Contact dermatitis (primary irritant and allergic types) in animals has recently received attention, probably due to the increased interest in comparative dermatology. In dogs the areas affected are those that are sparsely covered with hair or that are hairless. Only when the offending agent is a liquid are hairy regions involved. In its natural habitat the skin of animals is adequately covered to protect it from the environment. The incidence of contact dermatitis increases as more of the protective covering is lost, as it is in some domestic animals. In addition, increased exposure of domestic animals to the myriads of potential sensitizers in man's environment favors development of contact dermatitis. It is frequently impossible to find the offending contactant in animals; relief depends on administering corticosteroids topically and systemically.