Do pets get coronavirus? Likely no — but there’s still risk for sick humans, CDC warns
Pets might not get the coronavirus, but their sick humans should stay a safe distance away, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The CDC lists pets and “companion animals” alongside people in terms of who to avoid if you become sick and need to isolate at home.
“You should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick with COVID-19, just like you would around other people,” the CDC said. “Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus.”
A dog in Hong Kong whose owner had COVID-19 tested “weak positive” for the coronavirus in late February, McClatchy News reported.
But officials said they weren’t sure whether the dog was actually infected or if it was merely “a result of environmental contamination of the dog’s mouth and nose.”
The CDC maintains there have been no reports of pets and animals getting sick with COVID-19.
Scientists believe the virus may have originated in an animal, according to the World Organization for Animal Health. But health experts agree it’s been spread through human-to-human transmission.
“To date, there is no evidence that companion animals can spread the disease,” the organization says on its website. “Therefore, there is no justification in taking measures against companion animals which may compromise their welfare.”
According to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association, the situation is “rapidly evolving.”
In the meantime, they suggest people take extra precautions by always washing their hands before and after they interact with animals.
“If owners are sick with COVID-19, they should try to limit the amount of direct contact with animals in their household, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food,” according to WSAVA.
The CDC also recommends handing off care duties to another family member while you are sick.
According to the Animal Humane Society, pet owners should always have an emergency preparedness plan in place — including a two-week supply of pet food and medications.
They should also find a family member or friend willing to take care of the animal, have crates and food “on hand for quick movement,” keep their pet’s vaccines up to date in case of boarding, document all medicines with dosages, instructions and the veterinarian’s prescription and make sure their pet is wearing a collar and ID tag.
Owners who have been exposed to COVID-19 and notice “an unexplained illness” in their pet should not take them to a veterinary clinic right away, WSAVA says.
Instead, the association recommends calling a local public health official first to consult.
If they decide the pet should be taken to a clinic, owners should call ahead to make sure an isolation area can be prepared, WSAVA says.
This story was originally published March 20, 2020 at 11:26 AM with the headline "Do pets get coronavirus? Likely no — but there’s still risk for sick humans, CDC warns."
