PET OWNERSHIP AMONG PERSONS WITH AIDS IN 3 FLORIDA COUNTIES

Interviews were conducted among 408 adults with acquired immunodeficie ncy syndrome at three local health departments to determine the propor tion who owned pets, their perceived attachment to their pets, and the proportion who were informed about zoonoses. Nearly half (187, or 46% ) were living with pets, most commonly dogs (64%), followed by cats (3 8%), Ash (15%), birds (8%), reptiles (3%), and rodents (2%). Most pet owners (81%) reported an attachment to their pet. Only 10% were inform ed of zoonoses, albeit some incorrectly. Health care providers should recognize the high pet ownership rate among persons infected with huma n immunodeficiency virus and correctly inform their patients of strate gies to sustain a low zoonotic disease incidence.