Can pets catch COVID-19? What dog and cat owners need to know

Early in the pandemic, many owners worried that their pets could catch or spread COVID-19. Several years of research and monitoring have given clearer answers. This guide explains what is known now, and what to do if you or your pet becomes unwell.

Can dogs and cats catch COVID-19?

Yes, but it is rare. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) says a broad range of mammals can be infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, when they are in close contact with infected people. Pet cats and dogs have been infected worldwide, mostly after close contact with an owner or family member who had COVID-19.

In the UK, the first confirmed case in a pet was a cat in England in 2020. Tests at the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) laboratory confirmed the infection, and the investigation found it had passed from people to the cat. WOAH records show further cases in UK cats and dogs since then.

Which animals are most at risk?

Some species are more susceptible than others. Scottish Government guidance notes that ferrets, mink and their relatives are very susceptible and can infect each other. Ferret owners should take extra care to protect them if someone at home has COVID-19.

What are the signs of COVID-19 in pets?

Most infected pets show no signs or only mild illness and recover fully. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says serious illness in pets is extremely rare.

When signs do appear, they are usually respiratory or digestive, such as:

• coughing or sneezing;
• difficulty breathing;
• discharge from the nose or eyes;
• tiredness or fever;
• vomiting or diarrhoea.

These signs have many other, more common causes. If your pet is unwell, phone your vet. Tell them if anyone in your home has COVID-19, so they can arrange to see your pet safely.

Will my vet test my pet for COVID-19?

Not routinely. In Scotland, government guidance says your vet will decide whether testing is needed, that it should only be done when it is in the interest of the animal's health and welfare, and that any test is at the owner's expense. In Scotland, SARS-CoV-2 in animals is also a reportable disease, so a positive result must be reported to the government. Your vet handles this. Elsewhere in the UK, ask your vet how testing and reporting work.

Can my pet give me COVID-19?

There is no evidence that companion animals play a role in spreading COVID-19 to people, according to WOAH. The CDC describes the risk of pets spreading the virus to people as low. COVID-19 spreads mainly from person to person.

The CDC also says there is no evidence that the virus spreads to people from a pet's skin, fur or hair.

What to do if you have COVID-19 and own pets

WOAH and the CDC give similar advice:

• Limit close contact. If possible, ask someone else in your household to care for your pets while you are ill.
• If you must care for them, wash your hands before and after, and consider wearing a face covering.
• Avoid kissing, cuddling and being licked, and don't let your pet sleep in your bed while you're ill.
• Don't share food or let your pet eat from your plate.
• Keep caring for your pet's needs. WOAH says there is no justification for measures that compromise a pet's welfare, so there is no need to rehome or give up a pet because of COVID-19.

Things you should never do

• Don't put a mask on your pet. The CDC warns that masks could harm pets.
• Don't wipe or bathe your pet with disinfectants, alcohol, hand sanitiser or cleaning wipes. The CDC advises against it, and washing your pet isn't needed to control COVID-19. Use only products made for animals.

Is "coronavirus" in my cat or dog the same as COVID-19?

Not necessarily. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, and several affect only animals. Feline coronavirus, for example, is common in cats and can sometimes lead to a serious disease called feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). Cats Protection explains that this is not the same virus as COVID-19 and it doesn't affect people. If your vet mentions coronavirus in your pet, ask which one they mean.