ABOUT COVID-19: While COVID-19 is contagious for humans and is understood to spread primarily from person to person, the WSAVA states there is no evidence that companion animals can be infected. Here’s the WSAVA advisory.
Here’s a few frequently asked questions (FAQ) from WHO and what you can do to help prevent the exchange of germs to protect yourself, family, co-workers, volunteers and animals.
SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT PETS OR OTHER ANIMALS AND COVID-19?
The CDC says while this virus seems to have emerged from an animal source, it mainly spreads from person-to-person. Learn more from CDC on keeping pets healthy.
CAN HUMANS BECOME INFECTED WITH COVID-19 FROM AN ANIMAL SOURCE?
According to WHO, the coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in animals. Learn more on how to protect yourself.
IF I GET SICK FROM COVID-19, CAN MY PET CATCH IT?
The CDC says they’re aware of a very small number of pets, including dogs and cats, outside the United States reported external icon to be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 after close contact with people with COVID-19. CDC has not received any reports of pets becoming sick with COVID-19 in the United States. To date, there is no evidence that pets can spread the virus to people. If you become ill with COVID-19, please contact the Florida Department of Health.
WHAT CAN I DO TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF GERMS?
• Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds often with warm water and soap.
• Cover your mouth with a tissue, sleeve, or elbow (not hands) when you cough or sneeze.
• Stay home if you’re sick.
• Eat a healthy diet, get enough sleep, regular exercise and take care of underlying health conditions.
STEPS TO PREPARE FOR AN UNEXPECTED COVID-19 EVENT:
• Learn your employer’s sick leave and work-from-home policies.
• Establish a plan in the event your children need to stay home from school.
• Get ready! Here’s how to plan for pets during an emergency.
• Make sure you have the kinds of foods, drinks, medications and pet supplies you may need if you stay at home for two weeks.
• Know your neighbors, especially those who might need help like seniors or people living alone.
UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON THESE WEBSITES:
Association of Animal Welfare Advancement
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Florida Department of Health
World Health Organization
WSAVA Global Veterinary Community
KEEPING OUR ANIMALS AND COMMUNITY SAFE
First thing you need is a Plan!
SPCA Tampa Bay is here to help. Now is the time to plan in the unfortunate event that you or your family does become sick. Along with other shelters across the bay area and the country, we are urging you to have a plan in place for not only yourself, but your pets. Here’s what you need to do now!
See How You Can Help
SPCA Tampa Bay is a for-all shelter and a vital resource for animal welfare information. We’re dedicated to supporting the community with updates on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and how it may impact your pets and animals in our care.
SPCA Tampa Bay is following the World Health Organization (WHO), Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the World Small Animal Veterinary Association- Global Veterinary Community (WSAVA) for updates. In Florida, the Department of Health has issued information to help our community prepare.
We are also collaborating with the Association for Animal Welfare Advancement (AAWA) to make sure we’re aware of critical communication as it relates to our wildlife animals, pets, shelter and veterinary center.
Ways You Can Help
Make sure you have a Pet Plan
Now is the time to plan for your pet’s care in case you or your family becomes sick. Read This and Be Prepared!