Coronavirus and your pet: CDC states there is no evidence that pets are a source of infection

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Petco is closely monitoring the evolving outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19), including how it pertains to the health and safety of pet parents and their pets, and, in an effort to keep pet parents informed of the latest and most accurate information, Petco will be providing updated information at petco.com/covid19.

“We know Coronavirus/COVID-19 is a concerning topic for people everywhere, including pet parents,” said Petco CEO Ron Coughlin. “With news around the current outbreak continuing to change daily, we’re tapping into our Petco Pet Wellness Council, an independent coalition of leading experts in animal health and veterinary science, to provide perspective on the most important things pet parents need to know, and we’ll continue to provide updates as the situation evolves.”

According to Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there is currently no known reason to think that any animals, including pets in the United States, can be infected with or spread COVID-19. To date, CDC has not received any reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19.

“The latest report from the Centers for Disease Control is clear that there is no evidence that pets can be a source of infection of COVID-19 or that they become sick with the virus,” said Dr. Thomas Edling, DVM, MSpVM, MPH, consulting veterinarian at Petco. “Apart from maintaining good hygiene practices, pet owners need not be overly concerned and under no circumstances should they abandon their pets because of COVID-19.”

Unfortunately, misinformation and/or fear has caused some people to abandon their pets.

“We’ve also been disheartened to read reports that some pet parents in areas where the virus is prevalent have made troubling decisions about abandoning their pets out of misinformation about how the coronavirus spreads,” states Edling on the Petco website. “Pet parents under no circumstances should be abandoning their pets because of COVID-19.”

However, since animals can spread other diseases to people, the CDC always recommends washing your hands after being around animals.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19. As the disease continues to spread, the CDC recommends following routine preventive measures that can help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including the coronavirus and flu, including:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Individuals with chronic health issues and/or individuals experiencing severe symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional.

Pet parents who have concerns or further questions regarding coronavirus can visit the CDC’s FAQ on COVID-19 and animals and the CDC’s Healthy Pets, Healthy People website or visit petco.com/covid19.

Source: Petco News Release