COVID-19 and your pets – what you need to know

Our team of Vets provide their expertise.

Last updated: 4 November 2020

What is a Coronavirus/COVID-19?

COVID-19 is the disease caused by the recently identified coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which can cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections. The common cold, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and the recently identified SARS-CoV-2 are examples of coronaviruses1.  

Learn more about COVID-19 and your pets with this PetSure Paws & Learn webinar recording with Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist Dr Michael Linton here.

Can COVID-19 infect pets?

Veterinary associations and regulatory authorities have reported cases of cats and dogs that have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in Europe, Asia and North America.

Some, but not all of these reported cases displayed clinical symptoms associated with SARS-COV-2 infection including2,3:

The majority of these pets were reported to be in direct contact with people who had been infected with SARS-CoV-2 (or people who were suspected of being infected with SARS-CoV-2)2,3.

It is important to remember that these are rare cases and examples of the virus being spread from people to pets, and not pets infecting people. There is still no evidence to show that pets play a role in spreading the virus to other pets or to people.1,3,12

Over 4,000 pets from the United States and South Korea tested for COVID-19 have returned negative results.13 This highlights how rare it is for dogs and cats to have the virus.

Currently there is no conclusive evidence suggesting dogs and cats naturally infected with the virus can transmit the COVID-19 virus to people, as it’s currently spreading through human to human transmission.1,3,12,14

This is an evolving situation and information will be updated as it becomes available from the relevant human health and veterinary bodies.

Can I catch the COVID-19 virus from my pet’s coat?

There is still no indication that pets can infect humans or play any role in the spread of COVID-19 to humans.

The COVID-19 virus can live for a short time on surfaces, meaning if someone infected with the virus sneezes or touches something, for a short period of time that surface can act as a source of infection.15

Smooth (non-porous) surfaces such as door handles and benchtops transmit viruses better than porous materials such as cardboard and pet hair, because porous materials absorb and trap the virus, making it harder to pick it up through simple touch.15 The virus seems to be able to survive on smooth surfaces such as plastic and stainless steel for up to 72 hours, but much shorter periods on porous surfaces such as cardboard (24 hours).15 Additionally, it is unlikely that a sufficient amount of virus would remain on the hair coat long enough to transmit infection.

It is always a good idea to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water after contact with your pet. This is a precautionary measure until more information is known, and also helps protect against various other germs, such as E. coli and Salmonella, that can pass between pets and humans.

Should I change the way I interact with my pet due to COVID-19?

If you are not sick with COVID-19, you can interact with your pet normally.

Where possible, cats should be kept indoors to minimize their interactions with other people and pets.14

Keeping dogs on a lead whilst on walks to maintain appropriate social distancing and to avoid them interacting with pets outside your family unit is recommended.14

You should continue to practice good hygiene after feeding, walking and playing with your pet:

If you are sick with COVID-19, the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) recommends16:

Do dogs and cats suffer illness from any coronaviruses?

Feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIP) and canine coronavirus (CCV) are two coronaviruses which have been unfortunately present and causing disease in cat and dog populations for a long time. It is important to note that FIP and CCV are distinctly different and separate to the SARS-CoV-2 virus causing the current disease outbreak with humans. CCV generally causes mild gastroenteritis in dogs, and FIP is a progressive and invariably fatal systemic disease of domestic cats. Both cannot cause illness in people.

Do pet insurance policies administered by PetSure provide cover for COVID-19 or other coronaviruses?

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) and canine coronavirus (CCV) are assessed as Illness conditions under policies administered by PetSure, and are generally eligible for cover under Illness subject to the policy terms, and provided the condition is not a pre-existing condition.

If your pet is feeling unwell, has any respiratory symptoms such as a cough or breathing difficulties or has a high temperature please seek veterinary advice. These symptoms are generally coverable under your policy, dependent on your selected cover as well as the relevant terms and conditions.

If I am quarantined or hospitalised due to COVID-19 and can’t take care of my pet, can I seek assistance for emergency boarding?

Emergency boarding for your pet under policies administered by PetSure is generally covered if you develop COVID-19 and require hospitalisation for five or more consecutive days. Please note this is subject to your selected policy, benefit limits and relevant terms and conditions.

If you are not hospitalised and are simply quarantined at home due to COVID-, emergency boarding for your pet will not be covered.

Additional resources  

Further information relating to the coronavirus can be sourced from the World Health Organisation (WHO) or Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) websites.

References

The above information has been formulated using the following references:

Pet insurance can help by covering a portion of the eligible vet bill if the unexpected happens. Because it is difficult to predict the costs of veterinary care, it can help to have measures in place to help prepare for the unexpected. Check out our partner network and explore our policy tools to find a pet insurance policy.

Not all conditions or items are covered by Pet Insurance. Refer to the applicable Product Disclosure Statement for information about coverage and exclusions.

+61 (02) 9842 4800

Locked Bag No. 9021 Castle Hill NSW 1765

Level 1, 465 Victoria Avenue Chatswood, NSW 2067

Vet Helpline 1300 838 457 vethelpline@petsure.com.au

+61 (02) 9842 4800

Locked Bag No. 9021 Castle Hill NSW 1765

Level 1, 465 Victoria Avenue Chatswood, NSW 2067

Vet Helpline 1300 838 457 vethelpline@petsure.com.au

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