DCW121-Supporting Service Users with Pets: Risk Assessment and Safety Policy

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

Supporting Service Users with Pets: Risk Assessment and Safety Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide clear guidelines on how {{org_field_name}} supports service users who have pets while ensuring the safety, hygiene, and well-being of both service users and care staff. Pets can play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for individuals receiving domiciliary care by offering companionship, emotional support, and improving overall well-being. However, their presence in a home care setting requires careful risk assessment and health and safety considerations to maintain high standards of care.

This policy aligns with the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016, as well as CIW’s requirements for safe and person-centred care, ensuring that pets do not pose risks to staff, service users, or visitors. It outlines how risks are assessed, how staff are supported in working in homes with pets, and how care is delivered in a manner that is hygienic, respectful, and inclusive.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all employees, agency staff, volunteers, and contractors working for {{org_field_name}} who may encounter pets in service users’ homes. It applies to all types of pets, including dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and small domestic animals. It also covers considerations for service users who rely on assistance animals (e.g., guide dogs) and how their needs are balanced with care provision.

The policy ensures that both pet-owning and non-pet-owning service users are supported appropriately, taking into account allergies, phobias, infection control, and risk factors associated with specific animals.

3. Risk Assessment Process

To ensure the safety and comfort of both staff and service users, a risk assessment must be conducted before care provision begins in a home where pets are present. The assessment should include the following considerations:

Pet Behaviour and Temperament: Staff will assess whether the pet is aggressive, territorial, or has any history of biting, scratching, or excessive barking. If there are concerns about aggressive behaviour, arrangements must be made to ensure the pet is contained during visits.
Hygiene and Cleanliness: The presence of pet hair, odours, faeces, and urine in the home must be assessed to determine whether the living environment remains safe and hygienic. Staff will work with service users to ensure cleaning arrangements are in place.
Allergies and Phobias: Some staff members or other service users may have allergies or phobias related to animals. In such cases, alternative arrangements may be necessary, such as reassigning staff or ensuring that care is delivered in a separate pet-free space.
Zoonotic Diseases and Infection Control: Pets can carry infections, parasites, and zoonotic diseases that may pose health risks. Service users must ensure that pets are vaccinated, dewormed, and free of fleas or ticks. Staff must follow handwashing protocols after handling pets or touching contaminated surfaces.
Feeding and Care Responsibilities: Staff must clarify whether they are expected to assist with feeding, grooming, or cleaning up after pets. This must be agreed upon in advance as part of the care plan and should not be assumed as a duty.
Assistance Animals: Service users with guide dogs or therapy animals have a right to keep them in their homes. Staff must not interfere with these animals but should report any welfare concerns to the appropriate authorities.

The risk assessment is reviewed annually or sooner if circumstances change, such as the introduction of a new pet or changes in the pet’s behaviour.

4. Managing Safety and Hygiene in Homes with Pets

To maintain high standards of infection control and hygiene, staff must adhere to the following practices:

Hand Hygiene: Staff must wash hands before and after touching a pet, cleaning up pet waste, or handling pet food and water bowls. Alcohol-based hand sanitiser should be used where handwashing facilities are not immediately available.
Protective Equipment: If there is a risk of contamination (e.g., excessive pet hair, bodily fluids, or pet waste), staff should wear disposable gloves and change them immediately after contact.
Avoiding Direct Contact: Staff should not share food with pets, allow animals to lick their faces, or touch open wounds after handling animals. If scratches or bites occur, the incident must be reported immediately, and medical attention sought if necessary.
Managing Pet Waste: Litter trays, pet waste bins, or cages must be cleaned by the service user or a designated person unless explicitly agreed upon in the care plan. Staff should not be responsible for pet waste disposal unless specified.
Home Cleanliness: Service users must ensure that homes are reasonably clean and free of pet-related hazards, including urine, faeces, or excessive pet hair that may pose a slip risk or exacerbate respiratory conditions.

If a home is excessively unclean or poses a health hazard, staff have the right to report concerns to the Registered Manager and request a reassessment.

5. Training and Support for Staff

{{org_field_name}} recognises that working in homes with pets may require additional training and guidance for staff. To ensure confidence and safety, the following support measures are in place:

Pet Interaction Training: Staff will receive guidance on how to safely interact with different types of pets, including recognising stress signals in animals and responding appropriately to aggression or anxiety.
Allergy and Phobia Management: Staff who suffer from severe allergies or phobias should disclose this information during induction so that alternative care arrangements can be made if required.
Handling Difficult Situations: Training will include steps to take if a pet becomes aggressive or unmanageable, including de-escalation strategies, securing exits, and reporting incidents.
Infection Control Procedures: Staff will be trained in proper hand hygiene, use of PPE, and managing exposure risks to zoonotic infections.

Staff concerns regarding pets should be raised with the Registered Manager, who will review the situation and make adjustments where necessary.

6. Service User Responsibilities

Service users who have pets must adhere to the following conditions to ensure the safety and well-being of staff:

Ensuring Pets Are Contained During Visits: If the risk assessment identifies potential hazards, service users must agree to keep pets in a separate room or securely contained during care visits.
Maintaining Pet Hygiene: Service users must ensure that their pets are clean, free of parasites, and vaccinated to minimise health risks.
Communicating Any Changes: If a service user acquires a new pet or if an existing pet develops aggressive behaviour, they must inform {{org_field_name}} so that the risk assessment can be updated.

Failure to comply with these responsibilities may result in adjustments to service provision or intervention from relevant health and safety authorities.

7. Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

Infection Prevention and Control Policy (DCW17)
Health and Safety at Work Policy (DCW16)
Risk Management and Assessment Policy (DCW18)
Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy (DCW13)

8. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if changes in legislation, best practices, or service requirements arise. Any updates will be communicated to staff and service users to ensure continued compliance and best practice in supporting service users with pets.

Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.