Education & safety
Dogs and cats are often our best friends and most of them are friendly. We've got some useful tips on how to behave around dogs and cats to ensure that both of you are safe and happy. To download our leaflets visit the Help & advice section of website. If you think you know your stuff, why not try our safety quiz?
Understanding dogs and cats
As dogs and cats can’t talk in the same way as us they can’t tell us how they feel. Sometimes we may not understand what they are trying to tell us. Dogs and cats can’t tell you how they are feeling or what has happened to them in the past. Sadly, some animals have been hurt or scared by people and don't trust humans anymore. This will have a big effect on their behaviour.
Dogs do's and don'ts
It is very important that you aren't left alone with a dog - your parents or an adult should always be around. In order to be safe, you need to know how to stop the dog from feeling frightened
DO
- Be gentle and quiet around dogs at all times – treat them how you would like to be treated
- Have respect for dogs
DON'T
- Sneak up on a dog – you could scare them
- Tease a dog – it’s not fair
- Stare at a dog - dogs can find this scary
- Disturb a dog who is sleeping or eating
- Assume a dog wants to play with you. Just like you, sometimes they may want to be left alone
- Approach a dog who is without an owner as you won’t know if the dog is friendly
You can also download our leaflet Safety around dogs leaflet for more information.
Cats do's and don'ts
DO
- Be gentle and quiet around cats at all times
- Have respect for cats
DON'T
- Never stare at a cat as she will feel challenged by you.
- Tease a cat – it’s not fair
- Disturb a sleeping or eating cat – she may not want attention or playtimes at that particular moment
- Assume a cat will always want to play – she will quite often simply want to sleep.
