Answer Bank: Can pets carry coronavirus on their fur?

Panic struck locals when a dog in China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region tested "weakly" positive for SAR-CoV-2 during quarantine and then died three days after returning home. Later on, the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) indicated that the level of infection in the dog was low.

To the best of current scientific knowledge, there is no evidence that SARS-CoV-2 can spread from the skin or fur of pets to humans.  

Meanwhile, in the U.S., there is no evidence to suggest that any animals, including pets, livestock or wildlife, might be a source of COVID-19 infection at this time.  

However, because all animals can carry germs that can make people sick, it's always a good idea to practice healthy habits around pets and other animals. The following protective measures are recommended to keep us healthy around our pets and other animals:

1. Wash your hands after handling animals, their food, waste or supplies. 
2. Practice good pet hygiene and clean up after pets properly. 
3. Take your pets to a veterinarian regularly and ask about their health.