Though there have been no cases of animal-to-human transmission and no evidence, according to Mayo Clinic and the CDC, that viruses can spread to people from a pet's skin, fur or hair, this does not excuse its possibility and the likely transmission through respiratory droplets.

In a letter, which was composed by a vast number of established doctors, in the New England Journal of Medicine, it is stated that the confirmation of cats transmitting the virus to other cats calls for more study at the possibility of animal to human transmission. In particular, they state "cats may be a silent intermediate host of SARS-CoV-2, because infected cats may not show any appreciable symptoms that might be recognized by their owners.”


Animal-to-Human Transmission

Early results from a study led by Dr Sarah Hamer, an associate professor of epidemiology at Texas A&M University, shows a connection between households with positive cases in Texas and their pets carrying the virus.

Shelly Rankin, a microbiologist at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine, states that humans can infect animals with the virus. They have many of the same types of receptors on their cells that we do where the virus could attach itself.


Human-to-Animal Transmission

Animal-to-animal transmission of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) can occur, especially among household pets of the same species. Susceptibility and transmission rates vary significantly by species. While some animals, like cats, are highly susceptible and easily transmit the virus to one another, other animals, such as dogs, exhibit strong resistance and do not readily transmit the infection. Furthermore, cross-species transmission (e.g., between cats and dogs) has a very low likelihood.

Animal-to-Animal Transmission of COVID-19

SARS-CoV-2 transmission involving household pets can be categorized by direction and subject: human-to-animal transmission, animal-to-human transmission, and animal-to-animal transmission (including transmission between animals of the same or different species). Confirmed cases and lab trials show pets can be infected, but the strength of evidence and risk level differs across these modes.

University of California, Santa Cruz

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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.


Household Pets

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


The University of Washington’s Center for One Health Research launched the COVID-19 and Pets Study (CAPS) to investigate SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics between individuals who tested positive and their household companion animals.

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