Pets

Health and Safety awareness and increased legislation requires employers and employees to be increasingly vigilant.  The health and care of pets at Howestead Lodge is no exception.  Howestead Lodge Ltd recommends that, unless there are extenuating circumstances children or young people should not be encouraged to bring their pets with them on placement.  Staff should also be discouraged from bringing their pets to work.  Staff visiting with their pet is acceptable along with guide dogs and hearing dogs.  Any person visiting with pets is totally responsible for the care and behaviour of those pets.

Howestead Lodge Ltd is aware of the “Health and Safety” issues connected with keeping pets:

Safety

Running and jumping up at people, tripping and barking.

Health

Flea bites, respiratory irritation due to loose hairs, and allergy reactions etc.

Hygiene

Beds and bedding, feeding, handling, toileting and personal hygiene etc.

Howestead Lodge Ltd aims to minimise any risks by adhering to the following procedures:

1) Pets must be kept out of food storage, preparation and serving areas.

2) Pet foodstuffs must be correctly stored or properly covered at all times.

3) Equipment such as dishes and other utensils used by the pets or by the people caring for them must be cleaned and disinfected regularly and carried out separately from all household utensils with sinks and cleaning equipment used for the task cleaned and disinfected on completion of work.

4) Pet foodstuff must be kept in clean and secure conditions as open food may encourage insects and other vermin to enter the premises.

5) People who handle the pets foodstuffs must wash their hands thoroughly afterwards.  This includes people who simply “Pet” or groom the animals.

6) Any faeces found in the garden areas will be disposed of in a prompt and recommended way.

7) Howestead Lodge Ltd will ensure that pets that require veterinary attention will receive it in a prompt and proper manner.