Making Animal Welfare a Priority at Events
Thinking about including animals at your next event? Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering, community event, educational activity, or fundraiser, it is important to consider whether the environment is safe and appropriate for animals.
Not every event is suitable; crowds, noise, bright lights, long hours, and transportation to and from the event can cause stress in animals. If animals are invited, organizers need to ensure the event conditions are safe, appropriate, and enjoyable for both animals and people.
Before Including Animals at Your Event
Before your event, take time to consider how animals will be cared for and managed throughout. Consider:
- If the type of event is suitable for animals
- How many animals will be present, what species, their ages and their comfort around people
- Who will be responsible for supervising the animals
- How animals will be transported, housed, fed and cared for during the event
- Whether guests will be allowed to interact with the animals and what rules need to be followed to ensure the safety of both animals and guests
- What steps will be taken if an animal becomes stressed, sick, injured or escapes
- Any local bylaws, permits or venue requirements that may apply
Working with knowledgeable animal owners, handlers or organizations can help you decide if your event is suitable for animals and if so, can help you determine what appropriate care looks like throughout the event.
Meeting Animals’ Basic Needs
Busy and unpredictable environments can be stressful for animals. Make sure animals have a space where they can feel comfortable and safe.
Attending an event doesn’t change an animal’s need for appropriate care.
Animals should have:
- Access to fresh, clean water and appropriate food (if needed during the event)
- Enough space to move, rest, and express normal behaviours
- A clean and secure area that prevents them from escaping or becoming injured
- A quiet area where they can take regular breaks away from visitors
- Proper ventilation and airflow to ensure they have fresh air and a comfortable environment
Animals should be kept away from:
- Loud music, speakers and high-traffic areas
- Entrances, drafts and sudden temperature changes
- Other animals that may cause stress or pose a safety risk
Under Alberta’s Animal Protection Act, animal owners are responsible for providing care and ensuring animals aren’t in distress.
Outdoor Events
Outdoor events can create additional challenges that need to be considered.
Before the event, consider:
- Access to shade
- Protection from rain and wind
- Availability of fresh drinking water
- Surfaces that might become too hot for animals
- Weather: What temperatures are too hot or cold to have animals present? (different species have different temperature tolerances)
Have a plan to relocate animals indoors or remove them from the event if weather conditions become unsuitable.
Keeping Animals and Guests Safe
Animals at events can create health and safety risks to people, including allergies, bites, scratches, and illnesses that can spread between animals and people.
Individuals with weakened immune systems, including young children, older adults, and pregnant people may be more vulnerable to these risks.
To help keep everyone safe:
- Provide handwashing stations and/or hand sanitizer
- Encourage guests to wash their hands before and after interacting with animals
- Keep animals away from food and food preparation areas
- Create clear rules for interacting with animals
- Make sure animals are supervised at all times
- Clean up animal waste quickly and provide an appropriate area for animals to relieve themselves
Signs can also help remind guests about safe interactions and when animals need space.
Planning for Emergencies
Before the event, have a plan for unexpected situations, such as:
- An animal becoming sick, injured, or stressed
- Extreme weather conditions
- An animal escaping
- A guest being injured during an interaction
- Transportation to receive veterinary care if needed
Everyone involved should understand their responsibilities and know who to contact if a problem arises.
Creating Positive Animal Interactions
Animal interactions should always be carefully managed. Not every animal enjoys interacting with people, and some animals may become overwhelmed by crowds, noise, and too much handling.
Animals should:
- Be supervised by someone knowledgeable about their care and behaviour
- Have regular breaks away from visitors
- Be able to move away from people or other animals when they need space
- Never be forced to interact with guests
Watch for signs that an animal may be stressed, such as trying to hide, avoiding people, appearing restless, or showing changes in behaviour. If an animal appears uncomfortable, they should be given a break or removed from the event.
Guests should:
- Follow instructions from handlers
- Approach animals calmly and quietly
- Ask permission before touching an animal
- Respect animals’ space
- Avoid crowding animals
Animals can be a great addition to events, but their health, safety, and comfort should always come first. By planning ahead, setting clear expectations, and creating a safe environment, you can help ensure a positive experience for both animals and guests.