According to a June 11, 2020 update from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), there is little to no evidence that domestic animals are easily infected with SARS-CoV-2 under natural conditions and no evidence to date that they transmit the virus to people. The primary mode of transmission of COVID-19 in humans is person-to-person spread.

Nontheless, the AVMA recommends if you are ill with COVID-19 (either suspected or confirmed with a test), restrict contact with your pets and other animals, just like you would with other people. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wear a cloth face covering and wash your hands before and after you interact with them. While the AVMA is recommending these as good practices, it is important to remember that there is no evidence at this time that animals play a significant role in spreading SARS-CoV-2. Accordingly, there is no reason to remove pets from homes where COVID-19 has been identified in members of the household, unless there is risk that the pet itself is not able to be cared for appropriately. Please share this update, and hopefully pets will continue being adopted and remain with their families.

We realize there are economic struggles happening for some pet owners. AHO wants to help. If you have a patient on our supplement(s) and their owner is considering taking them off due to financial hardship, please call us and we'll work out a plan to keep that pet getting the nutritional support they need. Also, please see the list of alternatives the Dumb Friends League offers to surrendering a pet: https://www.ddfl.org/pet-surrender/alternatives-to-surrender/ and share this information too. Stay well!