The knowledge about how pets are affected by the novel coronavirus is evolving every day.  Recent news stories about a handful of dogs, cats, and big cats at a zoo testing positive for COVID-19 may have pet owners wondering about their own animals.

Since humans seem to be able to pass the virus on to some animals, should pets be tested?  The American Veterinary Medical Association has established preliminary guidelines about testing animals.  They note that because symptoms of the novel coronavirus can be like other common pet viruses (fever, lethargy, coughing, shortness of breath, gastrointestinal issues), these other causes should be ruled out first.

The AVMA currently recommends animal testing under these circumstances:

• Animal has clinical signs of COVID-19 but other causes have been ruled out.
• Animal has had close contact with a person with confirmed or suspected COVID-19.
• Animal has had exposure to a high-risk environment, such as a nursing home.

• In some cases, a pet that came from a multi-animal environment (animal shelter, boarding facility) may be tested.
• Signs of COVID-19 in an animal that has recently been imported from abroad.
• Animal is part of an approved scientific research project.

The AVMA notes that your veterinarian should consult with appropriate public health and animal health officials and coordinate all testing with them.  Results should also be reported to the USDA.

While routine testing of pets is currently not recommended, if you suspect that you are sick, it is a good idea to isolate from all members of your household, pet and human.  Here are some guidelines from the CDC for isolating with pets in the home:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/animals.html