Pets Cannot Give You COVID-19
COVID-19 and Pets - FACT CHECK
By: Chloe Bullock
I’ve been in self-isolation for almost four weeks now and having the company of our cat has made the experience so much better. She has never had so much attention and I have adjusted to the situation as well! I don’t know about you but I’m seeing an increased amount of social media posts saying pets can carry the coronavirus. I’m really concerned that people will read these posts and start abandoning their pets, especially if they are experiencing money worries as well. I’d love you to help to fact check these posts.
I’m in the UK so have looked up the guidance here for maintaining the welfare of their animals during the coronavirus pandemic. The British government states “there is no evidence of coronavirus circulating in pets or other animals in the UK and there is nothing to suggest animals may transmit the disease to humans. In line with the general advice on fighting coronavirus, you should wash your hands regularly, including before and after contact with animals.”
Experts at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), continue to emphasize that dogs and cats pose little risk to people. The “CDC does not have evidence that pets can spread COVID-19, and there’s no reason to think pets might be a source of infection based on the information we have at this time.”
Looking behind the social media posts - it sounds like there have been a tiny amount of Global cases of other strains of the virus that are being examined - but nothing of great concern or scale.
If you are unwell, as a precaution, apply social distancing to your pets as well. Dr. Jerry Klein, chief veterinary officer for the American Kennel Club says in a recent article for Los Angeles Times “that means pet owners who are diagnosed with the virus should avoid petting, snuggling or otherwise being in physical contact with their pets”. This avoids them getting the virus or carrying on their fur. The article says it’s “incredibly unlikely”.
It goes on to say “there are no reported cases of a pet transmitting the virus to a human. It is remotely possible, however, if the following sequence of events occurs: someone who is sick with COVID-19 sneezes or coughs. Their infected droplets touch a pet’s fur. Then another person quickly touches the same patch of fur and touches their eyes, nose or mouth before they’ve washed their hands.”
Sounds like common sense following of the hygiene guidelines to me. Wash your hands thoroughly & regularly - and don’t touch your face if your hands are not clean.
Chloe Bullock is a BIID Registered Interior Designer® at the British Institute of Interior Design – the pre-eminent professional organization for interior designers in the UK. She offers animal-friendly, human-friendly, planet-friendly interior design to both residential and commercial clients.