CDC Guidance

CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL & PREVENTION GUIDANCE

On April 22, the CDC and the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) announced the first confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) infection in two pet cats. These are the first pets in the United States to test positive for SARS-CoV-2.

Currently, there is NO EVIDENCE that CATS with COVID-19 are contagious to humans and nor is there any evidence about dogs getting infected with COVID-19.

At this time, routine testing of animals is not recommended. Should other animals be confirmed positive for SARS-CoV-2 in the United States, USDA will post the findings. (Click Here) State animal health and public health officials will take the lead in making determinations about whether animals should be tested for SARS-CoV-2.

CDC recommends the following:

Do not let pets interact with people or other animals outside the household.
Keep cats indoors when possible to prevent them from interacting with other animals or people.
Walk dogs on a leash, maintaining at least six feet from other people and animals.
Avoid dog parks or public places where a large number of people and dogs gather.
If you are sick with COVID-19 (either suspected or confirmed by a test), restrict contact with your pets and other animals, just like you would around other people.

Contact:
For inquiries about COVID-19 and animals, please visit the CDC Website or contact [email protected].
For inquiries about the testing and confirmation process for animals, contact [email protected].