Ag Commissioner Mike Strain is asking Louisianans not to abandon their pets during the COVID-19 crisis and if you do get infected, to hand them over to friends or family.
Strain says unless you absolutely cannot care for your pet, don’t turn it over to the state, or set it loose.
“Right now the animal control shelters and Humane Societies are being overrun with people giving up their pet,” says Strain.
These recommendations come from the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Strain requests that if you are diagnosed with COVID-19 that you allow a family member to care for the pet, and if no one is available to keep a safe distance from your pet while washing your hands frequently.
“It is not believed that pets can be infected with COVID-19, nor is it believed that they can spread the disease, however pets may temporarily harbor the virus on their coats or other parts of their body,” says Strain.
If you are hospitalized and cannot find family assistance in housing your pet, call your local animal shelter or vet clinic.
If you receive a pet from an infected family member, Strain says you need to disinfect it.
“Bathing the animal with a pet shampoo immediately should remove virus particles from the coat of the pet. Isolation from other animals is also recommended,” says Strain.
Strain says to wear gloves, a facemask, and immediately change your clothes after bathing the potentially contaminated pet.
