According to the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization, while there have been instances of dogs and cats being infected, to date, there is no evidence that a dog, cat or any pet can transmit COVID-19. COVID-19 is mainly spread through droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. To protect yourself, clean your hands frequently and thoroughly, and remember to wear a face covering and practice social distancing when in the presence of people outside your household.
Guidance for Pet Owners
- Maintain good hygiene practices by washing hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching pets, in keeping with CDC guidelines.
- Do not allow your dogs to play with other dogs or meet people during daily walks. Keep a six-foot distance between your dog and others, just as you would with other people. If dog parks are still open in your area, avoid them.
- Curb your dog’s interest in sniffing excrement of other animals, or picking up refuse on the ground.
- Before you come inside from a walk, wipe your dog’s paws with a sudsy solution of pet shampoo and water. When finished, discard the wipe and thoroughly rinse your pet’s paws with water to remove soap residue. If you have them available, you may consider having your dog wear shoes, socks, or booties outdoors.
- Keep your cats and other pets safely indoors. If you are unable to confine your cat, follow the wipe down procedures indicated above.
- Do not use Lysol wipes, bleach, or other harsh chemicals on your pets. Ask your veterinarian for additional safe options to clean your pet’s paws.