Department of Agriculture and Forestry, State of Louisiana - Mike Strain DVM, Commissioner

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At this point there is no evidence that companion animals, including pets, can spread COVID-19.

If I test positive for COVID-19 what should I do about my pet?

People with COVID-19 who are identified by public health officials as requiring home care and isolation should be advised to limit interaction with pets and other animals. Specifically, while these people are symptomatic, if possible, they should treat their pet as the would a family member and maintain separation from pets as they would with other household members, and avoid or limit direct contact with pets, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food. Service animals should be permitted to remain with their handlers.

If possible, designate another family member to care for your pet so your pet can be isolated from you especially when you are symptomatic just as you would for other household members.

If you have tested positive and must care for your own pet

You should wash your hands before and after caring for your pets and wear a facemask while interacting with pets, until you are medically cleared to return to normal activities. These are similar recommendations when dealing with any other household member. The facemask is to prevent the spread of virus particles to surfaces and decrease exposure to other people who come in contact with those surfaces.

If I have a family member caring for my pet, do they have to take any special precautions to care for my pet? 

Not if the pet is isolated from the person who has COVID-19 like other household members.

Should my pet’s caregiver wear a mask when handling the pet?

No, Masks are used by the person with COVID-19 to decrease spreading the virus in the environment.

CDC does not have any evidence to suggest that animals or animal products imported from China pose a risk for spreading COVID-19 in the United States. This is a rapidly evolving situation and information will be updated as it becomes available. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) play distinct but complementary roles in regulating the importation of live animals and animal products into the United States.

Concerns with pets and other animals and COVID-19

While this virus seems to have emerged from an animal source, it is now spreading from person-to-person in China. There is no reason to think that any animals including pets in the United States might be a source of infection with this new coronavirus. To date, CDC has not received any reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19. At this time, there is no evidence that companion animals including pets can spread COVID-19. However, since animals can spread other diseases to people, it’s always a good idea to wash your hands after being around animals.

Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home

People: As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available.

Animals: You should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick with COVID-19, just like you would around other people. Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. If you are sick with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets and wear a facemask. See COVID-19 and Animals for more information.

Content source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Division of Viral Diseases

For additional resources regarding COVID-19 and pets, go to www.avma.org.

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• Governor’s Office
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• World Health Organization
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