COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Outbreak
Animal and human health experts agree there is no evidence that domesticated animals spread COVID-19 to people. Person-to-person is still believed to be the primary means of spread for COVID-19. The biggest risk to your animals may be lack of planning if you become ill and can no longer care for them. Make sure you’ve made arrangements in advance to have someone care for your animals in case you contract COVID-19. It’s best for this to be another member of your household who isn’t sick with COVID-19. Animals should stay in their current home, separated from the ill person, unless there is no other choice.
If you are not ill with COVID-19, you can interact with your pet as you normally would, including walking, feeding, and playing. You should continue to practice good hygiene during those interactions (e.g., wash hands before and after interacting with your pet; ensure your pet is kept well-groomed; regularly clean your pet’s food and water bowls, bedding material, and toys).
Out of an abundance of caution, it is recommended that those ill with COVID-19 limit contact with animals. Have another member of your household take care of walking, feeding, and playing with your pet. If you have a service animal or you must care for your pet, then wear a facemask; don’t share food, kiss, or hug them; and wash your hands before and after any contact with them.
As always, careful handwashing and other infection control practices can greatly reduce the chance of spreading any disease.
If you are not ill with COVID-19, you can interact with your pet as you normally would, including walking, feeding, and playing. You should continue to practice good hygiene during those interactions (e.g., wash hands before and after interacting with your pet; ensure your pet is kept well-groomed; regularly clean your pet’s food and water bowls, bedding material, and toys).
Out of an abundance of caution, it is recommended that those ill with COVID-19 limit contact with animals. Have another member of your household take care of walking, feeding, and playing with your pet. If you have a service animal or you must care for your pet, then wear a facemask; don’t share food, kiss, or hug them; and wash your hands before and after any contact with them.
As always, careful handwashing and other infection control practices can greatly reduce the chance of spreading any disease.