Pets and COVID-19

People usually land on this question for a simple reason: someone in the household has COVID-19 (or has been exposed), and there’s a dog or cat under the same roof. You want to know what’s safe, what’s overkill, and what to do next—because the wrong move can mean a sick pet, a missed vet visit, or unnecessary panic.

The picture is steady. Pets can catch the virus from people during close contact, but this is uncommon and serious illness is rare. The risk of pets spreading COVID-19 back to people is considered low. The practical focus is reducing close contact when you’re sick, keeping routines steady, and knowing when a vet call matters.^{1, 2, 3}

What we know now about COVID-19 and pets

SARS‑CoV‑2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) mainly spreads from person to person. It can also spread from people to animals, especially with close, indoor contact—think cuddles on the couch, sharing beds, and face-to-face time.^{1, 3}

Household pets such as cats and dogs have been infected, usually after their owners had COVID-19. Most infected pets have mild signs or none at all, and severe disease is described as very rare.^{1, 4}

Public health agencies continue to describe the risk of pets spreading COVID-19 to people as low. When animal-to-human transmission has been reported, it has been unusual and typically linked to specific situations (not everyday life with a dog or cat).^{1, 3, 5}

Can pets get infected with COVID-19?

Yes—pets can be infected. The earlier “no evidence” phrasing is now outdated. What’s changed is not the day-to-day advice, but the certainty: there are documented infections in cats and dogs, most often after close contact with an infected person.^{1, 3}

Even so, for most households the likelihood of a pet becoming unwell from COVID-19 remains low, and severe illness is uncommon.^{1, 4}

Signs you might notice (and what they can look like)

When pets do show signs, they tend to be non-specific—things that also happen with many routine pet illnesses. If your pet is unwell, a vet should sort out what’s going on rather than assuming COVID-19 is the cause.⁴

Can pets transmit COVID-19 to humans?

The risk is considered low. People remain far more likely to catch COVID-19 from other people than from pets.^{1, 3, 6}

What pets can do, in a very ordinary way, is move through shared spaces while you’re sick—door handles, bedding, food bowls, hands. That’s why the advice stays grounded in basic hygiene, not disinfecting your animal.^{1, 2}

Practical precautions at home (what actually helps)

If you have COVID-19 (or strongly suspect you do)

• Minimise close contact with pets, as you would with people: avoid kissing, cuddling, snuggling, sharing food, and sleeping together.^{1, 7, 8}
• If possible, have another household member care for the pet until you’re well.^{1, 7}
• Wash hands before and after handling pets, their food, bowls, leads, and waste.^{7, 8}

What to avoid

• Don’t put masks on pets—they can be unsafe.¹
• Don’t wipe or bathe pets with chemical disinfectants, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, hand sanitiser, or surface cleaners. These can harm your animal, and there’s no evidence people catch COVID-19 from a pet’s fur.¹

Keeping the household calm and steady

Pets notice changes in routine: different walking times, tense voices, doors closed where they’re usually open. During isolation, keep the day predictable—regular meals, short play sessions, simple training games, and gentle exercise that fits your local rules and your pet’s needs. It won’t “treat” a virus, but it can reduce restlessness and stress-related behaviour while the household is disrupted.⁹

Vet care and testing: when to call

Call your vet for advice if your pet is sick—especially if they’ve been in close contact with a person who has COVID-19. Don’t turn up unannounced if you’re unwell; ring first so the clinic can keep staff and other clients safe while still treating your animal.^{4, 7}

Quarantine planning: a simple pet-care back-up

When a household is suddenly locked down by illness, it’s rarely the virus itself that causes the chaos—it’s the missing food, medications, and the lack of a plan for who can walk the dog. A basic back-up helps.

• Keep at least two weeks of pet food and any regular medicines on hand.
• Write down your vet’s number, your pet’s microchip details, and any ongoing conditions.
• Line up one or two people who could help with care if you’re unwell (within current public health advice).

This kind of “quiet preparation” is recommended by RSPCA guidance aimed at quarantine disruptions.¹⁰

The benefits of pets during COVID-19 (and the limits of the claim)

Pets can anchor a day: a dog still needs a walk, a cat still appears at the kitchen at dawn, and the household rhythm continues even when the outside world feels uncertain. That companionship can support wellbeing for many people, but it doesn’t replace clinical care for anxiety or depression, and it isn’t universal—some households find the extra responsibility hard during illness or financial stress.⁹

Key takeaways

• Pets can catch COVID-19 from people, usually after close contact, but severe illness is rare.^{1, 4}
• The risk of pets spreading COVID-19 to humans is considered low.^{1, 3}
• If you’re sick, reduce close contact with your pet and lean on hand hygiene—avoid disinfecting your animal.^{1, 7}
• If your pet is unwell, call your vet for advice and follow their instructions for safe care.^{4, 7}

References

1. CDC — What You Should Know about COVID-19 and Pets
2. Mayo Clinic — COVID-19 and pets: Can dogs and cats get COVID-19?
3. CDC — Animals and COVID-19
4. Australian Veterinary Association — COVID-19 and your pets
5. WOAH/FAO/WHO joint statement — Monitoring SARS‑CoV‑2 in wildlife and preventing animal reservoirs
6. Healthdirect Australia — COVID-19
7. Australian Veterinary Association (Vet Voice) — Advice to pet owners during COVID-19
8. Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry — Domestic animals and COVID-19
9. Healthdirect Australia — Mental health benefits of owning a pet
10. RSPCA South Australia — Pet-care plans during COVID-19