NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — With the increased number of COVID-19 cases in Nashville, Metro Animal Care and Control (MACC) is now recommending pet owners plan for their pet's care in the event the owner tests positive for the illness.
MACC says the purpose of planning is to reduce stress in case an owner becomes hospitalized, by offering peace of mind that pets will be taken care of. Planning should include a one-month supply of pet food, litter, medications and other supplies. Housing options for the pet in the event the owner is unable to care for the animal should also be discussed. Start with determining three family members, friends or neighbors who could care for the pet, while providing written permission and care instructions to those people.
Additional planning should also include:
- Researching potential boarding facilities should boarding become necessary.
- Having crates, a carrier, toys, food and extra supplies for your pet on hand in case moving them is necessary.
- All animal vaccines should be up to date.
- Medications should be documented with dosages and administration instructions. Including the prescription from the veterinarian is also a good idea.
- Pets should have an identification, including an up-to-date collar tag and registered microchip.
- A written emergency plan should be created for each pet.
People are still encouraged to practice social distancing when walking pets. Social distancing should also be practiced for pets by keeping them in the owner's home or on the owner's property whenever possible.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) say there is no evidence suggesting companion animals can transmit COVID-19 to humans, and AVMA recommends that pets and their owners should be together whenever possible, even if a pet owner is infected and isolated at home.
Pet owners are also encouraged to practice good hygiene during interactions with pets by washing hands before and after interacting with them; not kissing pets or letting them lick your face and not sharing food, dishes, glasses, eating utensils or bedding with them.
MACC is employing social distancing guidelines in their facility. There has also been a suspension on non-emergency calls and activities. Personal protective equipment will be worn to respond to emergency calls. MACC says these new policies will be in place until there is no risk of COVID-19 infection.
