COVID-19 and Your Pet: FAQ's

Can animals become infected and develop illness from SARS-CoV-2?

The overall risk that most domestic animals can become infected and develop illness is thought to be low. But, there is still limited information available and many unknowns about how this virus will behave in various animal species. Ferrets may be susceptible to infection.

If an animal becomes infected, can it transmit the virus to other people or animals?

The risk of transmission by an infected animal is currently assessed as low, although there is still limited information available.

Can animals act as fomites to mechanically transmit the Covid-19 virus from a human case to another person?

Although there is a potential risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 through contact with a contaminated hair coat, there is only a theoretical risk of transmission of the virus to a person this way. It is considered unlikely that a sufficient amount of virus would remain on the hair coat long enough to transmit infection. Practicing proper hygiene such as hand washing would further reduce any possible risk. Corona viruses can persist in the environment for days, although it varies by surface. Viruses do not survive long on porous surfaces compared to non-porous surfaces.

There have been no reports of transmission from a domestic animal to another animal or human, despite a widespread international outbreak. While the risk of acquiring SARS-CoV-2 by contact with animals is thought to be low, the risk is not zero and may vary depending on circumstances. Additional precautionary measures may include bathing to reduce surface contamination.

Can an infected person transmit the disease to their pets?

If a client has COVID-19 symptoms or are self-isolating due to contact with a COVID-19 case, they should follow similar recommendations around their animals, as they would around people in these circumstances.

·         Avoid close contact with their animals during the illness. Practice good hand washing and avoid coughing/sneezing on animals.

·         If possible, have another member of the house care for their animals. If this is not possible, wash hands before and after touching animals, their food and supplies.

·         Limit their animal’s contact with other people and animals outside the household until the illness is resolved.

Can a pet be an ongoing source of infection for other?

Even if the pet was exposed to the virus in the household during the owner’s illness, it is unlikely that the pet would be a source of the virus beyond the owner’s own course of the disease. The virus is transmitted primarily person-to-person; therefore once the person is able to come out of self-isolation, their animals are presumably safe in the community also.

Can pets be tested for COVID-19?

Testing of animals is not recommended at this time, as the virus is primarily transmitted person-to-person and not through animal contact. Commercial test kits for animals are not available.