---
title: Healthy Pets And People
description: Having healthy pets brings a wealth of benefits, but it's key to be aware of illnesses that can be potentially spread to our families if they carry germs.
---

[People and Pets Blog ](https://www.onehealth.org/blog)

# [Healthy Pets And People](https://www.onehealth.org/blog/healthy-pets-and-people)

 Written by [Anna M. van Heeckeren, DVM](https://www.onehealth.org/blog/author/dr-anna) | Jan 25, 2021 5:40:00 PM

**There are many positive benefits of owning a pet; however, it’s important to know that some animals may carry germs that can be spread to people and cause illness.**

Pets can appear to be healthy even when they have germs. Here are a few tips to keep you and your family healthy.

### Picking the Right Pet

Before you purchase or adopt a pet, make sure that it is the right one for you and your family. CDC recommends the following:

- Households with [children under 5 years](http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/pets/reptiles.html) of age should not own reptiles, such as turtles, or amphibians, such as frogs.
- Pregnant women should avoid contact with pet rodents to prevent exposure to [lymphocytic choriomeningitis](http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/pets/pocket-pets/lcmv.html) virus, which is a virus that can cause birth defects.
- Pregnant women should avoid adopting or handling stray cats, especially kittens. They particularly should not clean litter boxes to avoid getting [toxoplasmosis](http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/toxoplasmosis/prevent.html) from them.
- [Immune‑compromised persons](http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/specific-groups/index.html) and persons with HIV infection or AIDS should take extra precautions when choosing and handling pets. Talk to your veterinarian and health care provider to help make this decision.

[To read the entire CDC article, click here](https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/health-benefits/index.html)

 

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