When you're trying to prevent a communicable disease, you're more likely to avoid a sick human than a sick pet. However, studies have shown that diseases caused by animals have just as much, if not more, of a negative impact on your health.

My family and I have always had pets. We adopt them from shelters or they "adopt" us by showing up on our doorstep! These wonderful members of our family have always brought joy in our lives but if we weren't careful, they could easily make us sick.

Perhaps the only diseases caused by animals you are familiar with are rabies and cat scratch fever. You need to know there are many more.  It is important to learn more about them, as they are largely avoidable and preventable.

11 Communicable Diseases That Easily Spread from Pets to Humans

Communicable diseases that spread from pets to humans are called zoonoses (pronounced "zoh-uh-NOH-sis").  Here are the 10 most common diseases you can get from pets:

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