CDC Recommends Pet Owners Social Distance Cats And Dogs From Other People And Animals

While the risk of spreading COVID-19 from an infected pet to a person is rare, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending pet owners social distance their animals during the pandemic.

According to the CDC, even though the exact source of the coronavirus outbreak is unknown, it is thought to be linked from the “live animal market” and is now spreading from person-to-person. While the CDC said, it is still learning about the coronavirus, it does appear to spread from people to animals in some situations.

The agency cited feline and canine coronaviruses infecting animals, which most humans are not affected by, but in some cases, the coronaviruses that infect animals can spread to humans, including SARS and MERS. In animals that test positive for COVID-19, signs of illness are rarely seen.

The first case of a COVID-19 positive animal was at a New York City zoo with a tiger that had a respiratory illness that was thought to have come in contact with a zoo employee who had COVID-19. In other instances, the CDC has been made aware of cats and dogs infected with the virus after they came in close contact with a person that had COVID-19.

The CDC is urging pet owners to prevent their animals from coming in contact with others outside the household. It also recommends keeping dogs on a leash at least six feet apart from other people and animals. Cats should be kept indoors and prevented from interacting with other people and animals and dog parks and public places, where a large number of people and dogs gather, should be avoided until more is learned about the virus and its spread.

If a person becomes infected with COVID-19, they need to restrict contact with their pets and avoid petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food or bedding. Another household member should care for the animal when the pet owner is sick, and it is suggested that a face mask be worn and hands washed before and after interacting with a pet.

The CDC said, “this is a rapidly evolving situation, and information will be updated as it becomes available.” The agency recommends calling a veterinarian if a pet gets sick, but it does not advise taking the animal to the vet clinic if they are thought to have COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the virus.