Pandemic Pet Care: Answering Animal Owner FAQs During COVID-19

There’s no doubt that the pandemic has been rough (or ruff, as our canine companions might say) on all of us. And while many businesses — including ours! — have reopened, it’s understandable that many pet owners may continue to have concerns about the health and safety of both humans and animals in their household.

 

Of course, COVID-19 needs to be taken seriously. The coronavirus crisis is far from over, which means we all need to remain diligent and ensure all recommended procedures are followed. That said, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by all of the information available or feel panicked about the unknowns. That’s why we’re answering some of the most common questions asked by pet owners relating to the novel coronavirus and animal care in today’s post.

 

Can Pets Contract or Spread COVID-19?

Since almost 85 million households have a pet, it’s only natural that you might worry about whether your four-legged friend might become ill or endanger the health of others in your home. Although there have been a few reports of pets testing positive for the coronavirus and there has been speculation that these animals contracted the disease from human carriers, there is no evidence that animals can then spread COVID-19 to humans. The chances of your pet catching this virus are quite remote — and if they do, there’s a good likelihood they’ll recover with proper care. However, if there is a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 in your household, contact with pets should be restricted to be on the safe side to ensure you won’t endanger their health.

Should I Keep My Pet Inside to Reduce Transmission Risk?

Regular walks and outdoor playtime are integral to your dog’s health, so it’s not recommended that you cut down on their physical activity. Since you may be home more often, this can provide you with a great opportunity to give your pup more attention! It’s generally a good idea to steer clear of public parks during popular times of the day, but walks around the neighborhood or on nature trails can be a welcome substitute. Make sure to keep at least six feet between yourself and others and to wear a face mask. It’s not a good idea to let anyone pet your pooch during these outings. Keep in mind that if you normally allow your cat to go outdoors, it’s best to discontinue that practice for now. You might not know who your cat visits with during the day, so you’ll reduce the transmission risk for everyone in your home by keeping your kitty indoors for the time being.

Is It Safe To Board My Pet or Bring Them to Daycare?

Animal shelters, pet boarding services, veterinary clinics, and pet daycare centers have typically been considered essential businesses, which means they’ve remained operational during the pandemic. That said, you may be reluctant to think about boarding your dog or bringing them to dog daycare out of an abundance of caution. It’s important to remember that local pet boarding facilities are required to follow strict guidelines to ensure the health and safety of employees and clients. Your pets will also benefit from physical activity, mental stimulation, and consistent care — so if you’re preoccupied with working from home or you’re experiencing a health issue of your own, you’ll have peace of mind.

Boarding your dog or relying on a pet daycare center can ensure your animals are getting the attention and socialization they need to be happy and healthy throughout this time. Extreme caution will be taken by your pet boarding center to ensure safety for everyone involved, so it’s often better to continue with your pet’s regular routine. This will ensure your pet is occupied and that you can focus on the work you need to get done without added risk. And if you need to care for a loved one or need to travel, boarding your dog or cat can make certain they’re looked after in your absence.

 

Have more questions about boarding your dog or signing your pet up for daycare during COVID-19? We’re here to assist you. Contact Eastern Shore Pet Resort today for additional information.