According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), there is currently no evidence that companion animals, including pets, can spread COVID-19 or that they might be a source of infection in the United States. And according to the CDC, “At this time, there is no evidence that the virus that causes COVID-19 can spread to people from the skin or fur of pets.” We encourage you to monitor the CDC’s webpage on pets for the latest updates.
Adopt. Foster. Save a Life.
Animal welfare organizations around the world are grappling with the implications of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) for staff, volunteers, potential adopters, and the animals in their care. During this difficult time, Best Friends Animal Society, the Shelter Pet Project, the ASPCA, the Humane Society of the United States and Maddie’s Fund, and Petfinder.com are supporting pet shelter/rescue efforts to encourage people who are able to safely adopt or foster from both a financial and public health standpoint to consider doing so. Most shelters are offering the option to adopt by appointment. Please call your local shelter to find out what hours and procedures they are following at this time.
Remote Access to Veterinary Consultation Services Now Available
Best Friends is offering free veterinary consultations for 30 days through our Best Friends Vet Access app when you use the code BFHELPS.
If you need medical advice for your pet but are unable to reach or visit a local veterinarian, please take advantage of this temporarily free service. Calls can be recorded and the service is available 24 hours a day. Please note, the code BFHELPS is valid for 30 days, and the service is $12.99 after that unless cancelled. Download the app for free.
What are we allowed to do with our pets?
We all want to keep pets and people healthy at home. In Ohio, pet supply stores, pet food banks and animal shelters are considered essential operations and are permitted to continue to operate. Ohio’s Stay at Home order also allows for these pet-related activities:
- You may leave your home for outdoor activity such as taking your dog outside for walks on a leash – you need to maintain a safe distance of six (6) feet away from others as is reasonably possible.
- Leaving the house to take care of a pet in another household for someone who is unable is permitted as an essential activity.
Pet Food Pantry If you or someone you know needs temporary assistance feeding family pets, the Ohio Animal Advocates has compiled a resource list of pet food pantries by county in Ohio. View the pet pantry listing here. |
What should I do to prepare for my pet’s care, just in case I do get sick?
Here are some key actions you can take to prepare and help ensure the safety and care of your pets:
- Identify a trusted person to care for your them if members of your household become ill or are hospitalized.
- Make sure your pets all have proper identification. Ensure microchip information is up to date in case you and your pet are separated. Found Animals offers a free registry for existing microchips at: https://www.foundanimals.org/microchip-registry/
- Ensure all vaccinations are current.
- Keep a crate, food and extra supplies on hand.
- Document all medications with dosages and administering instructions.
- Print out these cards to put on your doors/windows to alert responders that you have pet(s) in your home needing assistance in case of emergency.
Best Friends Animal Society recommend having on hand at least a one-month supply of your pets’ medications, litter and food, as well as making sure your pets are current with vaccinations and that you have records. The CDC advises people to put together a complete pet disaster preparedness kit as part of an overall household readiness plan.
You can also check out Best Friend’s Animal Society’s pet natural disaster checklist and emergency plan and natural disaster preparedness for families with pets for more ideas on how to prepare.
If I am sick and need to be hospitalized, where can my pet stay?
Create a plan for your pet now, just in case you face illness or another emergency. Reach out to family, friends, your regular pet sitter and neighbors to see who can temporarily care for your pet if you are hospitalized. Research doggy daycare centers, kennels and vet offices that provide overnight and extended care and have their contact information handy in case of an emergency.
Have pet preparedness kits ready for all animals in your family. They should include information about each animal, updated vet records, medications and food. Be sure everyone in your household can locate these kits
Find more tips and advice on emergency preparedness and pets.