Press Release MN Board of Animal Health
Can my animal become ill with or spread COVID-19?
CDC: When and How to Wash Hands (www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html)
American Veterinary Medical Association: COVID-19 (www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/covid-19)
Minnesota Department of Health
Zoonotic Diseases Unit
651-201-5414
www.health.state.mn.us
- There is no evidence at this time that your animal can become ill with COVID-19 or that they can spread it to other animals or people.
- However, it is always a good idea to practice good hand hygiene after normal interactions with your pet and keep your animal's environment clean.
- Please see the CDC Healthy Animals, Healthy People (www.cdc.gov/healthypets/index.html) webpage for additional information.
- If you are healthy and your pet needs to see a veterinarian, please call before bringing them in to the vet. Veterinary clinics are taking precautions and may have a special operating procedure that you will be asked to follow.
- If you are ill with COVID-19 and your animal needs emergency care, ask a healthy family member or friend to bring your animal in to be seen.
- If you are ill with COVID-19 it is recommended to limit contact with your pet. If possible, have another member of the household care for your animal.
- If you are the only caretaker for your animal or you have a service dog: do not kiss, hug or have "face-to-face" contact with them. When in contact with your animal's items (toys, food dishes, etc.) always wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling.
- At this time, it is not recommended to perform routine testing of animals for COVID-19.
- If your animal is displaying signs of respiratory illness, please consult your veterinarian who can check for more common respiratory problems.
CDC: When and How to Wash Hands (www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html)
American Veterinary Medical Association: COVID-19 (www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/covid-19)
Minnesota Department of Health
Zoonotic Diseases Unit
651-201-5414
www.health.state.mn.us