What are coronaviruses?
THE BEST WAY TO PROTECT YOUR PET
The CDC defines coronaviruses as “a large
Avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth
family of viruses that are common in people
with unwashed hands.
and many different species of animals.
Cover your coughs and sneezes.
Rarely, animal coronaviruses can infect
Disinfect all surfaces that are frequently used.
people and then spread between people.”
Limit contact with your pets if you or
How is COVID-19 (coronavirus) spread? The CDC says the disease is spread to humans through person-to person contact. There have been no reports of pets spreading this novel coronavirus to humans. However, some animals, including dogs and cats, have tested positive for COVID-19, these cases are believed to be instances of human-to-animal transmission.
Wash your hands often with soap and water.
someone you are close to contracts the coronavirus. If you are ill whenever possible have another member of your household or business care for any animals, including pets If you must care for your animals while sick: wear a cloth face covering don’t pet, share food, kiss or hug them wash your hands before and after any contact Do not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels or bedding with other people or pets in your home.
PROTECTING YOURSELF, YOUR PETS AND THE COMMUNITY FROM COVID-19 A helpful guide from the FVMA
Do we need to take extra precautions with recently imported or exotic animals?
CAN I CONTRACT COVID-19 FROM MY PET?
All animals imported from infected countries will need to meet CDC and USDA requirements for entering the U.S. At this time, there is no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Based on the limited data available, the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is considered to be low. We are still learning about this virus, and it appears that in some rare situations, people can spread the virus
While this virus seems to have emerged from an animal source, the CDC believes there is no reason to think any animals,
Can my pet contract the coronavirus from an infected person?
to animals. Further studies are needed to
The CDC says anyone who is sick with the
If any animal becomes ill, the CDC
understand if and how different animals could be affected by the virus, and the role animals may play in the spread of COVID-19.
including pets in the U.S., might be a source of infection. While there have been instances of animals, including pets, testing positive for
coronavirus should restrict contact with any animals just like you would around other people. If you or another family member
COVID-19, to date, there is no evidence
contracts the virus, the CDC recommends
that a dog, cat or any pet can transmit
having another member of your household
COVID-19 to humans. However, since
care for your animal.
animals can spread other diseases, it’s always a good idea to wash your hands
Avoid petting, snuggling, being kissed or
after being around them. Currently, there
licked, and sharing food. If you must care for
is no vaccine for COVID-19 for people or
your pet or be around animals while you are
pets. Any animal showing serious illness
sick, wash your hands before and after you
needs to be seen by a veterinarian.
interact with pets and wear a facemask.
recommends bringing the animal to a veterinarian. Call your local clinic before bringing the animal in and let them know of any contact the animal might have had with an infected human. Produced by the Florida Veterinary Medical Association, striving to advance the veterinary medical profession, promote animal health and protect public health. All information comes from online resources made available by the CDC, WHO, and the AVMA.