Written by: Dr Sanchez-Emden • April 1, 2020• Pet Health

6 Facts Every Pet Owner Should Know About The New Coronavirus

In the face of a viral pandemic that originated from an animal believed to be a bat, it is our duty as responsible pet owners to be informed with the latest facts. At the time of writing this article, here is the latest that every pet owner should know.

The new betacoronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of the human acute respiratory illness known as COVID-19, is not known as a pet coronavirus. Dogs and cats have had their own family of coronavirus, for many years, that cannot be transmitted to humans. These cause, for the most part, gastrointestinal signs. Most of these diseases are not life threatening (with the exception of Feline Infectious Peritonitis). There are vaccines available for some of them as well.
There is no scientific evidence at the present time suggesting that the new SARS-CoV-2 can infect or cause disease in domestic animals, including dogs and cats. A 17 yr old Pomeranian, and more recently a German Shepherd, both owned by people with the COVID-19 illness, were found to produce weak positive test results for the virus. Neither dog showed symptoms of the disease. The Pomeranian tested negative by the end of the quarantine period. She later passed away due to ongoing health issues of old age.
Currently there is no evidence that the CoV-2 can be transmitted from companion animals to humans. In fact, thousands of cats and dogs have been tested throughout the world for this novel virus, and so far all of them have tested negative.
It is unlikely to get the COVID-19 illness by touching the coat of a dog or cat contaminated with respiratory droplets from an infected person. An animal’s coat is porous and fibrous, and is unlikely to act as a contaminated surface.
If you tested positive for CoV-2 out of an abundance of caution and until more information is known, avoid petting, hugging and kissing your pet. Do not share drinking cups, bowls, eating utensils or towels. Have another member of the family take care of the pet.
- If on the other hand, you depend on a service dog for assistance, wear a facemask and always wash your hands before and after contact with your service dog. If you are positive for the virus and your pet requires medical needs while you are on quarantine, call your veterinarian first to discuss if immediate medical care is required. Do not go to your veterinarian’s office.
There is a test available for CoV-2 for dogs and cast, however, based on the current information that pets do not transmit or get sick with the COVID-19 illness, it is questionable if the test is needed at all in companion animals.

Veterinarians and public health officials are working together to share information on patients positive for COViD-19 and their contact with animals. This is one example where doctors share their knowledge regardless of the species of animal they treat. Science will advance, and soon we will leave this crisis in the past. Meanwhile stay safe, wash your hands, practice social distancing and do not forget to take care of your pets.

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