Pets are considered a part of a family, and when a person from the family gets infected with COVID-19, the safety and protection of the pet is as important as that of other family members. 

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a few cats and dogs have been infected with the coronavirus after coming in contact with COVID-19 positive people. Infected pets may get sick or may not have any symptoms. 

If you become infected with COVID-19, you may transmit it to your pet, although the risk of transmission is believed to be low. 

Prepare in advance

  • Create a pet database with all essential details for handover.

  • Ensure that your pet is deflead, dewormed, and vaccinated. 

  • Make sure that your pet has an identification tag with name and contact details.

  • Keep a fresh pair of bedding and food/water bowls packed for emergencies. 

  • Prepare a crate for transporting your pet safely. 

  • Keep at least a month’s supply of pet food, medications, and toys, etc., at home. 

If you have COVID-19 and are in home isolation

  • Isolate yourself and let a healthy family member handle your pet’s meals and walks.

  • Prevent your pet from interacting with other animals or people. 

  • Consider hiring a dog walker/pet sitter or finding an alternate care for your pet. 

  • If you live alone, try to limit contact with your pet. Also, 

    • Wash your hands before and after handling your pet and their items.

    • Avoid close contact with your pets.

    • Maintain respiratory hygiene. 

    • Avoid sharing your food or bed with your pet. 

    • Wear a mask around your pet.

    • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

If you have COVID-19 and are hospitalised

  • Try to identify and consult pet shelters/volunteers/family/friends in advance to care for your pet in the event that you are hospitalised. 

  • Arrange for someone to stay at home with your pet in your absence. 

If you have COVID-19 and your pet becomes ill

  • Isolate it in a room away from the other family members, in case your pet displays symptoms of illness. Wear gloves when you interact with your pet or their items. Wash your hands regularly. 

  • Do not put a face mask on your pet or wipe them with disinfectants. 

If your pet develops new symptoms or gets worse, do not take them to the veterinary clinic yourself. Consider alternative plans such as teleconsultations for sick pets.


References:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2021. COVID-19 and Your Health. [online] Available at: <https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/pets.html> [Accessed 18 May 2021].

2. Animal Humane Society. 2021. Do you have a COVID-19 plan for your pet?. [online] Available at: <https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/news/do-you-have-covid-19-plan-your-pet> [Accessed 18 May 2021]. 


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