Can Pets Get COVID-19 From Humans?
The question of whether our beloved pets can catch COVID-19 from us has been on the minds of many animal owners since the pandemic began. The answer is nuanced but clear: pets such as cats, dogs, ferrets, and hamsters can become infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 in people. This typically happens after close contact with a human who has an active infection.
How Common Is Transmission From Humans to Pets?
Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from people to their companion animals is not rare when someone in the household is sick. Studies show that in homes where a person has COVID-19, a significant number of pets develop antibodies to the virus—evidence they've been exposed. In some research, up to 41% of dogs and 52% of cats living with infected people had these antibodies. However, active infection (as detected by PCR tests) is much less common—usually under 10% for both dogs and cats.
What Symptoms Do Infected Pets Show?
- Most infected pets show no symptoms or only mild ones.
- Mild symptoms may include fever, coughing, sneezing, nasal or eye discharge, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy (low energy), or difficulty breathing.
- Severe illness is extremely rare in pets.
The vast majority of animals recover at home with supportive care: fluids, good nutrition, and rest. Deaths attributed directly to COVID-19 in pets are very uncommon and often involve other health problems like age-related diseases or cancer.
How Do Pets Get Infected?
The main risk factor for pet infection is close and prolonged contact with a person who has COVID-19. Other factors that increase risk include:
- Pets sleeping on their owner's bed
- Kissing or licking faces or hands
- Daily close proximity
Pets with chronic illnesses such as diabetes or asthma may also be more susceptible to infection.
Can Pets Spread COVID-19 Back to Humans?
The risk of animals spreading the virus to people is considered very low. There is no evidence that touching pet fur transmits the virus. Rare cases of animal-to-human transmission have occurred on mink farms but are not a concern for most pet owners. Cats are more susceptible than dogs and can transmit the virus to other cats under laboratory conditions; however, natural transmission from pets back to humans is highly unlikely in normal settings.
What Should Pet Owners Do If They Have COVID-19?
- Avoid close contact: don’t cuddle, kiss, share food or beds with your pet if you’re sick.
- Wear a face mask while caring for your pet.
- Wash your hands before and after handling pets or their supplies.
- If possible, have someone else care for your pet while you’re ill.
If your pet develops symptoms after exposure to COVID-19, call your veterinarian before bringing them into the clinic. Many vets offer telemedicine consultations or alternative care plans. Testing for SARS-CoV-2 in animals is generally reserved for those showing clinical signs after known exposure.
If a Pet Tests Positive
- Keep them isolated at home—indoors for cats—and monitor their symptoms closely.
- Follow veterinary guidance about when isolation can end (typically after being symptom-free for at least 72 hours and at least 14 days since testing positive).
Masks should never be put on pets; don’t use disinfectants or human hand sanitizers on them either.
Shelter & Community Animals
Pets in shelters or clinics have lower rates of exposure than household pets living with infected humans—about 9–16% seropositivity compared to over 40% in exposed household animals. Limiting interactions between your pet and people outside your household is wise if anyone at home is sick.
Other Animals & Special Cases
- Mink on farms have experienced outbreaks involving human-to-animal and animal-to-human transmission; this led to culling in some regions.
- Zoological animals (big cats, gorillas) and exotic pets (hamsters) have also been infected through contact with humans—but these are rare events not relevant to most households.
The Bottom Line
Cats, dogs, ferrets, hamsters—and even some zoo animals—can get SARS-CoV-2 from people through close contact. The risk of severe illness in pets is low; most recover fully at home. Transmission from pets back to people is extremely rare outside specialized settings like mink farms. Practicing good hygiene and limiting contact during illness remain the best ways to protect both you and your furry companions.
