You should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick, just like you would around other people. Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended that people who are sick limit contact with animals until more information is known. When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. If you are sick with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets and wear a facemask. The case of service dogs would be different since they are doing important and often lifesaving tasks for their recipients. Since the concern is not transmitting the virus to the dog, it may be possible for the dog to carry the shedding virus in his/her fur. Do not let other people pet your service dog as even if those individuals appear healthy and not exhibiting symptoms, they can still be carrying the virus. If you are the person that was sick, your dog could be carrying the virus which the unsuspecting stranger could get if they pet your dog. Fortunately, we don’t believe the virus will live more than a couple of weeks in the fur, but we don’t have any solid data on that yet.
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