Local Pet Resources Open in New Jersey During the COVID-19 Pandemic

March 30, 2020

Even with all of Hudson County in coronavirus induced self-isolation we sometimes need things. Yes, humans, primarily, but also our most beloved family members of all — our pets. Pets could require emergency attention, food, or even medications. If that happens, you’ll want to know what’s still open so that you can get there quickly, get what you need, and get out.

But first, let’s address the elephant in the room. So many pet paw-rents want to know: What does COVID-19 mean for my furbaby? According to Dr. Jeff Weber, D.V.M, “There has been no evidence that dogs can be infected by the virus.”

Dr. Weber told FI,“The fact is that the virus is species-specific, meaning that it cannot infect a dog. Interestingly, there was a dog in Hong Kong who tested a ‘weak positive’ which caused much concern, but the thought was that he may have come in direct contact with an infected person, and had some virus particles in his mouth.”

While Dr. Weber added, “It could be a remote possibility that a dog could become a temporary carrier of the virus via contact with an infected person and harbor the virus in his saliva while showing no clinical disease,” it’s still not likely. Your dog most likely cannot contract COVID-19. Most importantly, as long as they are quarantined inside with you and aren’t coming in direct contact with others infected with the virus, you {and your pets} should be fine.

Now more than ever, many of the resources we’ve come to take for granted are less accessible. That’s why if you’re a dog or cat mama {or hey, bird or hamster parent}, you will definitely want to bookmark this for later!