There is thus far no evidence that pets can spread the COVID-19 virus to humans, but humans may pass it on to the virus to them. In April, a dog coughed and sneezed strangely, as if he was gagging. After that, it tested positive for the virus, and was likely the first dog known to be infected with the virus in the U.S.
How can we protect pets during the pandemic? The advice from professionals is: “Treat pets as other human family members.” For example, do not let your pets interact with animals or people outside the household. Isolate the sick person inside the household from everyone else, including pets.