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Approximately 66% of American households own pets. That means it’s likely that many of the families you work with will have pets, and will be navigating pet care during pregnancy.
Pregnant women commonly have questions about potential health risks to themselves and their babies from pet interactions, how physical changes during pregnancy may affect their ability to manage daily pet care tasks, and the best ways to prepare their pets for a new baby. These are understandable concerns, but thankfully most women can continue to care for and interact with their pets during pregnancy, with a few extra precautions. It’s a good idea to take some time during your childbirth education classes to discuss safe pet care during pregnancy, and offer evidence-based pet care tips.
Overview of Pet Care During Pregnancy
The truth is that pets can carry viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi that can spread to humans and make them sick. When you are pregnant, your immune system is suppressed so you are more prone to infections.
Likewise, a developing fetus can be impacted by any infections a pregnant woman may acquire during pregnancy. This can lead to miscarriages, stillbirths, birth defects, or damage to developing fetal organs. Pregnant women are most vulnerable to pet-related infections that might harm their fetus in the first three months of pregnancy.
This is why it is essential to take certain precautions when it comes to pet care in pregnancy. Still, the chances of a pet transmitting a harmful infection to a pregnant woman are very low overall.
The bottom line here is that pregnant women don’t need to worry too much about pets during pregnancy, and a few simple precautions are all that are needed to stay safe and well.
Addressing Specific Challenges
Your clients will likely have a few specific questions about pet care. Here are some of the pet care topics that tend to come up most frequently.
Changing Cat Litter Boxes
Cat care is by far the most common concern among pregnant women. There’s a good reason for this: cats can carry a parasite called toxoplasmosis. Infection with toxoplasmosis during pregnancy can lead to infant brain damage or eye damage. A pregnant woman can become infected with toxoplasmosis if she handles cat litter or cat feces from a cat who is infected.
Here’s the good news, though. Toxoplasmosis is only found in cats who go outdoors and handle prey. So if you have an indoor cat, it’s very unlikely you will get this infection. If you have an outdoor cat, you can significantly reduce risk by having someone else change your cat’s litter.
Dog Safety
The biggest risk that dogs have to pregnant women is rabies, which is a very serious, life-threatening infection. But most dogs are vaccinated for rabies, and a post-exposure rabies vaccine is available to pregnant women should they be exposed. Pregnant women should also use caution when engaging in play with dogs, in the event they jump up or tug on a toy and cause her to lose her balance.
Most dog owners periodically walk their dogs, and pregnant women might have concerns about this practice especially with large or reactive dogs. While dog walking isn’t generally an issue during pregnancy—and regular exercise is great for pregnant women!—there are some tips you can offer to encourage safety during dog walking.
Tips include:
- Using a well-fitted dog harness each time you go out
- Choosing familiar routines and going out in well lit areas
- Making sure to bring water with you
- Dressing in breathable clothing
- Heading back home if you become too fatigued
- Wearing well fitted, sturdy shoes
- Avoiding triggers that may cause a reactive dog to lunge or pull
Reptiles and Amphibians
Reptiles and amphibians can carry germs that can make people very sick, and pregnant women are even more susceptible to the infections these animals carry. Pregnant women should take extra precaution with these pets, such as washing hands thoroughly or wearing gloves. These pets are often fed frozen or live rodents, called feeder rodents. The CDC recommends that pregnant women not handle these or feed them to their pets. Instead, it’s best to have someone else take care of this.
Small Furry Pets
Small furry pets like hamsters, guinea pigs, or mice may carry a virus called lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), which can cause birth defects in fetuses. For this reason, it’s best that pregnant women don’t interact with these pets for long periods of time, and consider having someone else clean their cages.
Practicing Good Pet Care to Prevent Disease
In addition to the specific precautions listed above, you can also take a few steps to ensure that your pets stay healthy, which decreases the likelihood that they will transmit any dangerous pathogens to you.
Here are some tips:
- Make sure your pets are frequently bathed, especially after going outside
- Consider having someone else bathe your pet, if you think they may have been exposed to a pathogen of any kind
- Keep your pets up-to-date with their vaccinations
- Feed your pet wholesome foods
- Practice good hygiene and clean up after your pet
- Eliminate pests that carry diseases, like fleas, ticks, and mosquitos
- Take your pet to regular check-ups at their vet
Incorporating Pet Care and Pregnancy Into Your Teaching
You can easily incorporate pet care into your lessons about prenatal care. It’s similar in scope to questions about foods to eat/avoid pregnancy, how to exercise safely in pregnancy, and other lifestyle/health topics.
Pet care is a great topic to discuss as a group because most pregnant women will have similar questions and will benefit from discussing issues with their peers. You can also share evidence-based materials with your clients, as part of a digital presentation or paper hand-out.
Finally, if your clients have specific questions about their pets during pregnancy, you can encourage them to connect with their care team or veterinarian who can offer tips and advice.
Find more Healthy Pregnancy tips in our Healthy Pregnancy parent guidebook.
Healthy Pregnancy Booklet
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Sources
Pet Ownership Statistics. Forbes. 2026.
Can Pets and Pregnancy Go Together? University of Michigan. 2019.
Reptiles and Amphibians. CDC. 2026.
Is it safe to keep a cat during pregnancy? American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 2020.
Rabies Vaccine Hesitancy and Deaths Among Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women — Vietnam, 2015–2016. CDC. 2018.
Safe Dog Walking Tips. American Human Society. 2026.
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus. Wisconsin Division of Public Health.
Disclaimer: All content provided is for educational and informational purposes only, and should not be construed as medical advice. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and no alterations in lifestyle should be taken solely on the contents of this website. Consult your physician on any topics regarding your health and pregnancy. Plumtree Baby, LLC does not assume any liability for the information contained herein, be it direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages.
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