In the same way many of us are concerned for our family and friends during the coronavirus outbreak, if you’re a pet owner then you might be worried about the welfare of your furry friends during this time. We all need to do everything we can to reduce the spread of coronavirus. The most important action we can all take in is to stay at home, help the NHS and save lives. However, as a pet owner this might leave you feeling a bit anxious about your pets well-being. Below you will find some guidance from Dogstrust to help dog owners at this time.
We all need to do what we can to reduce the spread of coronavirus. The single most important action we can all take in fighting coronavirus is to stay at home in order to protect the NHS and save lives.
You should follow the current guidance and must stay at home, except for very limited purposes.
The following advice provides further detail for pet owners and livestock keepers on maintaining the welfare of their animals during the coronavirus pandemic.
There is no evidence of coronavirus circulating in pets or other animals in the UK and there is nothing to suggest animals may transmit the disease to humans. In line with the general advice on fighting coronavirus, you should wash your hands regularly, including before and after contact with animals.
Dogs
Advice if you have symptoms of coronavirus and must remain at home for 7 days, or 14 days as a household
If your dog cannot exercise at home, you should ask someone outside of your household to walk your dog for you.
All non-essential trips to vets should be avoided. If your pet needs urgent treatment, you must phone the vet to arrange the best approach to meet your pets’ needs.
Advice if you do not have symptoms of coronavirus
You may leave your house to exercise once a day and you should combine this with walking your dog. In doing so, it is important that you minimise the time spent outside of the home and remain 2 metres away from anyone outside of your household.
All non-essential trips to vets should be avoided. If your pet needs urgent treatment, you may take them, but must remember to wash your hands and remain 2 metres away from anyone outside your household. You must call the vet before going to see them.
Advice for those walking dogs on behalf of someone not able to
You may also leave your house to provide care or help a vulnerable person. This includes walking a dog for someone who is unable to leave their house because they are self isolating or being shielded. You should remember to wash your hands before and after handling the dog and keep 2 metres away from other people and animals, including when handing over the dog to the owner.
General advice for all cat owners
You should wash your hands before and after any contact with your cat.
For more information and advice about what to do with your animals during this time, you can find official government advice here, as well as more information on Dogstrust.org.uk
Do you have a service to supply for people with animals?
You can advertise for free within our pets, farming and equestrian services section.
Or if you provide supplies for pets you can also sell for free with us on our pets supplies section.
Are you a pet owner and need some extra help during this difficult time?
Ask for help from locals in our Coronavirus Community Support Section.
