Domestic Companion Animals and COVID-19

Excerpted from the New Jersey Department of Health document published June 8

We are still learning about how the virus that causes COVID-19 can affect animals. A small number of pets (cats and dogs) have been confirmed to be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, mostly after close contact with a person with COVID-19. Some pets did not show any signs of illness, but those pets that did get sick all had mild disease that could be taken care of at home. None of the pets have died.

Based on the limited information available now, the risk of pets spreading COVID-19 to people is considered to be low. There is no reason to abandon or surrender pets that have been confirmed positive for the virus that causes COVID-19.

Routine testing of companion animals for COVID-19 is currently not recommended. Tests for COVID-19 in animals should only be considered for animals with COVID-19 symptoms and that have been exposed to a person with COVID-19.