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According to the CDC, dogs and cats cannot contract the human coronavirus. While each species has their own coronavirus, people cannot get the pet version, and pets cannot contract the human version. 

While many are working from home, one of the many comforts is our ability to spend time with our fury family and i am not talking about dad.  I am talking about our fur babies in our lives to which are also a source of comfort in the most trying times, 

At the same time, there have been many questions and concerns about how to interact with animals during this crisis and whether they bring additional risks.

READ BELOW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 

Here's what you should know

Here are some questions and answers about animals and Covid-19, from sources like the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). There are many unknowns about this disease and things are frequently changing, but this is the best information available at this time.

Does my dog or cat pose a risk for coronavirus transmission?

Diseases like Covid-19 can be spread on "fomites". A fomite is any surface that can carry infection, like countertops and door knobs.

It may seem strange to think about our pets as a surface, but that's what they are. An infected person can theoretically cough on a dog or a cat and distribute virus particles onto the animal's fur. Someone could then come along and pet the animal, pick up virus particles and then touch their own face, transmitting the disease.

It's important to note that the CDC has not verified any situations where transmission from a pet to a human occurred.

While the risk of this type of transmission may be low, we should be cautious. After petting an unknown animal, wash your hands, especially before touching your face. If you are bringing a new pet into your household, wipe the pet down with a damp towel or even preferably give the pet a bath.

Should I get my pet vaccinated, in case they have to be boarded unexpectedly?

The AVMA has recommended to veterinarians that all routine care be temporarily suspended. Veterinarians need to be available to treat serious illness and injuries, and the CDC has asked that medical supplies be used judiciously as they are needed for the response to Covid-19.

Vaccinations are vital to protect pets against many diseases, and once this crisis is over, it is important to ensure your pet's vaccinations are up to date.

What if my pet needs veterinary care during this crisis?

Veterinary hospitals are considered "essential businesses" and as long as their staff remains healthy, most veterinary hospitals are continuing to see sick and injured patients.

If your pet needs care, please know that your veterinary professionals are doing everything they can to be there for your pet, but be aware that social distancing will require adjustments to how you interact with the veterinary team.

Some clinics are asking clients to wait in their cars for staff to come get pets so the foot traffic in the clinics are limited. You might not be able to accompany your pet into an examination as you normally would, but this precaution is safer for everyone. Please be patient, and understand we are all in this together, and we will get through it together.

What should I do with my pet if I or someone in my family gets Covid-19?

Your pets will not contract the disease so do not be unduly concerned for their health. The CDC has issued guidance recommending that sick people in the home should minimise contact with pets and primary responsibility for pet care should be provided by another household member.

Healthy household members should isolate themselves to the greatest extent possible from infected persons. Remember that pets could act as fomites carrying the disease from infected people in the house to healthy people. Bathing your pet if someone is infected is probably wise, then limit interaction between pets and infected people. The CDC is very clear that this advice could change, because there is so much that is unknown about the disease and we really don't know if transmission from an animal's fur to a person is a serious risk. These are times when we should take the most cautious approach.