Dr. Mark Peters-Jefferson Veterinary Clinic

As COVID-19 continues to spread across Iowa, experts are saying that the virus does not impact animals.

Dr. Mark Peters with Jefferson Veterinary Clinic dispels an alleged report of a dog being infected with COVID-19.

“There was a dog in Hong Kong (China) that had a weak positive that it’s owner was also positive (for COVID-19). But that pet never showed clinical signs and that pet also had a housemate that did not test positive and had no clinical signs. So at this point there’s no evidence that it’ll transmit to pets.”

Dr. Peters assures everyone that if you encounter an animal, you do not have to worry about contracting the virus from them. He says instead, pet owners should be mindful of other animal diseases during this time of year.