The virus COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) appears to have emerged initially from an animal source, but the current spread of COVID-19 is a result of human-to-human transmission. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “there is no conclusive evidence that a dog, cat, or livestock can transmit COVID-19” to date. During this pandemic emergency, animals and people both need the care and support of each other. Therefore, the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) stresses that, at this time, “it is important not to give in to anxiety and to keep on providing loving care for our pets.” So, we need to continue taking measures for the welfare and upkeep of companion animals. Also, pet animals are helping in COVID-19 detection in humans through their sniffing capacity with an average of 94-100 % accuracy. They can smell urine, sweat, and any secretions of Covid-19 patients.

Source of SARS-CoV-2 virus and different hosts affected by it

Picture Source: An Overview of SARS-CoV-2 and Animal I