conditions early, improving successful treatment chances.

• Preventive Care: They allow for implementing preventive measures like vaccinations, parasite control, and dental care, which help maintain the animal’s health.

• Welfare Monitoring: These assessments ensure that animals are being cared for in ways that support their physical and mental well-being, which is essential in any animal care setting, such as sanctuaries, boarding facilities, or veterinary clinics.

 

Physical Examination:

Weight and Body Condition: The animal's weight is recorded, and its body condition is evaluated to ensure it's within a healthy range for its species, age, and breed. Vital Signs: Heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature are measured to check for any abnormalities. Eyes, Ears, and Mouth: The eyes should be clear and free of discharge, the ears should be clean, and the mouth and gums should show signs of good dental health. Skin and Coat: The animal's coat should be glossy and free of parasites, while the skin should be smooth without lumps, rashes, or irritations. Mobility: The animal's gait and movement are checked for any signs of stiffness, lameness, or pain.

Behavioural Assessment:

The animal’s behaviour is observed for signs of stress, fear, aggression, or unusual lethargy. Behaviour can be an early indicator of underlying health problems.

Nutritional Status:

An assessment of the animal’s diet is made to ensure it is receiving appropriate nutrition. This includes evaluating what the animal is fed and whether their diet has any deficiencies or excesses.

Parasite Control:

A review of the animal's parasite control measures, including checks for fleas, ticks, worms, and other parasites, is conducted. Regular deworming and parasite treatments are a part of maintaining general health.

Vaccination and Preventive Care:

The animal's vaccination records are reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date. Vaccinations are critical in preventing diseases, especially in shelters, sanctuaries, and boarding facilities.

Dental Health:

The condition of the animal's teeth and gums is examined to detect any signs of dental disease, which can affect overall health if left untreated.

Reproductive Health:

For breeding animals, reproductive health is assessed to identify any issues that could affect breeding success or the health of offspring. For sterilized pets, signs of post-operative complications or hormonal imbalances are checked.

Environmental Factors:

The assessment includes a review of the animal's living conditions, ensuring it is in a clean, safe, and stress-free environment.

 

When a crate, enclosure or cage needs cleaning, the animal cannot be kept inside while the cleaning process is taking place. In the time it takes you to clean out the housing, the animal should be placed in alternative housing until it is ready. Usually, there may be a spare crate, enclosure or carry basket close by that the animal can be placed in until the housing has been cleaned. You will need to be mindful if housing may require extended periods to clean, dry and make ready for the animal to return. Always remember your WHS/OHS procedures when handling animals. Yours and the safety of others are at risk if you do not consider the animal and its temperament when moving and handling them.

The housing will have been cleaned and hosed down (if necessary for larger enclosures) using disinfectant to eliminate bacteria. It is important the housing has been rinsed of all residues from the disinfectant to ensure the animal does not ingest any of it. Food, water, and blankets will also need to be replenished for the animal to return to comfortable housing. Where possible, the area that has been hosed out will need to be as dry as possible before returning the animal and replenishing food, water, and bedding. Therefore, the secondary housing they are placed into will need to be large enough to hold the animal while preliminary housing dries.

When returning the animal to their housing you must take extra care during this process. The following steps outline the correct procedure to take when returning the animals to their housing.

1. Make sure there are no other animals out of their cages in the housing area.
2. Mop the floor of the kennel room floor with hospital-grade disinfectant (Trigene)
3. Either dry the floor with a clean towel and place the towel into the wash, or place the wet floor sign out.
4. Replenish food, water, and bedding.
5. Place the animal back into a clean cage and secure the door.
6. Wash and dry your hands.
7. Update their monitoring record sheet.

The following video provides a demonstration of the daily routines of working with dogs in care. It also dives into some insight into the cleaning techniques of larger enclosures.

Watch

Health examinations

Animals that are new to the facility should undergo a basic health examination, especially if they are staying for some time (such as boarding kennels or animal welfare shelters), the following are examples of what examinations may need to be carried out. You should also take a history from the owner regarding normal behaviour and any health conditions they currently have.

• Vital signs include heart rate, breathing rate, and temperature.
• Weight & body condition score
• Vaccination status, which may include providing vaccines.
• Signs of infestation such as fleas.
• Obvious signs of illness, for example, coughing or discharges.

By conducting this health examination, you will be able to quarantine/isolate any potentially infectious animals from the main population to limit the spread of disease or infestation. The animal can then receive appropriate treatment.

Grooming

Some animals may require bathing or other grooming tasks while staying in the facility. Grooming may be offered as an additional service or the only service at your facility. If you work with rescue or stray animals, this is an important step as they may not have been groomed in a while or at all. 

Exercise and social activity

All animals require exercise and social activity, and their housing should be designed in a way that allows this to occur. The amount of exercise that occurs will depend on the type of animal facility.

Some examples include:

Amount of exercise	Animal facility
Minimal Exercise	Veterinary clinics house animals for short periods while they are recovering from illness or injury.
Daily Unstructured Exercise	Boarding kennels or Welfare Shelters housing healthy animals long term. Animals should have a safe, contained area to run and play freely, potentially interacting with other similar animals.
Daily Structured Exercise	Racehorse stables housing thoroughbred racehorses. Horses should have a set training regime designed by a horse trainer.
Free Roam Exercise	Zoos and wildlife parks house captive exotic animals. Animals should have an enclosure that allows them enough space to walk, run, climb or swim freely, as their natural habitat would allow

Certain animals prefer human contact more than others and will enjoy time spent with their handler, taking a few minutes for petting/cuddles is beneficial to their social activity needs. Other animals prefer to be housed with others from their species as they are herd animals.

Changing the types of enrichment apparatus is important from time to time, this may mean providing new and interesting toys for dogs, or a climbing frame for cats.