Proposed Regulations

8VAC20-781-650 Animals and pets

C. Monkeys, bats, ferrets, poisonous or dangerous animals, reptiles, psittacine birds (birds of the parrot family), shall not be accessible to children during the hours children are in care and the licensee shall ensure that children shall not have direct physical contact with the animals. The licensee shall ensure that children do not come in physical contact with stray or wild animals.

Is this something that is happening?

Yes, while it is unclear if all of the animals on this list are commonly found in child care centers or if the list is created from another source. We are aware that psittacine birds and reptiles are present in some child care programs in Virginia.

Is there a health or safety concern?

Possibly, there are illnesses that can be carried by the animals that are limited by this regulation. However, there is not data to assert additional regulation is needed. Reptiles in particular are banned in many states and we have not found any evidence that Virginia has higher cases of salmonella or that salmonella is being transferred to children through contact with reptiles in their child care centers.

What is appropriate regulation to address the health or safety concern?

There are lots of options to address health and safety concerns without banning children’s access to animals. Common sense regulations may require parental notification, parental permission, or safety policies created by the center.

What are the consequences of this regulation?

Our school has a box turtle and we have over the years had other reptiles, all of which would have not been possible with the new regulation 8VAC20-781-650 C. We would need to rehome Herbert. Mushu, a bearded dragon, was particularly a favorite reptile of many children because they could feed him, watch him eat, and see his colors change under stress. Classroom pets are great opportunities for learning, and unlike mammals, reptiles tend to be less stressed by the classroom environment. The children learned about animals but also built relationships with all our class pets. Different teachers have different passions and exposing children to animals that you love is one of the joys of teaching. Children will miss out on opportunities to learn through hands on interaction with animals if this regulation moves forward.

Update 8VAC20-781-650 C to require a safety plan for any of the listed animals rather than banning children’s access entirely.