What should you do with your pets if you or a family member becomes infected with Coronavirus? The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) have specific instructions and resources for us. Read below.
First: Can Pets Catch or Transmit the Coronavirus?
While the first infections of COVID-19 were linked to the live animal market in Wuhan, China, and while the virus spreads among people, the CDC says that at this time there is no evidence that pets can become a source of infection for the virus. There is also no evidence that pets can spread Coronavirus, but, as weâve seen in the news, at least two dogs have tested positive for Coronavirus after their owners did. One, the 17 year old Pomeranian, died two days after leaving quarantine, but experts believe it died for other reasons, including the stress of quarantine and its age.Â
Itâs reasonable to believe that if you donât take your dog in public or let it come into contact with people (who may or may not be infected with the Coronavirus) other than your household members, the odds that your pup or kitties were to become infected are fairly unlikely. Thatâs also assuming no one in your home is infected. As responsible and loving pet parents, we want to make sure that we donât expose our pets to the virus should we fall ill with it, so please keep your pets home and let them practice social distancing, too.Â
Despite all of our preparations, we still might contract COVID-19. According to the CDC and AVMA, if you should contract coronavirus (either suspected or confirmed), then:
âOut of an abundance of caution, it is recommended that those ill with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. Have another member of your household take care of walking, feeding, and playing with your pet. If you have a service animal or you must care for your pet, then wear a facemask; donât share food, kiss, or hug them; and wash your hands before and after any contact with them.â
If you are not ill with COVID-19, you can interact with your pet as you normally would, including walking, feeding, and playing. You should continue to practice good hygiene during those interactions (e.g., wash hands before and after interacting with your pet; ensure your pet is kept well-groomed; regularly clean your petâs food and water bowls, bedding material, and toys).
The CDC elaborates a bit on what the research says about whether or not pets or other animals can become ill with COVID-19, or spread it:
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. This can help ensure both you and your animals stay healthy.
When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. 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 them. For more information visit: What to Do if You are Sick.
As of right now, the CDC is not recommending routine testing of pets for COVID-19.
What to Do if You Are Sick with COVID-19:
The CDC has provided these easy to understand guidelines below for anyone infected in a multi-person home. Following these instructions should help mitigate the spread of the virus among your family members.
- 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 face mask.  Avoid petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food.
- If you don’t have anyone to care for your pet and you need to go to the hospital, you have several options. You can contact your veterinarian and ask them to board your pet. If they are full and you have a dog, you can board them in several facilities in Miami-Dade County. We are offering boarding for dogs under 30 pounds who have proof of Rabies, Bordatella, and DHPP.
We reached out to several veterinarians and the following practices will board pets for pet parents needing to go to the hospital. Of course, each practice will require that the dog be bathed upon admission at the owner’s expense. We will keep updating the list.
Where to Board Your Cats and Dogs in Miami:
- If you are exposed to coronavirus and heading to the hospital, they will take your pup.
- They will of course bathe it right away and board the dog.
- You must be a client and up to date on vaccines. If you’re not a client, you must bring proof of all vaccinations.
- Please call in advance. No one is allowed in the building; someone will come out to take the pup. They won’t take your leash.
Same days of the week but shorter hours per day. If possible, please schedule your appointment online by clicking here or calling 305.667.7238.
If you need prescription drugs or food, please call ahead or try our online store and check delivery dates.
This will stay in effect until Saturday, May 2nd. But we will update our website and social media if this changes.”
- If you are exposed to coronavirus and heading to the hospital, they will take your pup.
- They will of course bathe it right away and board the dog.
- You must be a client and up to date on vaccines. If you’re not a client, you must bring proof of all vaccinations.
- Please call in advance. No one is allowed in the building; someone will come out to take the pup. They won’t take your leash.
These are Miami’s cat and dog boarding facilities who are still accepting pets:
- Until further notice, we will not be shaking hands or giving hugs when greeting, which is difficult to do in Miami but we are committed!
- When dogs arrive we will put on one of our leashes and ask owners to remove their own leash and collar and take them home, to minimize the spread of germs via hands from households to our facility and vice versa.
- Our leashes are disinfected. We have increased the frequency of disinfection for highly touched areas to several times per day for light switches, doorknobs, keyboards, etc.
- Dogs are being bathed or wiped down on incoming and before going home.
- We are limiting brought items to food and treats, we have our own bedding.
- Any staff members who are not feeling well, even if it is slight, are being asked to stay home until they feel 100% better.
- We will bring your dog out to you so you donât have to get out of your car at pick up.
- We also highly recommend our digital programs where you can train with us from the comfort of your home with online sessions!
Check out their post on how they’re maintaining their cleaning standards. You can book online or else call: 305-735-9311.
- Drive-Through Service: Stay in your car when you arrive at the ranch. A team member will escort your pup to the check in area and review your registration through your car window.
- Gloves & Leashes: A gloved team member will use our own leashes to receive or hand off your dog.
- Sanitization: All items received by their guests will be sanitized to protect against residual spread.
- Appointment Only: They are operating by appointment only.
- Transportation: Arrangements available
- Call before you bring your dog.
- They are not taking any dogs’ personal belongings.
- Just bring food in plastic bags- no containers, please.
- They will provide beds, toys, and bowls
- Lobby is closed.
- Curbside pick up and drop off.
- Disinfecting everything here.
- We will wear masks upon accepting the pups and also require the dogs to have baths upon drop off.
- Proof of vaccinations are also required, including Rabies, Bordatella, DHPP.
- We will only be taking food in plastic bags, and will provide bowls and bedding.
A Country Cat House:
As of now, A Country Cat House is accepting kitties, but the management is still deciding whether they can risk accepting a kitty from a household with COVID-19. Please call ahead to make an appointment or to talk about your situation: (305) 279-9770.
A founding member of the Equipaws family, Frankie can mostly be found working behind the scenes, helping co-create online branding, managing several social media accounts, designing brand collateral, writing copy, and managing events. She also fills in for pet sitters and dog walkers when needed in Palmetto Bay, Pinecrest, and South Miami. Her own small pack consists of Boots the Shih Tzu mix and Nutmeg the Chiweenie.
