Transmission of COVID-19 between two animals, specifically household pets of the same species, has been proven to be quite common.

A study conducted by the Harbin Veterinary Research Institute in China researched transmission of the virus between animals by administering a high dose of the virus to a group of cats and dogs and placing some of the infected animals next to uninfected control animals.

The study accomplished four major findings:

1) Immunity Increases by Age: Older animals had a stronger immune response to fight off the infection. The kittens who were administered the virus all became seriously ill, resulting in the death of two kittens. Meanwhile, the older cats were able to fight off the infection without becoming seriously ill.

2) Feline Susceptibility: Just after a week, one-third of the control cats were found positive for the virus, proving that the virus can replicate in cats and can transfer through respiratory droplets to other cats

3) Greater Resistance from Dogs: The dogs in the study were much resistant to the virus and did not transmit the virus to the other animals.

4) Unlikeliness of Transmission Across Species: The study found no evidence that would prove the inoculated dogs infected the control cats or the inoculated cats infected the control dogs. 


Animal-to-Animal Transmission

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

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.


University of California, Santa Cruz

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

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)

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. 


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