Different dermatophytes occurring primarily in animals may be transmissible to man and produce human disease; such zoophilic fungi should be considered a possible cause of skin lesions of unclear origin. Several species including Trichophyton verrucosum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum canis may infect human skin, causing a variety of signs and symptoms. People who have close contact to infested cattle or cats are more often exposed to fungal infections. Certain professions, such as farmers, and children are especially vulnerable. Finally, less common ways of transmission of dermatophytoses from other animal species to man are discussed.