PEKIN, Ill. — A big question with the current pandemic is whether or not our pets can get sick with COVID-19.
Dr. Donna Sassman with Good Shepherd Veterinary Clinic in Pekin said that our household pets can not get the virus.
“Don’t panic. Your cat, your dog, they are going to be fine,” Sassman said.
To be safe, Sassman said that if you are sick with coronavirus, to still practice social distancing with people and pets.
To that end, the Peoria Humane Society is doing all it can to help pet owners during this time of uncertainty.
“If someone has a medical emergency or they just have a need with their pet and they just can’t take care of it on their own, whether it’s finances or other reasons, Peoria Humane Society is available to help with that,” said Kitty Yanko, Education Coordinator.
“We’re providing medical attention to animals for people who can’t do it themselves, we’re assisting food pantries with dog and cat food, and alternate housing if it comes up.”
Zoos have reported some animals testing positive for coronavirus, such a as a tiger in the Bronx Zoo. Sassman said it is mostly big cats in zoos getting the virus.
“Now, big cats are completely different from your house cat. You do not need to worry about your house cat getting coronavirus, same with your pet dog,” Sassman said.
The difference between big cats getting coronavirus and house cats is that they both have different immune systems.
“They are more susceptible,” Sassman said.
According to Sassman, other pets have not tested positive for the coronavirus, such as pot belly pigs.
“And, you don’t need to worry about your birds getting it, or any of your reptiles, or your small mammals like hampsters and guinea pigs,” Sassman said.
Sassman also mentioned that ferrets can not get COVID-19.
During this pandemic and time of social distancing, Sassman said it is important to spend time with your pets.
“There is nothing more calming than to have your cat or your dog come up to you and want to be petted, want to be played with, that’s wonderful,” Sassman said. “And it’s perfectly fine and it’s great for your health and your dog’s health to take them for a walk.”
If Sassman’s words aren’t enough reassurance for people who may be thinking of adopting a pet during this time, Yanko said all animals Peoria County Animal Protective Services takes in are being screened.
“The shelter already has a protocol in place for isolating cats and dogs and other animals who are known to be sick or are showing signs of illness,” she said.
“They have an evaluation process for each animal that comes in.”
For more information on coronavirus and animals, click HERE.
