COVID 19 Brochure

What are coronaviruses?

THE BEST WAY TO PROTECT YOUR PET

The CDC defines coronaviruses as “a large

Avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth

family of viruses that are common in people

with unwashed hands.

and many different species of animals.

Cover your coughs and sneezes.

Rarely, animal coronaviruses can infect

Disinfect all surfaces that are frequently used.

people and then spread between people.”

Limit contact with your pets if you or

How is COVID-19 (coronavirus) spread?

The CDC says the disease is spread to humans through person-to person contact.

There have been no reports of pets spreading this novel coronavirus to humans.

However, some animals, including dogs and cats, have tested positive for COVID-19, these cases are believed to be instances of human-to-animal transmission.

Wash your hands often with soap and water.

someone you are close to contracts the coronavirus.

If you are ill whenever possible have another member of your household or business care for any animals, including pets If you must care for your animals while sick: wear a cloth face covering don’t pet, share food, kiss or hug them wash your hands before and after any contact Do not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels or bedding with other people or pets in your home.

PROTECTING YOURSELF, YOUR PETS AND THE COMMUNITY FROM COVID-19 A helpful guide from the FVMA

Do we need to take extra precautions with recently imported or exotic animals?

CAN I CONTRACT COVID-19 FROM MY PET?

All animals imported from infected countries will need to meet CDC and USDA requirements for entering the U.S. At this time, there is no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Based on the limited data available, the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is considered to be low. We are still learning about this virus, and it appears that in some rare situations, people can spread the virus

While this virus seems to have emerged from an animal source, the CDC believes there is no reason to think any animals,

Can my pet contract the coronavirus from an infected person?

to animals. Further studies are needed to

The CDC says anyone who is sick with the

If any animal becomes ill, the CDC

understand if and how different animals could be affected by the virus, and the role animals may play in the spread of COVID-19.

including pets in the U.S., might be a source of infection.

While there have been instances of animals, including pets, testing positive for

coronavirus should restrict contact with any animals just like you would around other people. If you or another family member

COVID-19, to date, there is no evidence

contracts the virus, the CDC recommends

that a dog, cat or any pet can transmit

having another member of your household

COVID-19 to humans. However, since

care for your animal.

animals can spread other diseases, it’s always a good idea to wash your hands

Avoid petting, snuggling, being kissed or

after being around them. Currently, there

licked, and sharing food. If you must care for

is no vaccine for COVID-19 for people or

your pet or be around animals while you are

pets. Any animal showing serious illness

sick, wash your hands before and after you

needs to be seen by a veterinarian.

interact with pets and wear a facemask.

recommends bringing the animal to a veterinarian. Call your local clinic before bringing the animal in and let them know of any contact the animal might have had with an infected human.

Produced by the Florida Veterinary Medical Association, striving to advance the veterinary medical profession, promote animal health and protect public health.

All information comes from online resources made available by the CDC, WHO, and the AVMA.