I am helping someone who is sick with COVID-19 by walking their dog/caring for their pet. How do I stay safe?
Always practice social (physical) distancing from the ill person, as well as from other persons when you’re on a walk with a dog. Practice handwashing when entering the person’s home. Avoid touching surfaces in the person’s home as much as possible. Do not share food, kiss, or hug the pet, or allow the pet to […]
Read MoreCan animals carry the virus that causes COVID-19 on their skin and fur?
At this time, there is no evidence that the virus that causes COVID-19 can spread to people from the skin or fur of pets. Normal cleanliness and hygiene should be maintained for your pet. As a general precaution it is recommended that you wash your hands with soap and water after touching animals.
Read MoreI’ve heard there are studies showing cats and ferrets becoming infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. Do I need to worry about my own pets?
Experimental studies conducted in a laboratory setting indicate that cats and ferrets might be able to be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and transmit the virus to other animals. However, in a natural setting, it appears that domestic animals are not readily infected with SARS-CoV-2 and we have little to no evidence that […]
Read MoreI heard there have been dogs and cats, and even a tiger, that have tested positive. Is my pet at risk?
A very small number of pets, including dogs and cats, outside the United States have been reported to be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 after close contact with people with COVID-19. There have been no reports of pets becoming sick with COVID-19 in the United States. To date, there is no evidence that […]
Read MoreI am ill with COVID-19, but my pet needs to see a veterinarian. What should I do?
Contact your veterinarian to see how they wish to proceed. They may be able to help you by telephone or video conference, or they may require that a healthy person bring the pet in for evaluation. In order to best protect their staff, they will likely have special instructions for you and your pet upon […]
Read MoreI have heard of “coronavirus” infections in dogs, cats, and horses, and even a vaccine in dogs. Are these contagious to people?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. Similar but different coronavirus species cause several common diseases in domestic animals which are not contagious to people. Many dogs, for example, are vaccinated for another species of coronavirus (Canine Coronavirus) as puppies. However, this vaccine does not cross protect for COVID-19. There is no vaccine for COVID-19 […]
Read MoreIf I need to be hospitalized for COVID-19, what do I need to do for my animals?
A family member, friend, or neighbor should be asked to care for your animals while you are hospitalized and until your isolation period has come to an end. Alternatively, you can contact your veterinarian or an animal boarding facility to coordinate boarding your pet while you are in the hospital.
Read MoreIs my pet safe to be around other pets? Should I practice social distancing?
It is recommended that pets and other animals from different households be prevented from commingling at this time, out of an abundance of caution. When walking your dog, practice social distancing by keeping at least 6 feet between you and other people. If you cannot maintain social distancing, follow Delaware’s guidance on wearing a face […]
Read MoreWhat signs or symptoms would an animal with possible COVID-19 have?
Although there have not been reports of pets becoming sick with COVID-19 in the United States, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with their animals. Since this is a new disease that has not been detected in domestic animals, we do not know the symptoms to look for in pets. […]
Read MoreIf my pet was around someone who is diagnosed with COVID-19, should I be worried?
Although there have not been reports of pets becoming sick with COVID-19 in the United States, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals. Contact your veterinarian if your pet displays any signs of illness.
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