Pets and COVID-19: What You Need to Know

Posted in:
Woman sitting on a couch next to a happy looking German shepherd dog

The following resources have been compiled to help people answer questions or concerns about pets and COVID-19 and to share how you can help keep pets and people safe in your community. Remember that this is an evolving issue and updated information is being released regularly. This page will be updated as new information is made available, and additional sources should be treated the same way.

Information for Pet Owners

Important Resources

For trusted sources on up-to-date information for pets and people, Best Friends recommends the following:

Remote Access to Veterinary Consultation Services Now Available

The Vets Plus More app allows people to text or video chat with a veterinarian 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The vet will advise if the issue is something the user can handle at home, requires an in-person vet visit, or if the user should seek emergency veterinary assistance.

Protecting Your Pets If You Have COVID-19

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), there is currently no evidence that companion animals, including pets, can spread COVID-19 or that they might be a source of infection in the United States. And according to the CDC, “At this time, there is no evidence that the virus that causes COVID-19 can spread to people from the skin or fur of pets." We encourage you to monitor the CDC's webpage on pets for the latest updates.

Stay Informed: Pet Owner Information During COVID-19

Visit this comprehensive FAQ for the latest information for pet owners looking for answers to common questions about pet care and safety protocols during COVID-19.

Help Pets and People in Your Community

While it’s important to stay healthy and safe and take appropriate precautions, there are opportunities to come together to help spread kindness to people and pets in your community. Here are some actions you can take to make a lifesaving difference today:

Foster or Adopt a Homeless Pet

Fostering or adopting a pet from a shelter in your area can make a lifesaving difference. Find a Best Friends Network partner near you and reach out to see how you can support the needs they have for the animals in their care.

Join the 2025 Action Team to Help Pets In Your Community

The 2025 Action Team is a grassroots movement of more than 10,000 community-minded people working to save homeless pets where they live. Even during COVID-19, Action Team members across the country are helping animals and people in their communities. Learn more about how you can get involved in your community today.

Updates on Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and Lifesaving Centers

On a daily basis, we evaluate and communicate any adjustments to visitor and volunteer information for all Best Friends locations. To get the most up-to-date information on a specific location, please visit our COVID-19: Keeping You Safe page.


These resources are being updated regularly as more information about COVID-19 becomes available. Be sure to check back often. If you have further questions or know of local resources that might be helpful, please reach out to covid@bestfriends.org.