Updated Information Regarding Pets and COVID-19

Latest news from Hong Kong of a dog who tested "weak positive" for the new coronavirus (COVID-19) is being shared widely online and causing a lot of worry and anxiety among pet owners. The dog has NO clinical signs of COVID-19. There is NO evidence the dog transmitted the virus to its family. 

Some additional information on coronaviruses and the test kits being used to confirm the new coronavirus (COVID-19) will hopefully ally the fears of pet owners and the community. 

The coronavirus is a large family of viruses. The dogs and cats already have their own specific strains of coronavirus which are not infectious to humans. 

The common cold virus that affects humans, is also a strain of coronavirus. 

We do not know if the tests that have been developed for the new coronavirus (COVID-19) are specific enough to NOT detect the mild dog specific coronavirus to which most dogs have been exposed and against which dogs have immunity.

The World Health Organization (WHO) states there is no evidence that companion animal pets such as dogs and cats can be infected by the new coronavirus (COVID-19). 

Please do not panic and do not fear your dogs and cats. It is a good idea to always wash your hands with soap and water after petting or handling your pets. 

Please ensure your pets are fully vaccinated annually, regularly dewormed and on monthly flea and tick preventives. Dogs should also be on monthly heartworm preventives. Fleas, ticks and mosquitos are vectors for disease and parasite transmission (e.g., heartworm, tapeworm, etc.). Protecting your pets year-round against parasites also protects your human family members!

Please contact the International Center for Veterinary Services (ICVS) with any questions or concerns about pets and the new coronavirus (COVID-19).

International Center for Veterinary Services (ICVS)

No. 13-16 Rong Ke Gan Lan Cheng Shang Jie, Fu Tong Xi Da Jie, Wangjing, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100102 (Across the street from the Mercedes Benz Tower & behind the Smile Angel Children’s Hospital)

地址：北京新天地国际动物医院,

北京市朝阳区望京阜通西大街融科橄榄城商街13-16号

ICVS March 2020 Operating Hours: 

Open daily 9AM to 6 PM 

By Appointment.

Contact ICVS for boarding reservations, annual wellness exams and vaccinations, spay/neuter surgeries, dental cleanings and grooming appointments and pet import/export:

Tel: [phone] 

Email: [e-mail]

Website: www.ICVSASIA.com

ICVS Official WeChat: ICVSCHINA