Title: Clean and disinfect small animal housing and treatment areas.
Course: Veterinary Science I (18105-I) > Section: Understanding Safety, Sanitation, and Facility Maintenance

Cleaning and disinfecting should include

- wearing required PPE
- selecting products and equipment
- following standard procedures for cleaning and disinfecting appropriate to species, disease risk, and facility guidelines
- ensuring the cleaning of all surfaces (top, bottom, front, back, and sides) of cages and kennels and equipment, including latches, hinges, and hard‑to‑reach areas.

Teacher Resource: Keep It Clean: Infection Control and Biosecurity in Veterinary Medicine by the Numbers, AAHA

Process/Skill Questions:

- Why is it essential to clean and disinfect a cage or kennel after each use?
- Why should animals not be put in cages or kennels that have not been cleaned since last use?
- Why should items in the cage be cleaned in addition to the cage itself?
- Why is it critical to read labels on disinfectants prior to use to ensure patient safety?
- Why should an examination table be sanitized between each use?
- What are some problems a facility may encounter if sanitation is ignored?
- Why is it important to routinely wipe down exam room walls and baseboards?