Pets and livestock guidance

No. There is absolutely no evidence to show transmission from pets to humans.

It is advised that you have a Pet Care Plan in place and accessible, in the event that you cannot care for your pet for a period of time. You should have:

• A plan for who might be able to care for your pet in the event of emergency
• Written details as to the care, feeding and medical history of your pet
• Your vet’s contact details

It is possible that COVID-19 can be passed between cats (and ferrets), as a precaution, we advise that:

• You keep your cat(s)/ferret(s) indoors if they have respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms and contact your vet for advice.
• You wash your hands after stroking, touching, feeding or cleaning up after pets.

Dogs from self-isolating families can be walked by professional dog walkers/family/friends provided that they do not walk dogs from other households at the same time.

• Collection/drop-off of dogs from self-isolating families should be done as quickly as possible with as little engagement with self-isolating individuals as possible.
• Dogs from self-isolating households should only be walked on the leash and contact with other dogs should be avoided.
• Dog walkers should use their own leash which should be thoroughly washed and dried after each walk.
• Crates and any other surfaces in contact with dogs from self-isolating families should be cleaned and disinfected thoroughly after each walk.
• Thoroughly wash/sanitise hands after each walk.
• It is still advised that professional dog walkers have an efficient hygiene protocol in place as this is good practice.  
• Professional dog walkers should not be operating their business if they are showing signs, awaiting results or diagnosed with the virus!

• Dogs from non-isolating households can be walked in groups from different households and can socialise with other dogs on the walk.
• As always, it is standard veterinary advice to wash your hands after stroking, touching, feeding, or cleaning up after an animal.

If owners are showing symptoms of COVID-19, are awaiting results or have been diagnosed with COVID-19, they should NOT be taking their pets to the groomer, nor should anybody else, until they are cleared as NEGATIVE to the virus. Similarly, groomers should not be operating their business if they are showing signs, awaiting results or diagnosed with the virus!

• Animals from different households can be groomed at the same time.
• It is still advised that groomers have an efficient hygiene protocol in place as this is good practice.
• As always, it is standard veterinary advice to wash your hands after stroking, touching, feeding, or cleaning up after an animal.

If owners are showing symptoms of COVID-19, are awaiting results or have been diagnosed with COVID-19, they should NOT be taking their pets to boarding facilities, nor should anybody else, until they are cleared as NEGATIVE to the virus. Similarly, boarding facilities should not be operational if individuals are showing signs, awaiting results or diagnosed with the virus!

Please check with the facility directly for the latest operating procedures.

• It is still advised that boarding facilities have an efficient hygiene protocol in place as this is good practice.
• As always, it is standard veterinary advice to wash your hands after stroking, touching, feeding, or cleaning up after an animal.

• Have a Pet Care Plan in place and accessible, in the event that you cannot care for your horse for a period of time. You should have:
  • A plan for who might be able to care for your horse in the event of emergency
  • Written details as to the care, feeding and medical history of your horse
  • Your vet’s contact details

• It is still advised that yards/stables have an efficient hygiene protocol in place as this is good practice.
• As always, it is standard veterinary advice to wash your hands after stroking, touching, feeding, or cleaning up after an animal.

• The abattoir is now operating to a normal schedule. Livestock keepers are advised to contact the food business operator directly to book animals in.
• Collection of ‘fallen stock’ continues to operate normally.

• Please refer to the “Advice for those at home in self-isolation” document found here.
• You must not leave the house to walk your dog or attend to other animals. If you have animals located elsewhere (e.g. livestock), please make arrangements for someone else to care for them while you cannot.
• Avoid unnecessary contact with your pet such as cuddling or letting them lick your face.
• Wash your hands after stroking, touching, feeding or cleaning up after your pet.
• If your pet shows clinical signs, please call your veterinary practice for advice. Make sure you tell them if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, are awaiting results or are in self-isolation.
• If your pet requires emergency treatment, call the practice for further advice. Do not take your pet to the veterinary surgery unless the vet instructs you to. In that case, you will need to arrange for someone else to transport your pet for treatment.
• Have a Pet Care Plan in place and accessible, in the event that you cannot care for your animal for a period of time. You should have:
  • A plan for who might be able to care for your animal in the event of emergency
  • Written details as to the care, feeding and medical history of your animal
  • Your vet’s contact details
• You should not ride your horse while self-isolating. If you have a horse in livery, you must not visit them whilst you are self-isolating. You should contact your yard manager to make suitable welfare arrangements.

• Veterinary clinics are now offering routine procedures and consultations.  
• Contact your veterinary practice for their latest operating procedures.
• As always, it is standard veterinary advice to wash your hands after stroking, touching, feeding, or cleaning up after an animal.

Please check with these organisations directly for further details.

Please contact your local supplier for further information. 

Please contact your local organisations for further information.

• Please see the separate guidance documents on pet importation and which can be found below.