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COVID-19: PET CARE PLAN
The information below and on the various links are informational only and based on available data. Content is subject to frequent updates and revisions. Discuss how best to proceed with your physician, your family, and your veterinarian.
For additional resources, go to COVID: Resources
HOW TO CREATE A PET CARE PLAN
1. IDENTIFY CAREGIVER AND ASSEMBLE KIT
Plan ahead for care of your pets and to prevent transmission of the virus.
• Identify a caregiver, such as a family member or friend, in case you or other household members must be hospitalized and need someone to care for your pets. Also have a back-up, such as a boarding facility.
• Assemble a Pet Emergency Kit. This kit should have everything the caregiver needs in one convenient location — ready to go. Include basic care items for your pets for at least 2 weeks, such as food and treats, pet medications, crate or carrier, favorite toy, and other supplies that are washable or wipeable. Also include identification documents, such as photo of your pets, ID tags, and your veterinarian's name and contact with authorization for care.
• Create and post a sign on your door, indicating the number of pets (and species) in your home and where they are located in the house. Download sample sign; fill in information.
2. STAY AT HOME; SELF-ISOLATE
If you have tested positive for the virus and have pets in your home, the CDC and Minnesota Department of Health have recommended that you isolate (distance) yourself from other household members and from your pets.
• Household members: Others in your household should assume care of your pets as you quarantine yourself.
• Alone: If you live alone and are infected with COVID-19 but your symptoms do not require hospitalization, the CDC continues to recommend that you care for your pets in your home but avoid close contact, such as no petting, snuggling, or sharing food. Treat your pet as you would any family member — limit contact, wear a mask, and wash hands often.
3. HOSPITALIZATION: ACTIVATE PLAN
If you find you must be hospitalized, this is the time to activate your plan.
• Contact your pet caregiver. If you haven't already, go over instructions for the care of your pets. It is recommended that caregivers:
• Be informed. Stay updated. Findings about the virus and what to do are changing daily. Use precautions. Learn how best to care for pets in the home and/or introduce them into the new household at:
- Cornell, Guidance for Caretakers for Pets of COVID Positive Patients
- CDC Guidelines
- Other resources can be found below.
• Reach out to your city or county, animal control or law enforcement, or animal shelter to find out what support is available, including potential assistance in retrieving pets.
• Provide the Pet Emergency Kit; include where/how to get the key to gain access to the home.
• If you have not identified a pet caregiver or the person is no longer available, contact the MN Department of Health hotline or your local animal control or law enforcement for further guidance and assistance. The hope and plan are to keep pets safely in homes, wherever possible. Be certain to include your name and contact information, pet identification, and directive for custody of pet in your Pet Emergency Kit.
Helping care for the pets of people who are positive with COVID-19 is an important and caring task, and safety for both humans and animals must be considered.
Financial Help
Red Rover is an organization that helps animals rescued from disasters, neglect, and other situations. They have resources available for people and pets affected by COVID-19, including grants for emergency boarding, veterinary care, pet food, and other assistance. Go to: Red Rover Emergency Resources
Veterinary Care
Keep pet health a priority. Most veterinary clinics are open and have implemented special procedures for everyone's safety, such as “curbside” service, telemedicine, or emergency appointments. Some veterinarians are also mobile and may provide home care. Veterinarians are able to accept pets for boarding in the event that a COVID-19 patient does not have other options.
Additional Resources
New findings about COVID-19 and caring for animals is updated and posted frequently. In addition to links above, see below.
• CDC: Animals and Coronavirus Disease
• CDC: Healthy Pets, Healthy People
• American Veterinary Medical Association
• Cornell, Guidance for Caretakers for Pets of COVID Positive Patients
• Association for Animal Welfare Advancement Blog
• HSUS: COVID-19 FAQ
• Best Friends: Pet Preparedness Plan (English and Spanish)
• Department of Homeland Security: Pets and Animals
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NOTE: Any links to third party websites implies no endorsement or affiliation.
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