animal phobia
a persistent and irrational fear of a particular type of animal, such as snakes, cats, dogs, insects, mice, birds, or spiders. The focus of fear is often anticipated harm or danger. The emotion of disgust may also play a role in the maintenance of certain animal phobias (e.g., insects, mice, spiders). Situations in which the feared animal may be encountered are often avoided or else endured with intense anxiety or distress. Animal phobias typically start in childhood. The DSM–IV–TR and DSM–5 designation is specific phobia, animal type.