University of Washington’s Center for One Health Research has confirmed to conduct the COVID-19 and Pets Study (CAPS) to research those who have tested positive and their pets. 

The study is currently looking for volunteers. For more information about the study nad participation efforts, please visit the following link: https://deohs.washington.edu/cohr/covid-19-and-pets-study-caps.


Info about University of Washington's Ongoing COVID-19 and Pets Study (CAPS)

Though it has been confirmed that pets can be infected by COVID-19, as proven by many worldwide cases and lab trials, it is important to take note of the subjects of transmission.


Modes and Subjects of Transmission

While pets are not shown to be transmissible carriers of COVID-19, caution should be maintained when caring for pets if a household member or caretaker is positive for COVID-19, and to limit the spread of disease. Safe practices include:

- Having adequate amounts of pet food, medication, and other supplies in store for weeks

- Keep pets from interacting from humans and other animals from outside the household

- Keeping pets indoors or within enclosed areas

- Maintaining social distancing when taking pets on their walks

- Avoid dog parks or other areas with high traffic

- Have a person that is confirmed negative for COVID-19 take care of the pets


How to Stay Safe with Pets

Cross-species transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is a very important factor in spreading the infection. Although we do not have enough evidence of relationships between humans, pets, and domesticated animals, we still need to consider that those animals may be at risk. People living with pets need to take extra precautions, and if they test positive for SARS-Cov-2, they must not have any contact with their pets until they are clear of the virus. Those handling poultry, cows, and other domesticated animals must be careful as well to ensure a one health approach. Because they share the same  animal and human cell receptor, Angiotensin-converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2), and there is the potential for this transmission to take place if standard precautions are bypassed. 


The Role of Pets in Transmission of COVID-19


Many who have pets have been worried about how common household pets, specifically cats and dogs, may play a role in the COVID-19 pandemic.


To access a live tracker of confirmed COVID-19 cases in animals, including cats and dogs, by the USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories in the United States, please visit following link: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/SA_One_Health/sars-cov-2-animals-us.


University of California, Santa Cruz

University of California, Davis

Live animal food markets carry a great risk of transmitting zoonotic diseases compounded by the lack of safe and regulated hygienic practices. The Huanan South Seafood Market in Wuhan, China which sells wild exotic and domesticated live animals for consumption, was identified to be the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic. Bats are implicated to be the reservoir hosts of the virus, as SARS-CoV-2 is 96% genetically identical to bat coronavirus. Pangolins are also a possible host, as the RBD in the S protein show similarity to Pangolin-CoV. 

Any infections in animals with COVID-19 should be reported to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). The CDC reports that a number of pets worldwide are confirmed positive for COVID-19, though the risk of animal-human transmission in these cases are yet unclear.

Zoonotic Transmission of COVID-19

Parry, N. M. (2020). COVID-19 and pets: When pandemic meets panic. Forensic Science International: Reports, 100090.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsir.2020.100090

COVID-19 and pets: When pandemic meets panic

SARS-Cov-2 in animals. (2020, June 11). American Veterinary Medical Association. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/covid-19/sars-cov-2-animals-including-pets

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