Can Dogs & Cats Catch Hantavirus? What Veterinarians Want Pet Parents to Know
As concerns about hantavirus continue to grow, many pet owners are asking the same question: "Can pets catch hantavirus?" The rodent-borne illness is rare, but headlines about human cases have sparked understandable worries among dog and cat parents-especially for pets that spend time outdoors or may come into contact with other animals.
To help explain the risks, what pet parents should look out for, and whether dogs or cats can become seriously ill, veterinarian Dr. Molly McAllister, Global Chief Medical Officer at Mars Veterinary Health, spoke with us about hantavirus and pets. Here's what she wants concerned families to understand about exposure and prevention.
Can Pets Catch Hantavirus? A Vet Explains
Humans can develop hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) after exposure, which the WHO describes as "a severe respiratory illness, with a case fatality rate up to 50%." Our four-legged friends, however, are out of the danger zone.
"We understand that hearing about diseases like hantavirus in the news can be worrying for pet parents," Dr. McAllister assures. "At Mars Veterinary Health, we want to offer some peace of mind. While it's possible for dogs and cats to be exposed to hantavirus, the risk to their health-and their ability to pass the virus to people-is very low."
Related: Dog & Cat Depression May Be More Common Than Pet Parents Realize, According to New Survey
Dogs and cats have immune systems different from humans', which means many of the viruses and bacteria that make people sick don't have the same effect on our furry friends. Hantavirus falls into this category, meaning that even though animals may be exposed to the virus, they do not develop the illness in response.
Because hantavirus is carried by deer mice, only cats and dogs that come into contact with mice or their droppings are at risk of exposure to this virus. Even so, exposure is extremely unlikely to put a pet or their human in danger.
Preventing Hantavirus In Your Home
"Prevention is the best protection," advises Dr. McAllister. "Since the virus is primarily spread by rodents, the best way to protect pets and people is to make your home an unwelcome place for wild rodents." A few ways to do this include:
- filling gaps or holes in the home or garage where rodents may enter
- properly storing trash
- storing dog food in rodent-proof bins
- removing potential food storage and denning sites
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If a pet catches a rodent or a wild mouse has been in your home, Dr. McAllister recommends following the CDC's guidelines for cleaning up after rodents. Pet rodents are not considered a risk for spreading hantavirus, but it's essential to keep them separated from any wild rodents who may change that.
Overall, pets are not at risk of carrying and spreading this virus, so pet parents can focus on raising healthy and happy dogs and cats. What a relief!
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This story was originally published May 16, 2026 at 4:45 PM.