Follow these Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe During COVID-19

Include Pets In Your Emergency Plan

Find someone to take care of your pets if you get sick. Have your pet's toys, food, medicine, and more ready to go at a moment's notice. Have a backup for your backup.

Pets and COVID-19

Currently, there is no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. Based on the limited information, the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is considered low.

Responsibly Stock Up On Pet Supplies

Make sure to have at least a two-week supply of pet food, treats, and cat litter on hand and a 30-day supply of your pet's medications.

Protect Your Pets If You Get Sick

If you aren't feeling well but can care for your pet, keep them home with you. If you are sick with COVID-19, restrict contact with pets like you would with people. Have another member of your household take care of your pet. If you have a service animal or must care for your pet, wear a facemask, and wash your hands before and after any contact with them.

Enjoy Your New Coworkers

If you are not ill, you can interact with your pet as you normally would, including walking, feeding, cuddling, and playing. Soak it up.

Leave Stray Cats Alone

Animal shelters are focused on providing critical care to animals in emergency situations. Healthy stray cats and kittens should stay in the community and not be taken into the shelter. Healthy cats are also more likely to find their way home if left alone; only 2.8% of cats are reunited with their families through shelter; 25% of lost cats return home on their own.

Reunite Dogs If You Can

If you find a stray dog, please attempt to reunite them with their families before bringing them to your local animal control agency. If they have tags, call the owner immediately. Other great tools include Facebook, Nextdoor, and Craigslist.

And Remember

At this time, there is no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. Based on the limited information available to date, the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is considered to be low.

What If You Get Sick?

If you get sick, keep your pet safe! Don't share food. Avoid contact if possible. If you have to care for your animal, wash your hands before and after any interactions.