Is it possible for pet fur to carry COVID-19 and infect humans?

According to the OIE, the current spread of COVID-19 is a result of human-to-human transmission, and, to date, there is no evidence that companion animals can spread the disease. Therefore, there is no justification in taking measures against companion animals which may compromise their welfare. They can become passive vectors of the disease for short period of time, but cannot get the infection.

Thank you for your question. There is no evidence of pets being able to transfer the virus to human via pets becoming infected themselves or via acting as a fomite (meaning the virus gets on their fur and then you pet them and catch it, you can read more at https://www.avma.org/sites/default/files/2020-03/covid-19-faq-pet-owners_031520.pdf). The virus lives better on solid smooth surfaces like doorknobs, and doesn't stay well on softer porous surfaces like fur. I think your plan sounds like a good one. You could also ask your friend to wear a mask while grooming the dog and wash her hands prior to seeing him, which should decrease chances of possible from her being passed to your pup via respiratory droplets. If your dog will also be wearing a collar while she sees him, you could also wipe down the collar with disinfecting wipes. Best of luck during these difficult times!

Hello. Please do not worry about this. While coronavirus was cultured in the nose of a few dogs that lived in homes with infected people, they were, & stayed completely normal. Nothing has been described in cats. Just about every species has its own coronavirus unique to them. It is a very unique set of circumstances that PRESUMABLY allowed the virus to jump from animals in China to a human host, no worries about this happening in our pet community. So yes, the feline coronavirus can mutate to a virulent form that leads to FIP, but the thing to remember is this is an enteric, or gut virus, not a respiratory one that we are seeing in people. There is absolutely no connection between Covid-19 & the Feline Coronavirus. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

In general, viruses are species specific. However, with this being a new virus (or so they believe) it cannot be known at this time if the virus can make the jump between species. I recommend to take the same precautions with her as you do yourself. I hope this helps.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Mici. Currently, there is no proof that COVID-19 can be spread from people to pets. Dogs and cats are susceptible to their own strain of coronavirus, but this is a completely separate disease from the current outbreak. You do not need to make life style changes for her at this point. I recommend focusing on good hygiene and your own health at this point. I hope this information helps!

There has been nothing to prove that pets contract and become ill from Coronavirus. The best thing you can do is make sure to have a couple extra weeks of food for them in case you must quarantine yourself at home. It's also a good idea to have a backup caretaker in case you have to leave home for a prolonged period of time.

If you have him vaccinated against feline coronavirus he should be well protected. The human coronovirus is not contagious to cats so you cannot be infected by your cat. ( https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/news/can-pets-contract-coronavirus-humans-or-vice-versa )