(Video Posted: July 2, 2020)
COVID-19 and Your Pets
(Updated April 30, 2020)
As you have probably seen in the news recently, two domestic cats in separate areas of New York and a dog in North Carolina have tested positive for COVID-19.
Based on the sheer volume of COVID-19 cases in the United States, this news is not surprising nor is it cause for alarm. While it remains clear that more information is needed to fully understand this disease in both humans and animals, there is still no evidence that pets can transmit COVID-19 to people.
Routine animal testing is not recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), nor the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
Individuals who test positive for COVID-19, however, should consider their pets exposed and possibly infected.
Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League, continues to encourage the following:
People ill with COVID-19:
• Restrict contact with pets and other animals, just as they would restrict their contact with other people.
• Have an emergency plan in place that includes arrangements for another member of the household or business to take care of feeding and otherwise caring for any pets.
• If they have a service animal or they must care for their animals, including pets, to wear a cloth facemask; don’t share food, kiss, or hug them; and wash their hands before and after any contact with them.
People NOT ill:
• Keep cats indoors and refrain from having pets interact with people outside of the household.
• Utilize social distancing for both you and your pets when out on walks.
• Interact with their animals as they normally would, including feeding and otherwise caring for them.
• Continue to practice good hygiene during those interactions (e.g., wash hands before and after interacting with their animals, including handling of food, supplies, and waste; keep feed, water, and any supplies used to deliver them clean; remove soiled bedding and replace as appropriate).
As always, it is critical that individuals have an emergency plan in place for pets ahead of time to ensure that their pet’s care, food, medication and other supplies are readily available should they need to enact the plan.
It is more important than ever to create a plan for your pet in case you get sick.
1) Know the Facts
According to the CDC, there is no evidence that people can get COVID-19 from pets. The best place for your animal is inside the home they know and love. If you aren’t feeling well but are still able to care for your pet, please keep them at home with you where they’re most comfortable.
2) What to do if you get sick
If you become too ill to care for your pet, who can take over for you? Ideally, that person already lives in your home. If not, identify a neighbor, family member, friend, or coworker who could take them in. In fact, it is best to identify two people (in case one ends up not being able to help). Speak with them now so they’re prepared if they’re called on to care for your beloved pet.
3) Prepare a Pet Supply Kit
Don’t wait! Prepare your pet supply kit today because you may need it tomorrow. Your kit should include:
- Name and contact information for the person who can care for your pets
- Name and contact information for your back-up 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
- Collar with ID tags (IMPORTANT: make sure your pet’s microchip info is up to date)
- Medications and prescriptions, along with instructions
- Detailed care instructions (your pet’s diet, walking routines and any important behavioral notes)
- Your vet's contact information
Updates to Hours of Operation
With the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on the rise here in Florida and across the country, it is important for residents in our region to be vigilant and adhere to the CDC recommended guidelines. Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League in West Palm Beach has some important updates to share with the community about their programs and services.
As a precaution to the COVID-19 virus, to reduce exposure to and protect our community from the virus, Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League is being proactive and limiting non-essential services to the public. Peggy Adams will be suspending their public Wellness Clinic but will continue to provide end-of-life services. They will also be suspending all public Spay/Neuter surgeries and Trap Neuter Vaccinate Return-to-Field (TNVR) surgeries. All other shelter operations will continue as normal, including adoptions.
Our adoption center is open and currently by appointment only. This is part of active plan to keep our shelter clean and safe for the public. Please contact us at adoptions@peggyadams.org or call 561-686-6656 to schedule a time to visit.
To prevent overcrowding at the shelter, Peggy Adams is also urging people to, if at all possible, refrain from surrendering owned pets to the shelter until at least the end of the month, except for if an animal is in distress or its safety is at risk. Peggy Adams is also asking people in the community who find a stray dog or cat to consider holding onto the animal at least until the end of the month.
- OPEN: Cat + Dog Adoptions Our adoption center is open and currently by appointment only. This is part of active plan to keep our shelter clean and safe for the public. Please contact us at adoptions@peggyadams.org or call 561-686-6656 to schedule a time to visit.*See below for Fee-Waived Promotion
- OPEN: End of Life Services
- OPEN: Trap Neuter Vaccinate Return to Field (TNVR) open on Mondays and Tuesday
- OPEN: Wellness Clinic, by appointment only. Please See Webpage>
- OPEN: Cat Public Spay or Neuter Surgery, Schedule an Appointment>
- CLOSED: Dog Public Spay or Neuter Surgery
- CLOSED: Public Behavior & Training, Virtual Training Available Here>
- OWNER SURRENDER + STRAY ANIMALS: To prevent overcrowding at the shelter, Peggy Adams is also urging people to, if at all possible, refrain from surrendering owned pets to the shelter until at least the end of the month, except for if an animal is in distress or its safety is at risk. Peggy Adams is also asking people in the community who find a stray dog or cat to consider holding onto the animal at least until the end of the month.
