In June 2020, the US Department of Agriculture announced the first confirmed case of the virus that causes COVID-19 (the SARS-CoV-2 virus) in a German shepherd in New York State.
Two cases of positive COVID-19 tests in cats were found in New York. Both cats showed mild respiratory symptoms and recovered.
New York’s Bronx Zoo had the first known case of COVID-19 of an animal in the US. The case was a 4-year-old Malayan tiger. Subsequently, eight big cats were infected at the Bronx Zoo. All of the animals were believed to be infected by zoo personnel who had COVID-19.
According to Dr. Jane Rooney, a veterinarian and US Department of Agriculture official, “There doesn’t appear to be, at this time, any evidence that suggests that the animals can spread the virus to people or that they can be a source of infection in the United States.”
Serious illness in pets is rare, and pets that do get sick have mild symptoms, similar to those of a cold or flu (fever, coughing, runny nose, lethargy, gastrointestinal symptoms, etc.) As in people, pets that have the virus may not exhibit symptoms.
According to the CDC, there is no evidence that the virus that causes COVID-19 can spread to people from the fur or skin of pets.
If you are sick with COVID-19, you should stay away from close contact with your pet. You present more of a danger to them than they do to you. If you can, have someone else in your household take care of your pet. Avoid petting and kissing your pet, and prevent your pet from sleeping on your bed. If you must care for your pet while you are sick, wear a mask and wash your hands before and after handling your pet’s food.