As more counties and cities are being issued shelter-in-place mandates to curb the spread of COVID-19, as a reminder, it is important to include your pets in your family plans:
According to the U.S. Center for Disease & Prevention (CDC):
If you are not ill with COVID-19:
The American Veterinary Medical Association and the CDC recommends that those ill with COVID-19 to limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. Have another member of your household take care of your pet. If you have a service animal or you must care for your pet, then wear a face mask; don’t share food, kiss, or hug them; and wash your hands before and after any contact with them. – American Veterinary Medical Association -- avma.org
For more CDC information on animals -- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html
- Have a minimum three-week supply of your pet(s) food. If your pet food brand becomes limited at the retail stores, consider purchasing through an online retailer; however, be aware that deliveries may take longer than usual.
- Pet Medications: Consult with your veterinarian regarding prescription refill information. Their practice hours may change during this time. Consider obtaining a written prescription for all medications. Many medications can be refilled online through a retailer such as chewy.com; however, verification from your veterinarian or a written prescription is required.
- Create a “buddy system”. If you need assistance with your pets, have a relative, friend or neighbor that you can contact to help with your pets.
- Always make sure your pets have some form of identification on them.
- Exercise your pets. Outdoor activities are allowed as long as you practice the social distancing requirements of at least six feet between people outside of the same family.
According to the U.S. Center for Disease & Prevention (CDC):
- There is no reason to think that any animals including pets in the United States might be a source of infection with this new coronavirus.
- There is no evidence that companion animals can spread COVID-19.
- CDC does not have any evidence to suggest that imported animals or animal products pose a risk for spreading COVID-19 in the United States.
If you are not ill with COVID-19:
- Interact with your pet as you normally would.
- Continue to practice good hygiene (e.g., wash hands before/after interacting with your pet)
- Ensure your pet is kept well-groomed; regularly clean your pet’s food and water bowls, bedding material, and toys).
The American Veterinary Medical Association and the CDC recommends that those ill with COVID-19 to limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. Have another member of your household take care of your pet. If you have a service animal or you must care for your pet, then wear a face mask; don’t share food, kiss, or hug them; and wash your hands before and after any contact with them. – American Veterinary Medical Association -- avma.org
For more CDC information on animals -- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html
If disaster strikes, are you prepared to evacuate and care for your animals?
Click here for more information
Click here for more information
If disaster strikes, are you prepared to evacuate and care for ALL family members? Disasters that could occur in the San Joaquin Valley of California are wildland fires, flooding, dam failures, earthquakes, severe weather, agricultural hazards, and extreme temperatures. Citizens who are educated on disaster preparedness will be better prepared to evacuate their families and pets during a disaster. No one wants to leave a pet behind; however, many people are not prepared to safely evacuate their pets or have the necessary resources and supplies for pet care to last the duration of the disaster.
Since 2013, the Central CA Animal Disaster Team (CCADT) has responded to 31 wildland fires, several flooding issues, and multiple single/multi-family home fires. We understand the importance of the human-animal bond. If you need to evacuate, DO NOT leave your pets behind.
Since 2013, the Central CA Animal Disaster Team (CCADT) has responded to 31 wildland fires, several flooding issues, and multiple single/multi-family home fires. We understand the importance of the human-animal bond. If you need to evacuate, DO NOT leave your pets behind.
