Should you be concerned about pets or other animals and COVID-19?

The CDC has published that there has been multiple confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in dogs and cats. All have been human to animal transmission at this time there is no evidence animals can give COVID-19 to humans. The center for disease control and prevention recommends treating pets as you would your human relatives to prevent them from getting infected. Although we know certain bacteria and fungi can be carried on fur and hair, there is no evidence that viruses, including the virus that causes COVID-19, can spread to people from the skin, fur, or hair of pets.

• Do not let pets interact with people or other animals outside the household.
• Walk dogs on a leash, maintaining at least 6 feet from other people and animals.
• Avoid dog parks or public places where large numbers of people and dogs gather.
• Keep cats indoors when possible to prevent them from interacting with other people or animals. In the event you become positive for COVID-19 and you cannot keep your cat in doors. They should be cared for outside by someone not sick with the virus.

If a family member becomes sick, your pets should also be isolated from the sick family member.