Since your children's sandbox can quickly and easily be turned into the neighborhood litter box, take these precautions to make it safe:

• Keep your sandbox covered and pet-free. Instruct your children not to let family pets play with them in the sandbox. Once they understand that pets will turn the sandbox into a litter box, they will be motivated to keep their sandbox covered and pet-free. A sandbox that is properly cared for can be fun and safe for children.
• Don't let your child play in unsafe sandboxes. Neighborhood sandboxes that are left uncovered are not safe for children to play in. This goes for public playgrounds as well.