Despite the worldwide pandemic, there have no documented cases of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from a household pet to a person.
The possibility of transmission by an infected companion animal to a person is currently considered low, although it may be higher for veterinarians or veterinary technicians who could have close contact with pets from COVID-19 positive households.
The possibility exists that the SARS-CoV-2 virus deposited on a pet’s fur by an infected owner could survive – at minimum – for a few hours. Whether or not these animals could shed a sufficient amount of virus to result in transmission to humans remains doubtful.
To stay safe, the best way to avoid this possible transmission vector is to not cuddle, kiss, sneeze around, or even stroke someone else’s pet.
*IMPORTANT* A pet owner is much more likely to transmit the virus TO their pet than to get it FROM their pet.