When there is a subject so present on everyone's mind, it’s all that people want to talk about so fine, let’s talk about it.

Below is some information I found on the University of Florida and CDC websites regarding the coronavirus and animals. The source of this information is reliable and not hearsay. Yesterday, I was listening to a radio broadcast and a professional dog groomer called in and assured everyone that dogs cannot spread the coronavirus. I appreciate her vigor to act as an authority on the subject, but I prefer to consult universities and governmental agencies for my recommendations, and thus here is the information that was available at the time I did my research.

While some coronaviruses have been linked to animals, there is no evidence that household pets can transmit COVID-19.

However, if you are self-quarantining or are sick with COVID-19, you should restrict contact with pets and other animals, just like you would around other people. Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. If you are sick with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets and wear a facemask.

While this virus seems to have emerged from an animal source, it is now spreading from person-to-person in China. There is no reason to think that any animals including pets in the United States might be a source of infection with this new coronavirus. To date, CDC has not received any reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19. At this time, there is no evidence that companion animals including pets can spread COVID-19. However, since animals can spread other diseases to people, it’s always a good idea to wash your hands after being around animals. For more information on the many benefits of pet ownership, as well as staying safe and healthy around animals including pets, livestock, and wildlife, visit CDC’s Healthy Pets, Healthy People website. https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/index.html

CDC does not have any evidence to suggest that animals or animal products imported from China pose a risk for spreading COVID-19 in the United States. This is a rapidly evolving situation and information will be updated as it becomes available. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) play distinct but complementary roles in regulating the importation of live animals and animal products into the United States. CDC regulates animals and animal products that pose a threat to human health, USDA regulates animals and animal products that pose a threat to agriculture; and FWS regulates importation of endangered species and wildlife that can harm the health and welfare of humans, the interests of agriculture, horticulture, or forestry, and the welfare and survival of wildlife resources.

For additional information visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/importation/index.html

The bottom line is, if you are sick, stay away from other humans and animals alike until you are well. If you love your pet and animals in general, treat them with love and respect their life as well as your own. If you are sick, don’t visit a shelter looking for a new pet to keep you company while you recuperate. Wait until you are healed and then visit the shelter. Wash your hands and practice social distancing. Stay well and stay home if you are ill. I wish for you to remain healthy, wealthy, and wise. Lastly, adopt, don’t shop.