Pets also should social distance for coronavirus, CDC advises pet owners

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is advising Americans that their pets should follow the same social-distancing rules as they do to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.  

“Treat pets as you would other human family members, according to the agency’s advisory. “Do not let pets interact with people or animals outside the household. If a person inside the household becomes sick, isolate that person from everyone else, including pets.”

The guidance follows reports of pets and animals contracting the virus, including two cats in New York and a tiger at the Bronx, New York zoo.

Like the agency’s guidelines for humans to avoid large gatherings, the CDC is also telling pet owners to avoid dog parks or other public places where people and dogs congregate.