Let’s understand that Our pets are family and we want to keep them safe and healthy as best as we can as Kritter Parents.
If you think it is likely that you have been exposed to the coronavirus / illness or if you are experiencing symptoms, you can take some simple but critical steps to ensure your pet’s health and safety. Most important, do not wait until you’re already sick to plan for your pet’s care.
1. Things you might want to keep available:
- A two-week supply of your pet’s food, medications and additional necessities, such as cat litter, a carrier for small animals or special diet-related treats and supplements
- Updated vaccination records, a medication schedule (if relevant) and contact information for your veterinarian’s office
- Detailed pet care notes, including feeding and walking routines and important notes about your pet’s behavior
2. How to prepare if you are sick and/or suspect that you have an illness or COVID-19
If you shared home with other people:
Separate yourself from any pets and other healthy members of your household. Ideally, another healthy person in your household should assume full responsibility for caring for your pet until you’ve been cleared medically. Have the healthy member of your household wash and clean any pet bowls, leashes, crates, bedding and toys, and keep those items separate from the part of the house in which you are staying.
If you live alone or are the only adult at your home:
Identify an emergency pet caregiver, such as a local friend, relative or neighbor who can care for your pet temporarily while you are sick. Ideally, this person should take your pet to their home to avoid them having to routinely visit your home and risk exposure. Prepare your pets’ essential items (food, bowls, leashes, etc.) and place them near your door so the caregiver can easily grab them when they come to pick up your pet. In addition, it’s a good idea to identify a backup caregiver in case your primary choice becomes ill too.
If you do not have petcare for your pet:
Consider asking close family members, coworkers, and friends who they use or recommend for an alternative for pet care. I normally stand against boarding or kenneling facilities and personally would recommend in-home/on site care options.
As long as you are experiencing symptoms and are keeping your pet at home, you should take basic precautions, such as minimizing physical contact with your pet (including sleeping in separate rooms), using gloves and whatever protective face covering you have available when around your pet, and continuing to wash your hands regularly. Pet toys, bedding, food bowls and other pet supplies should also be kept in a separate space that you do not touch unless you are wearing gloves and a protective face covering. We know these measures may seem impossible to comply with because pets are often a source of comfort when we’re sick, but keeping them healthy should take priority.
If you think you might need to be removed from your home for medical care and must leave your pet behind:
Contact your pet care provider and vet clinic for options! In-home or on site care can be worked out. Temporary housing, fostering, or more direct care can help relieve anxiety if you or your pet may need to relocate to recover from major illness including Covid.
A complete overview of SARS / Covid facts and expert guidance, visit the American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA) page on pets in homes with COVID-19 .
