How to Care for Animals During the Coronavirus Outbreak

The current coronavirus, or COVID-19, outbreak has left many people unsure of how to properly protect and care for their pets. While doctors currently think that other animals cannot contract COVID-19, the situation changes all the time...

Method 1 of 3:

Keeping Your Pet Safe and Happy

  1. Feed, play with, and walk your pet as you normally would. For the most part, there's no need to change the way you care for your pets on a day to day basis unless someone in your household is sick. Keep your pets on their normal feeding schedules and play with them like you always do. This will help keep them happy during a stressful time.[2]
    1. Your pets might sense that you're stressed or worried, so they might get more stressed in response. Try playing with them a little more often to keep them calm.
    2. If you're home from work during the outbreak, your pets might even be happier than normal.
  2. Keep your pet away from people infected with COVID-19. While the World Health Organization doesn't currently think animals could contract COVID-19, it could happen if the virus mutates. It's also possible that the virus could stay on their fur, skin, harness, or collar. You could then pick up the virus if you touch your pet in this case. It's best to be safe and keep your pets away from people sick with COVID-19 to avoid spreading the virus into your home.[3]
    1. If a sick person does pet or cough on your animal, try giving them a bath to remove any pathogens from their fur. Remember to wash their collars or harnesses as well.
    2. If your pet and the person are just in the same room without touching, then the pet probably isn't carrying any of the virus.
    3. COVID-19 doesn't live very long on porous surfaces like fur, so the virus will probably die within a day if your pet does pick up some traces.
  3. Avoid contact with unfamiliar animals until the outbreak passes. It's also possible that your pet could pick up the virus from other animals. If a sick owner pets their dog and then your dog rubs against that dog, your dog could then bring the virus into your home. It's best to be cautious and keep your pet away from unfamiliar animals while the outbreak lasts.[4]
    1. This isn't a risk if you have an indoor pet. The only way they might encounter another animal is if someone brings one into your home.
  4. Continue adopting and sheltering pets if you do this normally. The CDC does not see any risk in bringing new animals into your home during an outbreak. If you regularly shelter or adopt pets, then you don't have to stop during the outbreak.[5]
    1. Always make sure to bathe any new animals thoroughly when you take them home. This is good practice whether there is a COVID-19 outbreak or not.
  5. Ask your vet about a COVID-19 test if your pet seems sick. Although current data suggests that animals can't contract COVID-19, the outbreak is a developing situation. If your pet has been around someone with COVID-19 and develops a sudden illness, then contact your vet. The vet may want to run a test if they suspect your pet has developed the virus.[6]
    1. We don't currently have data on what the symptoms might be if an animal catches COVID-19. Your pet might be overly fatigued or have trouble breathing.
    2. If your pet does get COVID-19, it would come from a person who has tested positive for the virus. Otherwise, your animal probably has a normal illness.
    3. Animals, especially dogs, often get other types of coronavirus, but not COVID-19. These are different strains that don't infect humans and usually aren't serious.[7]
Method 2 of 3:

Planning Ahead for Any Problems

  1. Build a 2-week supply of pet food in case you can't get to the store. As non-essential businesses are closing down to prevent the virus from spreading further, it's possible that you won't be able to get to the store for more pet food. Stock up and get at least a 2-week supply so you can care for your pet if the store shuts down.[8]
    1. You can also buy food online, and it's often cheaper than buying in-store. As of now, home delivery services are still making deliveries and don't show signs of stopping.
  2. Get a 2-week supply of your pet's medication if they take any. Similar to food, you might not be able to get your pet's medicine if the stores shut down. If your pet does take regular medication, make sure you have at least a 2-week supply in your home so you're prepared for any store closings.[9]
    1. It's also a good idea to make a full list of the medications your pet takes with appropriate doses and times. This will help if someone else has to care for your pet temporarily.
    2. If you do have trouble getting your pet's medicine, contact your vet. Vet's offices are essential businesses that will stay open during the outbreak, so they can probably get the medication for you.
  3. Confirm that your pet's tag are attached and accurate. If your pet gets out during the outbreak, then you might lose them if they aren't tagged properly. Make sure your pet's collar or tags have your address and phone number, and also that the tags are attached properly so they won't fall off.[10]
    1. A microchip is another good way to identify your pet if it escapes. Ask your vet about getting a microchip in your pet, which is a simple and painless procedure.
Method 3 of 3:

Responding if You're Sick

  1. Keep your distance from your pet while you recover. If you do contract COVID-19, you'll need to focus on recovering and might not have the energy to care for your pet. It may also be possible to spread the virus to your pet. Try to limit your contact with your pets while you're showing symptoms. If possible, have another member of your household take care of the pets, or ask a friend or family member to come over and help out. That way, you can recover and know that your pets are taken care of.[11]
    1. Leave instructions for the amount of food to give the pet and the correct feeding time, medication doses, and any other care directions that someone else might need.
    2. Try to restrict your contact with other people and your pets while you show symptoms. This reduces your chance of spreading the virus.
  2. Wear a facemask when you interact with your pet. It's possible that you'll leave the virus on your pet's skin if you breathe on them while you're sick. Wear a surgical mask or respirator when you play with your pets and also whenever you're around other people. This prevents the virus from spreading.[12]
    1. The best type of mask is an N95 respirator, which prevents you from spreading any virus particles through the air. A surgical mask is a possible substitute. Any other masks, like a dust mask, are ineffective in preventing the virus from spreading.[13]
  3. Wash your hands before and after interacting with your pet. This prevents you from getting any of the virus on your pet's fur, and also from picking up any bacteria that your pet might be carrying. Use soap and warm water, and scrub every part of your hands for at least 20 seconds each time you wash your hands.[14]
    1. If you interact with your pet, always wash your hands before touching anything else, especially your face. You're more susceptible to other infections while you're sick.
    2. Remember that hand sanitizer is only a backup if you can't wash your hands. If you're at home, wash your hands instead of using hand sanitizer.
  4. Stop your pet from licking or kissing you while you recover. This can also spread other infections to your while you recover. While you can play with your pet while you're sick as long as you take precautions, don't let your pet lick or kiss you to protect yourself and your pet.[15]
Update 31 March 2020
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