• Home  /  Pet Care & Training  /  Dog Training Classes  /  Pet Care Resources  /  Coronavirus And Your Pet

COVID-19 & Pets

We know that pet parents are concerned about COVID-19, especially with cases in humans reported in Louisiana, and we want to make sure that you have the most up-to-date information regarding your pet’s well-being. 

If you visit us, rest assured we are following guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and are require our guests to do the same. We are practicing enhanced cleaning protocols, social distancing, daily health checks and masks to ensure our visitors and team’s safety. All of our locations are closed for walk-in visitors and every service will require an appointment. Contact us to make an appointment.

COVID-19 Pet Facts

There is currently no evidence that you can get COVID-19 from your pet. If you test positive for the Corona virus and have to self-quarantine, keep your pet with you at home. Your pet does not need to be surrendered to an animal shelter or rescue group. Help us keep pets and people together! 

According to the CDC, testing for cats and dogs is now available via some veterinary industry and diagnostic labs – making testing for individual pet owners a possibility. Despite the availability of testing, it is NOT recommended for most owners or shelters except in the very specific situations in which all three of the following criteria are met:

• direct exposure to a known COVID-19 positive person
• pet shows signs of respiratory illness
• diagnostics for other causes of symptoms from URI have been done

Have A Pet Plan

While it’s not fun to imagine, now is an important time to create a plan for your pet in case you get sick. This week, we strongly encourage you gather any members of your household and walk through the following steps to ensure your animals will be well cared for in the event of an emergency.

If you do become too ill to physically care for your pet or you need to be hospitalized, who can take over for you? Is there anyone else in your home who could help? Maybe a neighbor, friend, coworker, or family member who could take them in? Even a groomer, daycare, or boarding facility may be able to help in your time of need with advance notice. But the most important thing you can do today is come up with 2 potential pet plans and talk directly with those people so they’re prepared in case they’re called into action

Prepare a kit with supplies for your pet. It may not seem necessary today, but we promise it will be helpful if you find yourself in an emergency situation without the ability to track down proper supplies. Your kit should include the following, as best as you’re able:

• Name and contact information for the person who can care for your pets
• Name and contact information about your back-up just in case your go-to is no longer able to help
• Food, treats, a leash, a couple of toys, and any other supplies necessary to care for your pet for at least two weeks
• A crate or carrier to transport your pet
• Vaccination records
• Collars with ID tags (and don’t forget to make sure your pet’s microchip information is up to date)
• Medications and prescriptions, along with a list of instructions
• Daily care instructions
• Contact information for your veterinary clinic

COVID-19 Pet Parent Resources

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

• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• World Health Organization (WHO)
• U.S. Department of Agriculture

We know so many in our community have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are struggling to care for your pet or possibly facing eviction, we are here to help. In addition to the resources we can provide to help care for your pet, we are keeping a running list of the best resources for pet families who rent during this difficult time.