Can Dogs and Cats Get COVID? Understanding the Risks of the COVID-19 Virus in Pets

Can pets and other animals get COVID-19? If you have cats or dogs, it’s natural to worry about whether they can become infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. Understanding the risks of animals and COVID-19, and how SARS-CoV-2 can affect them, helps you take better care of your pets.

While it’s uncommon, dogs and cats can become infected, typically after close contact with people who have COVID-19. Transmission from humans to pets has been reported, so it’s a good idea to watch for any signs of illness in your animals and contact your veterinarian if you’re concerned. Knowing how to care for your pets and limit the risk of spreading the COVID-19 virus can give you peace of mind.

Keeping your pets safe goes beyond just washing your hands—it means being careful around people who are sick and listening to guidance from veterinary experts. Institutions such as the World Organization for Animal Health and the Centers for Disease Control offer helpful guidance on pets and COVID-19. Read on to find out practical ways to keep your cats, dogs, and other animals healthy and protected.

Can Dogs and Cats Get COVID-19?

It’s a question many pet owners ask: Can our cats and dogs catch COVID-19? The good news is that while pets can catch COVID-19, it’s rare, and most who do show only mild symptoms—or none at all. Still, being aware of how the virus can affect animals helps you care for your pets and keep them safe.

Which Pets and Animals Can Be Susceptible

Besides cats and dogs, other pets and animals can also contract the COVID-19 virus, including:

• Ferrets and hamsters can catch the virus from close contact with people who are sick with coronavirus disease.
• Animals in zoos, like big cats and some other species, have tested positive for the virus.
• Mink on mink farms, where the virus has spread among the animals.
• Other susceptible species, such as rabbits and certain exotic pets, have been studied in labs.
• Animals in research settings, including some non-human primates, are exposed to the virus.

How Pets Usually Become Infected

Most pets get COVID-19 through close contact with people who are sick. Things to keep in mind:

• Pets are usually infected by humans, not by other animals.
• People with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 should limit contact with their pets.
• The chance of pets spreading the virus back to people is extremely low.

Why It Matters

Knowing that cats, dogs, and other animals can get COVID-19 helps you:

• Keep an eye on your pets for any changes in behaviour or health.
• Limit contact with sick people to protect your animals.
• Reach out to your veterinarian if your pet has been exposed or tests positive.

The majority of pets that do get COVID-19 recover quickly, and the risk of them passing it to people is very low. Staying informed and taking simple precautions lets you keep both your pets and household safe.

Symptoms of COVID-19 Virus in Pets

Cats, dogs, and certain other animal species can be infected, especially after contact with someone who is sick with COVID-19. This contagious disease is caused by a novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, which can cause illness in pets during direct contact with infected people. Knowing the symptoms to watch for in dogs, cats, and other pets makes it easier to keep them healthy and get them the attention they need.

Common Clinical Signs in Dogs and Cats

Pets infected by SARS-CoV-2 may show mild illness or subtle changes, including:

• Lethargy or unusual tiredness in a dog or cat.
• Loss of appetite or refusal to eat.
• Minor respiratory signs, such as coughing or sneezing.
• Digestive changes, including vomiting or diarrhea.
• Slight fever or changes in body temperature.

Symptoms in Other Susceptible Animal Species

Other animals that have been infected, including ferrets, hamsters, and certain species of animals in zoos, may show similar illness:

• Ferrets and hamsters may become less active or eat less after exposure to the virus.
• Big cats and other species of animals in zoos that have tested positive for the virus may show mild respiratory illness.
• Mink on farms, where the spread among the mink has been documented, may show lethargy or breathing issues.

How COVID-19 Spreads Between People and Animals

COVID-19 is caused by a novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, which spreads mainly between people. Certain animal species, including cats and dogs, can become infected with the COVID-19 virus after contact with people with COVID-19. Knowing the source of the virus and how the pets catch it helps explain the connection between animals and humans during infection.

Human-to-Animal Transmission

Numerous SARS-CoV-2 cases in animals happen when pets have close contact with a person infected with COVID-19. Key points include:

• Infection in dogs, infected cats, and other susceptible animals usually occurs during close contact with infected people, such as feeding, petting, or sleeping nearby.
• People with confirmed COVID-19 should avoid contact with animals, including pets, to prevent the virus from being introduced to animals.
• SARS-CoV-2 in animals is usually introduced by humans rather than by other pets.

Animal-to-Animal Transmission

In rare situations, COVID-19 can spread between animals. For example:

• Mink on farms have shown the virus spread among the mink.
• Certain types of animals in zoos have transmitted SARS-CoV-2 to other susceptible species.
• In most households, cats, dogs, and other pets do not spread the disease to each other or to people.

Why Understanding Spread Matters

Being aware of how SARS-CoV-2 is spread between people and animals helps explain the risk of infection in pets:

• Pets and other animal species are usually infected by humans during close contact.
• Spread from animals to people is very uncommon, even though the virus can be present in infected cats, dogs, or other susceptible animals.
• Understanding how the virus is introduced ensures owners can monitor their pets while keeping both people and pets safe.

Simple Ways to Protect Pets from the COVID Virus

Even though coronaviruses infect only animals in most cases, COVID-19 can sometimes spread to pets during close contact with people who are sick. Understanding the type of coronavirus that causes COVID-19 and how the virus is introduced to animals can help you care for your pets safely. Taking a few simple precautionary steps goes a long way in protecting your animals and keeping your household safe.

Limit Contact with Infected People

People with confirmed COVID-19 or suspected infection should avoid contact with animals, including pets. Close contact with an infected person is the main way SARS-CoV-2 is introduced into animals, so minimizing interaction with your pets helps prevent COVID-19, and your pet becomes a concern.

Minimize Exposure to Other Animals

Cats should be kept indoors, and dogs should be kept on leashes or away from other animal species that may have been exposed. Limiting animals during close contact with other pets or unknown animals reduces the chance that the virus for animals spreads. Transmission from animals to people is very rare, but these precautions help prevent the spread of the virus.

Watch Your Pets for Signs of Illness

Pay attention to changes in your pets’ energy, appetite, or breathing. Even though animals do not infect others easily, noticing early signs can help you respond quickly. Contact your veterinarian if COVID-19 and your pet become a concern, so your animals get proper care.

Practice Good Hygiene

Washing your hands before and after contact with your pets helps limit exposure. Avoid touching your face while handling animals and keep shared spaces clean. These habits support disease control and prevention and reduce the risk that SARS-CoV-2 spreads among pets or between different animal species.

Keep Daily Routines Safe

Keep dogs and cats away from areas where they could have contact with an infected dog or other animals. Managing daily routines and interactions helps prevent the virus from spreading to people or other pets. Taking these simple steps ensures you can care for your animals while keeping everyone in your home safe.

Final Thoughts

Although the spread of COVID-19 to cats, dogs, and other pets is uncommon, understanding the risks helps you care for your animals safely. Most pets that do become infected only show mild signs and recover quickly, and the chance of the virus spreading to people is very low.

Close contact with sick people remains the main way pets are exposed, highlighting the connection between human and animal health. Monitoring your pets for changes in behaviour or health allows for early detection and ensures that animals do not infect others. 

Following the precautions recommended for people, along with guidance from veterinary experts, helps you care for your animals properly. If your pet shows signs of illness or you have concerns about COVID-19, our team is here to help—reach out anytime for support and guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What signs indicate pets may be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19?

It’s normal to worry about your cat or dog if someone at home has COVID-19. Watching for small changes in behaviour or health can help you act quickly and give your pet the care they need.

Lethargy: Your pet may seem unusually tired, less playful, or uninterested in their favourite activities.

Appetite changes: Skipping meals or refusing treats they usually love can be a warning sign.

Respiratory signs: Sneezing, coughing, or mild breathing difficulties may appear.

Digestive changes: Vomiting or diarrhea could happen in some pets exposed to the virus.

Behavioural changes: Hiding, restlessness, or sudden clinginess can indicate they’re not feeling well.

Can pets transmit coronavirus to other animals?

Most pets catch COVID-19 from humans rather than from each other. Still, in rare situations, the virus can spread between certain animals, so it’s good to be aware.

Human-to-animal is more common: Close contact with someone who is sick is usually how pets get infected.

Animal-to-animal transmission: Mink on farms have shown the virus can spread among animals under certain conditions.

Reduce exposure: Keep pets away from unknown or potentially infected animals when possible.

Hygiene matters: Washing hands, cleaning surfaces, and limiting close contact help prevent spread.

Are certain pets at higher risk of becoming infected with COVID-19?

Some pets are more vulnerable, especially if they live with someone who is sick. Knowing which animals are at higher risk helps you protect them.

Common household pets: Cats and dogs are most often affected in home settings.

Other susceptible species: Ferrets, hamsters, big cats in zoos, mink, and some exotic pets have tested positive.

Close contact risk: Pets living with someone who has COVID-19 are more likely to be exposed.

Awareness helps: Recognizing which pets are at higher risk allows you to take extra precautions.

How do experts assess the risk of animals spreading COVID-19?

Veterinarians and scientists monitor pets to understand how COVID-19 moves between humans and animals. Their research helps guide safe practices for households with pets.

Main spread: SARS-CoV-2 mostly spreads between people, not from pets to humans.

Veterinary monitoring: Experts track infections across species and provide advice for disease prevention.

Risk factors: Type of coronavirus, contact with infected people, and the animal’s species all influence risk.

Prevention guidance: Following expert recommendations helps keep your pets and family safe.

When should you contact a veterinarian about pets and COVID-19?

If your pet has been exposed to someone sick or shows unusual signs, it’s best to contact a veterinarian. Quick guidance ensures your pet gets proper care and helps limit any potential spread.

Exposure to infected people: Reach out if your pet has been near someone confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19.

Signs of illness: Lethargy, appetite loss, coughing, sneezing, or digestive issues are reasons to check in.

Early intervention: Acting promptly can help pets recover faster.

Peace of mind: Consulting a professional ensures your pet gets safe and effective care.